What is a Group Purchasing Organization: 7 Common Myths... and the Facts

Fiction: GPOs are just glorified intermediaries.  

Fact: Some GPOs do serve as intermediaries, but not all GPOs are the same. For example, Entegra delivers advisory support that improves business performance alongside purchasing solutions that improve margins. 

Our $42 billion in purchasing power means your business can save up to 30% on a wide range of products, services and solutions ranging from smallwares to sustainability resources.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about GPOs and how they work.

Fiction: I'm too small for a GPO What is a GPO for?  

Fact: Entegra works with customers of all sizes, from single units to national chains who want to leverage their buying power to get discounted prices on the products and services they need most. 

Fiction: GPOs will take over my purchasing department.

Fact: Every GPO operates differently, and some may overreach. Entegra chooses to work as a consultative partner to your purchasing team, freeing up their time to focus on other issues. Our clients determine their level of engagement — and most decide they want a highly engaged relationship as they see it delivers the maximum value to their business. 

We don’t compete with our clients. Our experts take an advisory approach to supporting your existing teams and processes, helping to achieve your business’s goals.  

Fiction: GPOs require purchasing from specific brands.

Fact: It’s true; some GPOs may lock clients into specific brands. But with Entegra, you can keep your current brands and products.

With over 2,500 national, regional and local suppliers, we already deliver access to the brands and selections you trust. And if you can’t find what you need, we provide flexible custom contracting. A GPO like Entegra can help you save on the products you need to create return-worthy customer experiences.

Fiction: Working with GPOs is costly and labor-intensive. 

Fact: Good GPO partnership means lower costs and less stress. At Entegra, our people do the legwork to save your team time and money. There is no membership fee to get started with Entegra. 

Our goal is to strengthen your business’s performance. We’ve laid the groundwork to provide greater savings, more efficient operations and smarter solutions every step of the way. There are no GPO-level requirements to work with Entegra. The ordering process is straightforward. You can select what you want and order through the distributor online at Entegra's negotiated contract price. And if you can't find what you need, we provide custom contracting to fit what you're looking for. Whenever you need help, you can speak with an Entegra representative. 

Fiction: GPOs are only helpful when it comes to food items. Does Entegra even offer what I need?

Fact: Every GPO contracts differently, with some limited to specific product categories. Entegra, however, simplifies purchasing for nearly everything you buy across multiple categories.

Food and beverage is just the beginning. With Entegra, you gain access to a broad range of purchasing solutions spanning supplies, services, furniture, equipment and more that fit your operational needs. 

Fiction: GPOs are limited to providing purchasing support.

Fact: Many traditional GPOs are limited, but Entegra provides a complete set of resources for strengthening your business performance.

Entegra clients benefit from a wide range of efficiency-enhancing solutions including advisory services, digital tools, sustainability resources and more. 

Fiction: Getting started with a GPO is a complex process.

Fact: Not necessarily true at all — partnering with Entegra takes just three simple steps.  

Sign up, order what you need and start saving — that’s it. Click here to learn what you can expect when you get started with Entegra.