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

  • Hundreds of C-Store Programs
  • Rebate Processing
  • Automatic Accrual Rebates
  • National Tobacco Program
  • Category Management
  • Merchandising Tools
  • Education to increase profitability
  • Purchase Data by SKU analytics

 

Equipment & Services

  • Air Machines
  • ATM
  • Back Office Systems
  • Mobile Printers
  • Uniform & Facility Services Program
  • Price Signs
  • Loyalty Programs
  • Pump Topper Advertising

 

Shell Buying Club Focus

  • Company logo will be added to Shell Buying Club website to show Dealers your support.
  • Marketing communications will be sent out with highlights of program to Dealers.

Costs

  • No cost to Wholesaler to introduce to Dealers.
  • First year membership is FREE to all Shell Dealers that enroll.

ENROLL TODAY!

Next Steps

  • Enroll - Click Here
  • Provide your logo
  • Provider Dealer list
  • Contact us with any additional questions.

 

Membership is FREE for the First Year!

  • Rebate Tracking and Processing
    • Hundreds of C-Store Programs
    • Quarterly Rebate Checks
    • Purchase data by SKU analytics
  • Access to Marketing Communication
    • Monthly Magazine
    • Digital Magazine
    • eNews Notifications
    • Website Portal Access
    • Media
      • National Vendor Program
      • Media Campaigns
      • New Items
      • Industry Updates
      • Promotions
      • Category Management
  • Access to Equipment & Service Programs

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:

 

  • Maximize Sales Volume
  • Enhance Profitability
  • Reduce Administrative Costs

Retail Partnerships

Shell Buying Club

Exclusively for Shell retail sites

877.728.3724

www.shellbuyingclub.com

 

Marathon Buying Club

Exclusively for Marathon branded retail sites

888.728.3724

www.marathonbuyingclub.com

 

National Wholesale Fuels Buying Club

Exclusively for NWF Dealers

888.728.3724

www.nwfbuyingclub.com

Member Benefits

RBG's team of Category Managers negotiates vendor programs in all convenience store categories on behalf of the RBG national chain membership.

Vendor Programs

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:

 

Automatic Accrual 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.

 

Category Management/Plan-o-grams

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.

 

Instant Savings on Equipment and Services

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

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

Membership Enrollment Check-List

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:

  • Like to RBG Vendor Programs Book ( listing details of all RBG negotiated vendor programs by category, listing vendor rebate offers and requirements of the program)
  • Rebate Payment Time-Line ( copy of rebate payout dates for your records)
  • Member Profile Form ( confirmation of office/location information RBG has on file for your account
  • RBG Website User Name and Password - providing members access to vendor links including program detail, updated program information, industry information, planograms, member profile information and reporting capabilities. Members will also have the ability to review rebate check detail and rebate and program history for their location(s) at www.royalbuying.com.
  • Terms and Conditions ( copy for your records of RBG membership terms and conditions)

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

  • Rock Island Lubricants (RILCO)

 

Beer

  • Anheuser-Busch

 

Candy

  • Annabelle Candy
  • Bazooka Candy
  • Ford Gum
  • Perfetti Van Melle
  • Promotion In Motion

 

Coffee

  • Boyd's Coffee

 

Distributors

  • A.E. Wease Distributing
  • A.J. Silberman
  • Amcon Distributing Company
  • C.D. Hartnett
  • Capital Candy Co., Inc.
  • Century Distributors, Inc.
  • Chambers & Owen
  • Charles C. Parks Company
  • City Wholesale
  • Core Mark
  • Eby Brown
  • F. McConnell & Sons
  • Farner-Bocken Company
  • Franklin Supply, Inc.
  • Gem State Distributing
  • The George J. Falter Company
  • Grocery Supply Company
  • Harbor Wholesale
  • Henry’s Foods
  • H.T. Hackney
  • Holiday Wholesale
  • Imperial Trading Distributors
  • Kennedy Wholesale Inc.
  • Laurel Grocery
  • Layman Distributing
  • Lyons Specialty Company
  • M.R. Williams, Inc.
  • McAneny Brothers, Inc.
  • McCarty-Hull, Inc.
  • McKirnan Brothers Inc.
  • McLane Company
  • Mackoul Distributors, Inc.
  • MCT Wholesale
  • MTC Distributing
  • Pine State Trading Co.
  • Pitco Foods
  • Richmond Master Distributors
  • S. Abraham & Sons, Inc.
  • Sledd Co.
  • Southco
  • St. Joe Distributing Company
  • Standard Distributing
  • Stewart Distribution Wholesale Supply Company, Inc.
  • William Brockman

