The Mobile Electronics Specialists of America (MESA) buying/marketing group is opening up its membership to a second tier of retailers (by revenue volume), which could double the group’s buying power.
The group is taking applications now for a new “Gold” level of membership for dealers with revenues of $700,000 to $1.8 million per year. The existing “Platinum” membership level requires sales of $1.8 million and above.
“One of the main reasons we’re doing it is, I take calls on a weekly basis from retailers that want to be MESA members but don’t meet the current qualifications,” said Executive Direction Ryan Gunter. “They are respected dealers by their reps and vendors but they just don’t have the volume.”
To permit this lower tier, MESA is restructuring its agreements with its vendor partners.
MESA currently has 47 members with 143 stores representing $158 million in sales. It estimates that there are 65 to 100 dealers, who are among the best in their respective territories who would qualify for the new membership level.
“The purpose is not to have members everywhere but to have even coverage for the best of the best,” said Gunter.
Gold members will receive many of the same benefits as platinum members including access to MESA’s TV commercials and “sale in a box” programs, monthly email templates and newsletter templates.
Members will also participate in supplier volume incentive programs, and MESA special purchase opportunities. Other services include MESA’s Tech Help Network, special everyday pricing from select vendors and product locating services.
“With the support of our current Vendor Partners (AAMP of America, Atrend, Audiovox, BlendMount, Directed, Escort, HD Radio, Hertz, HushMat, JL Audio, Kenwood, Netsertive, Pioneer, Rockford, Scosche, SIRIUS|XM, Warrantech & XS Power) we are thrilled to move forward with MESA GOLD our second tier of Membership,” said Gunter.
If you are Interested in becoming a MESA Member, please contact Ryan Gunter via email at [email protected] or you can submit an application on-line by clicking here.
A positive development for smaller retailers trying to move to the next level. In today’s market it is difficult for independents to grow strictly on their own. Nice move.