RBG is a national organization of independent convenience retailers dedicated to the convenience store industry. Shell Buying Club is an exclusive proprietary program supported by Shell Oil Company for Shell Wholesalers and Dealers. We demonstrate our leadership within the industry by providing our members with a collective buying power, category management and a full range of marketing services allowing them to improve their ability as an independent operator utilizing the benefits of a chain.
C-Store National Marketing Program
Equipment & Services
Shell Buying Club Focus
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Member Services
About Us
RBG Club Services was established in 1995, with the purpose of providing support to retailers in regards to convenience store operations. RBG is owned and operated by six exceptionally experienced industry leaders who combine diverse skills and proven perspectives to anticipate retailer’s needs. Our core business includes negotiations of products and services (called “Vendor Programs”), along with providing our members the necessary marketing support in order to ensure a competitive advantage.
Joining our network of members provides retailers the opportunity to be part of a chain organization, allowing retailers to take advantage of programs only offered to large retail brands. RBG negotiates, implements and tracks programs with hundreds of national manufacturers/suppliers offering the best rebates, allowances, placement dollars, special pricing, and vendor programs available, on a national level.
Store level purchasing remains the same; members do not change their everyday business practices. RBG has partnered with major grocery distributors throughout the country in order to track location purchases. RBG’s proprietary database allows us to track each location’s purchases in order to invoice manufactures based on our vendor programs; collecting and remitting rebates back to each member.
Each quarter, members receive rebate checks based on their individual store purchases and vendor program participation. Rebate check detail is also included that provides line-item reporting on each rebate and program, allowing members to keep track of rebates received. Through RBG’s marketing strategies, consistent programs, communication, and execution our goal is to:
Retail Partnerships
Shell Buying Club
Exclusively for Shell retail sites
877.728.3724
Marathon Buying Club
Exclusively for Marathon branded retail sites
888.728.3724
National Wholesale Fuels Buying Club
Exclusively for NWF Dealers
888.728.3724
Member Benefits
RBG's team of Category Managers negotiates vendor programs in all convenience store categories on behalf of the RBG national chain membership.
A variety of vendor programs are offered through RBG consisting of rebates, allowances, placement dollars, special pricing and off-invoice allowances. Each vendor program is different depending on the manufacturer and the marketing dollars available, vendors can offer one or all of the following types of rebates:
Manufacturers/suppliers offer national program rebates and accruals to large chain retailers. By joining RBG's chain of locations, members can participate in these accrual programs that vary in structure from manufacturer to manufacturer but generally reward retailers for the purchase of sku’s, sku levels and/or growth. RBG negotiates the accrual rebate programs, tracks store purchases, bills and collects the earned rebates from manufacturers and then pays members out on a quarterly basis. Offered to members throughout the year, these automated rebates can bring hundreds of dollars to retailer’s bottom-line and begin being tracked once a retailer joins RBG.
These programs are national placement and shelving programs
negotiated on an annual basis, offering potential earnings of thousands
of marketing dollars, typically to maintain product, shelving or displays
in locations. Contracted programs are offered through the first quarter
of the year. Certain contracts are pro-rated and offered through second
quarter of the year, depending on the vendor.
RBG’s Blast Emails offer products and services that provide incremental
sales while introducing new vendor programs. These emails offer special
pricing, bill backs, rebates and/or off-invoice allowances.
Select retailers will receive a shipper each month that will to help drive
impulse buys and create incremental sales.
RBG provides plan-o-grams based on top selling products for specific
categories to help retailers stock the correct sku’s in order to maximize
sales. Updated plan-o-grams by category are located on www.royalbuying.com.
Reduce expenses through RBG’S pre-negotiated instant savings program offerings. Programs are available to retailers for equipment and service programs to help reduce expenses.
Retail Alliances
NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores)
It is an international trade association representing more than 2,200 retail and 1,800 supplier company members. NACS member companies do business in nearly 50 countries worldwide, with the majority of members based in the United States.The U.S. convenience store industry, with 144,875 stores across the United States (as of December 31, 2008), posted $624 billion in total sales for 2008, with $450 billion in motor fuels sales.
nacs@nacsonline.com
NATSO (Representing America's Travel Plazas and Truckstop)
Headquartered just outside Washington, D.C., NATSO is a national trade association representing travel plaza and truckstop owners and operators. NATSO represents over 1,070 travel plazas and truckstops nationwide, owned by more than 240 corporate entities, and pursues a clear mission: to advance the success of truckstop and travel plaza members. - tpmembership@natso.com
NASM (National Association of Shell Marketers)
The National Association of Shell Marketers (NASM) is a brand specific trade association which represents the interests of those companies which have wholesale contracts with Shell Oil. NASM 1) promotes the Shell brand; 2) maintains a dialogue with Shell on behalf of its members; 3) engages in public policy advocacy on behalf of petroleum marketers; and 4) provides Shell marketers with access to valuable services and information - jsr@nasmonline.com
AACSA (Asian American Convenience Store Association)
The Asian American Convenience Stores Association ( AACSA ) is an industry trade association representing thousands of stores nationwide. AACSA has been an advocate for the convenience retailing industry providing industry information, knowledge and connections to ensure the competitive viability of our members' businesses. - info@aacsa.org
TPCA (Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association)
One of the largest state trade associations of its kind, this 500-member organization represents petroleum marketers and convenience store owners and operators who own, operate, or supply approximately 16,000 convenience stores, service stations, and other retail motor fuel outlets in Texas and the southwest United States. - sfisher@tpca.org
Smoker Friendly (Working for Tobacco Consumers)
We provide existing tobacco retailers the opportunity to join our organization through the Smoker Friendly® Authorized Dealer Program allowing them to enjoy the synergies of being part of our Brand and Buying Group. Smoker Friendly® is completely dedicated to the sale and promotion of cigarettes, cigars, all other tobacco products and related smoker's accessories in our stores through our friendly and knowledgeable store operators. - Click Here to Contact Smoker Friendly
Rebate Checks
Members receive rebate checks each quarter based on each member’s program participation. Member’s purchases are individually tracked through the location’s wholesale distributor(s) and direct service distributor(s). Payments are based on the actual program in which the members choose to participate.
