RSPA: Can You Afford Not To Join?

ERIE, PA (August 4, 2008) – As a publishing partner of the RSPA, I never had much reason to analyze the benefits available to dealer/VAR members of the organization. However, at the recent RSPA RetailNOW event, I had a chance to talk with current members at length about some of the reasons they chose to join. In short, the list of benefits is considerable and rewarding, and I was left wondering why every POS VAR isn’t currently a member. Then, while attending a 7:00 a.m. meeting with the presidents and VPs of leading POS companies such as BlueStar, EPSON, Ingram Micro, NCR, and ScanSource, I learned that they too were surprised at all the benefits members can enjoy and wondering why there still are POS VARs who aren’t members. Many of these vendors now are actively recruiting dealer partners and helping spread the message that joining the RSPA is a wise investment. Here are some of the biggest advantages of membership that you won’t want to miss out on.

First, let’s look at the legal support the RSPA has put in place. As a member, you gain access to attorney Robert Goldberg of Schoenberg, Finkel, Newman & Rosenberg, LLC. Goldberg and the RSPA have combined to populate the members-only section of GoRSPA.org with legal documents you can use for your own business. For instance, there is a long list of PCI (Payment Card Industry)-related materials that include research, presentations, and document templates such as waivers and legal letters to customers who do not wish to become compliant. Also, in response to requests from members, there are recently-added document templates such as a purchase agreement, remote access agreement, software support agreement, and terms and conditions. Perhaps more importantly, members also can receive unlimited free telephone consultations with Goldberg, saving an average of $400 an hour! How much is free legal support worth to you?

Another member benefit is shipping discounts with FedEx, UPS, and Yellow Transportation. By simply forwarding the existing account number for any of those shippers to the RSPA offices, members are enrolled in the program and receive discounts up to 65%. Last year, RSPA members enrolled in the UPS program saved over $400,000, averaging $2,000 per enrolled member! Not a bad return for taking the time to send an account number via e-mail.

Those are just two of the benefits the RSPA currently offers. There also is Office Max discounts, education services, discounts on RSPA conferences, and the intangible benefits of networking with peers and top vendor executives. While membership dues vary depending on the revenue size of your company, the average RSPA member pays only $500 a year. With such a low cost and such cost savings available, I hope you’re a member and I hope you’re taking advantage of the benefits. Honestly, I’m surprised the RSPA hasn’t had to fight back non-POS VARs wanting to join.