GPOs: 7 common myths… and the facts

Is a group purchasing organisation (GPO) right for your business? Get the facts on how a good partner can support your business performance.

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 €20 billion in purchasing power means your business can save up to 15% on a wide range of products, services and solutions ranging from smallwares to sustainability resources.

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 suppliers.

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

With over 800 national, regional and local suppliers across Europe, we already deliver access to the suppliers you trust. And if you can’t find what you need, we provide flexible custom contracting.

Fiction: Working with GPOs is costly and labour-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. 

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. 

Fiction: GPOs are only helpful when it comes to food items.

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:  All GPOs charge membership fees.

Fact: Not necessarily true at all — partnering with Entegra won’t cost you anything as Entegra fees are generated from savings.