Program payments are mailed each quarter with detailed reports which are referenced by vendor, program, and amount received. Each member can review their location’s rebates with our easy-to-read rebate report. Members on the RBG tobacco program receive tobacco payment on a monthly basis in addition to the quarterly rebate check.
Member Communication
Once a member joins, they will receive the following communication/marketing materials informing members of RBG programs and opportunities.
New Member Welcome Packet
Emailed within the first week of joining membership, RBG’s welcome packet includes:
New Member Walk-Through Phone Call
Members will receive a phone call from their Assigned RBG Account Representative in order to review and answer any questions regarding the new member welcome packet. At that time, RBG Account Representatives can help expedite any of your program needs.
Location Profile/Survey
New members will receive an on-line survey that allows members to provide RBG a profile of their location (example: size of location, # of cooler doors, transaction counter space, etc...) This information is then used by RBG Account Representatives to help determine correct programs for your location to help maximize participation and sales.
Assigned RBG Account Representatives
Members will be assigned a specific Account Representative to help determine, execute and implement programs. Account Representatives will contact members on a monthly basis to review available program opportunities.
Independent Retailer e-News
Each month, a digital newsletter is sent to all members. It provides
information on new marketing programs, resource information, industry news,
and links that provide valuable information to maximizing store sales.
"The Digital Competitive Edge Magazine"
Members will receive RBG’s monthly digital magazine called, The Competitive Edge.
The Digital Competitive Edge magazine is sent via email that recaps all the
different programs, promotion and vendor emails from that month.
Additional communication will be sent to members via e-mail and fax regarding
important program information or special program opportunities throughout the
year. Members have the ability to place orders through links to online order forms.
Vendor Partners
Automotive
Beer
Candy
Coffee
Distributors
Equipment & Services
Foodservice
General Merchandising
Health & Beauty Care
Packaged Beverages
Snacks
Technology
Tobacco Products
Membership Classifications
A Locations = convenience center over 1,000 square feet or more
Membership Fee = $500.00/year
B Locations = convenience center in between 500-1,000 square feet
Membership Fee = $400.00/year
*Membership fee is never an out of pocket expense - requirements are the location must have a participating grocery distributor or enroll in RBG's coffee program or RBG's tobacco program
*10% administrative fee on non-tobacco programs
Q&A
How can RBG Club Services assist me?
RBG is a merchandising and marketing company offering a membership program to independent retailers throughout the country. Since 1995 we have benefited our members by selecting, negotiating, implementing and tracking the best vendor programs on our member’s behalf. Currently we represent over 6000 locations throughout the country and offer programs with hundreds of National Vendors. By joining our membership, your location will be eligible for national chain rebates and allowances.
Our goal is to:
What are the fees to be a member?
A Locations = convenience center over 1,000 square feet or more
Membership Fee = $500.00/year
B Locations = convenience center in between 500-1,000 square feet
Membership Fee = $400.00/year
*Membership fee is never an out of pocket expense - requirements are the location must have a participating grocery distributor or enroll in RBG's coffee program or RBG's tobacco program
*10% administrative fee on non-tobacco programs
Is the membership fee an out-of-pocket expense?
No. Membership fees are deducted from each location’s quarterly rebate check distributed by RBG.
How do I know which vendors offer programs through RBG?
RBG mails a Vendor Programs manual to all of its members, on an annual basis. The manual includes the name of the vendor and the program elements. Throughout the year, the manual should be referenced for information regarding RBG details and how to take advantage of these offerings. Vendor programs are also posted on the RBG website – www.royalbuying.com.
Whom do I order my merchandise from?
There is no need to change your ordering process, as long as you are using a RBG authorized distributor. Purchases from wholesale clubs are not eligible for rebates, i.e. Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. Again, RBG will take some orders from selected items to ensure the member receives all allowances from promoted product. These orders will be forwarded and delivered by your distributor.
How often are program payments disbursed?
Payments are mailed on a quarterly basis, 45-60 days after the quarter ends. The checks are mailed with a detailed report; referenced by vendor, program payment and amount received. This allows a retailer to verify the rebates from the appropriate vendors. For members on the RBG tobacco program, tobacco payments are made on a monthly basis.
How are the rebate payments figured and who tracks my purchases?
Payments are based on your actual purchases. The qualifiers will vary by vendor, as described in the Vendor Program manual. RBG tracks your purchase through velocity information received from wholesalers and direct sale distributors. The purchase information is then sent to RBG’s national office, where they are sorted for the vendor and submitted for your rebates.
How long does it take to start receiving rebates?
Vendors are notified of all new members once a month. It could take up to a quarter to start receiving new member velocity information.
How many rebates can I earn by joining Royal Buying Group?
Average rebates earned are based on each member’s level of program participation, depending on the size of your location and your participation, rebates can vary. You can contact RBG for additional information.
How do I become a Royal Buying Group, Inc. member?
Complete our New Member Registration online form today! You can also contact us at 888-728-3724.
Terms & Conditions
The Member identified above and Royal Buying Group, Inc., an Illinois corporation ("RBG") agree as follows:
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