Equipment & Services

  • AllOver Media
  • Brother Mobile Solutions
  • C-Store Pro
  • CSC Service Works
  • Pinnacle Propane
  • PWM Electronics
  • St. Jude
  • UniFirst Corporation

 

Foodservice

  • Joe & Ross Ice Cream
  • Prairie City Bakery
  • Unilever
  • White Castle

 

General Merchandising

  • Bic Corporation

 

Health & Beauty Care

  • Lil Drug Store

 

Packaged Beverages

  • Dr Pepper Snapple Group
  • good 2 grow
  • Nestle Waters

 

Snacks

  • Detour Bar
  • Gatorade
  • Kellogg’s
  • Oberto
  • Premier Nutrition
  • Quaker
  • Synder’s Lance
  • Turkey Creek Snacks
  • Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds

 

Technology

  • Fintech

 

Tobacco Products

  • blu eCigs
  • ITG Brands
  • Numark
  • John Middleton
  • Philip Morris USA
  • R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
  • Smokey Mountain Snuff
  • U.S. Smokeless Tobacco
  • Vuse

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:

  • Increase Non-Fuel Revenue
  • Enhance Profitability and,
  • Reduce Administrative Costs

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:

 

  1. RBG provides consulting services to businesses ("its members") to assist them in obtaining discounts, rebates, promotional allowances and other benefits resulting from volume purchasing. RBG provides these services to its members under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
  2. Pursuant to this Agreement, RBG will provide the following services to Member:
    1. Coordinate merchandising and marketing efforts;
    2. Assist the Member in obtaining discounts, rebates, promotional allowances and other benefits resulting from volume purchasing with other members;
    3. Act as a liaison between the Member and certain vendors;
    4. Negotiate on behalf of Member and other members to obtain better prices and benefits resulting from volume purchasing;
    5. Coordinate promotional programs and product offerings;
    6. Communicate with Member to explain the merchandising rebates that have been negotiated for specific products;
    7. Collect all rebate monies and other funds payable by vendors to Member pursuant to marketing and promotional programs which RBG arranges; and
    8. Periodically provide image signage for special marketing programs.
  3. Member shall pay an initial annual membership fee and an annual renewal membership fee to RBG as set forth on Schedule A.
  4.  
    1. During the term of this Agreement, Member also agrees to pay to RBG ten per cent (10%) of all earned rebates and other funds (excluding advertising monies and display allowances) payable to the Member pursuant to marketing and promotional programs which RBG arranges and in which Member participates. RBG shall collect all rebate monies and other funds determined to be payable by vendors to Member. On a quarterly basis, RBG shall deduct its fee and pay the balance of such monies and funds to Member.
    2. Member acknowledges that RBG may conduct other business activities and that Member is not entitled to any portion of the income from such activities. Such activities include, but not be limited to, the sale of goods to members or others, and the provision of services to vendors, members or others. Member shall only be entitled to compensation pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
  5. MEMBER AGREES THAT RBG MAY AT ANY TIME OR TIMES INCREASE OR DECREASE FEES TO THE MEMBER DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPHS 3 AND 4.1 OF THIS AGREEMENT BY GIVING MEMBER 60 DAYS' PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE OF ANY SUCH CHANGE.
  6. Member shall pay all invoices issued by RBG to Member within 30 days of issuance.
  7. RBG will inform Member about marketing and promotional programs in which Member is eligible to participate. Member will then decide whether to participate in any program.
  8. RBG may also at any time or times arrange a "feature program" and require that Member participate in the program. In a "feature program", the vendor and RBG will determine a reasonable and appropriate quantity of goods for Member to merchandise as part of the sales promotion and the vendor will automatically ship those goods to Member for resale. Member agrees to purchase such goods and participate in the program.
  9. Member acknowledges that RBG may arrange local, regional, and national programs and that Member may not be eligible to participate in all of the programs which RBG arranges.
  10. Member may elect to participate in a rebate or other promotional program that a vendor establishes and for which the Member qualifies. Member acknowledges and agrees that the vendor solely determines if the rebate or other promotional payment is payable to Member in accordance with the terms of its rebate or other promotional program and that Member will need to satisfy all of the vendor's requirements, including documentation requirements, before being entitled to such payment from the vendor. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Member acknowledges and agrees that RBG does not determine if any such promotional payment is payable to a Member and that RBG's sole obligation is to remit such payment, less any applicable fee payable to RBG, to Member after the vendor has made the payment to RBG. If the vendor fails to make any rebate or other promotional payment for the Member to RBG, RBG will not have any obligation to cause the vendor to make such payment to the Member.
  11. Member acknowledges and agrees that neither RBG, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees nor agents guarantee or promise that Member will realize any financial benefit by becoming a member in RBG and participating in one or more programs which RBG arranges.
  12. On a quarterly basis, RBG will send an accounting to Member reflecting all rebates and other funds earned and payable to the Member pursuant to its participation in marketing and promotional programs which RBG has arranged. In the absence of fraud, unless Member objects in writing to an accounting within 60 days after the accounting is sent to Member, then Member will be deemed to have accepted and approved the accounting in all respects.
  13. For the calendar year in which Member becomes a member, any determination based on an "annual basis" shall be prorated from the date of Member's membership through the end of such year. Any subsequent determination shall be based on a calendar year.
  14. This Agreement does not constitute a partnership or joint venture between the parties. Member is not acquiring an ownership interest in RBG or in any entity created by, or related in any way to RBG.
  15. Member agrees that RBG may, during the term of this Agreement, collect, compile, distribute and have a license to use information about Member's business activities for use in developing marketing and promotional programs for members.
  16. Member acknowledges and agrees that RBG is acting solely as a merchandising consultant to Member. Member acknowledges that neither RBG, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees nor agents guarantee Member's credit and none of them will participate in negotiating and obtaining credit terms for Member. Member is solely responsible for obtaining credit from vendors who participate in RBG sponsored programs and for paying such vendors for goods and services which Member purchases from them.
  17. Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving 30 days prior written notice to the other. Upon termination, Member shall be entitled to all net rebates earned through the date of termination, but Member shall not be entitled to any refund of the membership fee for the year of termination. All rebates and monies payable to Member on termination, less all fees payable to RBG, shall be paid as provided in paragraph 4.1.
  18. Member's membership interest is not transferable or assignable.
  19. Member acknowledges that RBG was formed by and is presently owned by service station dealers with whom Member may compete.
  20. Member acknowledges and agrees that RBG does not operate Member's business and that Member is solely responsible for all liabilities and claims of any kind arising out of Member's conduct of its business. Member will indemnify, defend and hold RBG, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents harmless from all such liabilities and claims.
  21. This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties and supersedes any and all prior agreements, negotiations and arrangements concerning the subject matter of this Agreement. Furthermore, Member releases and forever relinquishes any claim, action, demand or other liability of any kind which it had, has, or may have against RBG, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees and/or agents under any such prior agreements, negotiations, and arrangements.
  22.  
    1. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been served when personally delivered or facsimile transmitted, or five (5) days after deposited in the United States Mail, certified mail, proper postage prepaid, return receipt requested to Member at the address specified above and to RBG at the following address: Royal Buying Group, Inc., 2100 Western Court, Suite 350, Lisle, Illinois 60532. Either party may change the address for service of notice by giving notice to the other party in the manner provided in this paragraph.
    2. Member expressly invites and permits RBG to send facsimile transmissions, including advertisements and other materials, whether or not solicited, to Member. This invitation and permission includes the Member's facsimile telephone number(s) set forth in this Agreement or otherwise previously provided by Member to RBG and all other facsimile telphone number(s) that the Vendor maintains or may hereafter establish. Member also expressly invites and permits RBG to communicate with it in any other manner, including, but not limited to mail, e-mail and telephone communications.
  23. Schedule A referred to herein is a part of this Agreement.
  24. Except for any change in fees as provided in paragraph 5, any waiver or other modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such waiver or other modification is sought. No waiver of any provision will constitute a waiver of any other provision, nor shall any waiver be deemed continuing unless otherwise expressly so stated.
  25. This Agreement is not effective until RBG accepts it at its offices in Illinois. This Agreement is deemed to have been entered into in the State of Illinois. The parties consent and agree that any action, suit or other proceeding concerning any dispute or controversy based in whole or part on this Agreement shall be litigated only in courts location in Chicago, Illinois having competent jurisdiction of such action, suit or proceeding.
  26. This Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois with respect to contracts made and to be enforced in such state.
  27. There is no third party beneficiary of this Agreement.
  28. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date RBG accepts it as set forth on Schedule A.
  29. A facsimile of a party's signature to this Agreement or any other document shall be treated in all respects as if it were an originally signed document. The Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.

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