Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I join Gainsmore?
2. What am I letting myself in for if I register?
3. Is my email address safe with Gainsmore?
4. I am already a member of another Buying Group so why should I join Gainsmore?
5. Are there any charges to become a member of Gainsmore?
6. How do I join Gainsmore?
7. How do I get in touch with a supplier?
8. I already trade with some Gainsmore suppliers; how do I switch to Gainsmore?
9. How do I place an order with a supplier?
10. When do I pay Gainsmore for goods that I have received?
11. What happens if I have a query on an invoice?
12. How do I query an invoice?
13. Do I have to meet minimum purchase levels in order to be a member?
14. I see that you are showing VAT on the sample statement, but I can’t find your VAT registration number. Why is that?
15. On your statement page, you show a cut off date. What does this mean?
16. Do I have to pay by Direct Debit?

1. Why should I join Gainsmore?
Joining a buying group gives you access to pre-negotiated discounts with major suppliers, extended credit, simplified accounting and reduced bank charges. All the benefits of being part of something larger without compromising your independence.

Although we offer all these benefits we have many major points of difference. Being web based you will have to access your "myGainsmore" account at a time convenient to you – 24/7. Of course you can trade in the more traditional way (paper statement etc) – The choice is yours. See what myGainsmore can do for you here. Top

2. What am I letting myself in for if I register?
Registering allows you to access more areas of the site – without any commitment. This will automatically include you in any email communications from Gainsmore that will keep you fully informed about News and Promotions.

When you have seen more of what we have to offer, you can sign up as a fully trading member of Gainsmore Limited. Top

3. Is my email address safe with Gainsmore?
Gainsmore will never pass your information to any other organisation and will keep it safe.

Gainsmore will use your email address to keep you regularly updated with News, Promotions and transactions on your account. Top

4. I am already a member of another Buying Group so why should I join Gainsmore?
The simple answer is “convenience.” www.gainsmore.co.uk is there when you want it.

• No need to wait for their office to open
• No phone bills, no faxes to get lost, just easy on-line access when YOU want it
• No surprises with extended credit items not showing on your account

• access to my business account 24/7?
• to track invoices / payments / trading history 24/7?
• easy access to future dated invoices
• access to a Business to Business communications programme that has been specifically developed for me?

5. Are there any charges to become a member of Gainsmore?
No, the whole online programme and all the services are free to any Independent Retailer. No joining fee and no monthly administration fee. Top

6. How do I join Gainsmore?
Just register now. This will allow you access to the communication part of the programme – direct advice / promotions from suppliers.

If you wish to start trading via the Buying Group you will need to complete a more detailed form and a Direct Debit mandate. Top

7. How do I get in touch with a supplier?
You will need to fully signed up first. Then, in our category pages, click on any supplier logo. Review their offering and you can send them an enquiry. It’s only a click away!

Instead of having to re-key all your trading information, the www.gainsmore.co.uk system will call up all the details you used to sign in. You can amend a message to tell the supplier exactly what you are interested in and when you would like them to call you.

The great thing about Gainsmore compared to other buying groups is that you can do this when it suits you. You don’t have to wait for the office to open. Also we keep an on-line record of all your enquiries so you can view these any time you wish. Top

8. I already trade with some Gainsmore suppliers, but via another route. How do I switch to Gainsmore?
Exactly as above (See 7) except you should include the account number under which you currently trade with them. Your Gainsmore membership number will be automatically included in the enquiry. The supplier should switch your account to Gainsmore within 10 working days. Top

9. How do I place an order with a supplier?
All orders need to be placed directly with the supplier. Your goods will be delivered with an invoice/delivery note. This invoice will be added to your Gainsmore account and a statement will be available for you to view any time on line.Top

10. When do I pay Gainsmore for goods that I have received?
Our standard payment terms are monthly with settlement on 20th of the month following (Eg: all purchases in January become payable in one single transaction on 20th February). We may also offer a weekly settlement account for retailers who prefer a more evenly distributed payment schedule. Where suppliers offer extended credit, these terms are matched with the transactions being due in the relevant month in your usual payment. Top

11. What happens if I have a query on an invoice?
You can raise any questions concerning invoices directly with your supplier when it suits you – 24/7. Our system will deliver an email from you directly to the very place in your supplier’s organisation where it needs to go.

The site lets you to place a queried invoice “on hold” until any issues are resolved. This gives you full control of your trading account.

This way www.gainsmore.co.uk programme puts an end to:

• making enquiries to the wrong department and being passed around
• making endless calls to people who are only in their offices when your shop is busy
• high phone bills
• lost faxes

www.gainsmore.co.uk provides you with an automatic audit trail to ensure that all your questions receive an answer, enabling you to keep track of all responses. Top

12. How do I query an invoice?
Along side each invoice on your myGainsmore page is a Q button. Click on this and the "Query an Invoice" screen will offer you all the common reasons that have been identified. Select the reason that most suits you and fill in the required additional information (eg date paid). Press the submit button and the invoice will be held and move to the Items under Dispute page. Top

13. Do I have to meet minimum purchase levels in order to become a member?
Once a member of Gainsmore, the only minimum purchasing requirements will be those set by your chosen suppliers.

You can purchase as much (or as little) through Gainsmore as you wish. Top

14. I see that you are showing VAT on the sample statement, but I can’t find your VAT registration number. Why is that?
The VAT is shown on the statement as a useful piece of information, particularly for those members who follow a cash accounting system. Your primary trading relationship is with the supplier, who will be including their VAT number on all their invoices and credit notes. Top

15. On your statement page, you show a cut off date. What does this mean?
This is the last date that invoices and credit notes will be posted to the current month’s trading page to be included in the current Direct Debit. Any further transactions will be temporarily posted to the Items Not Yet Due page until the start of the next payment cycle. Top

16. Do I have to pay by Direct Debit?
www.gainsmore.co.uk is a low cost computerised system. In order to maintain this low cost base Direct Debit is a requirement of membership. Top

17. I've changed my bank account and pay by Direct Debit. Where do I find a new form?
Just download a new form , complete it and send it to the office.Top

www.gainsmore.co.uk: putting you - the Independent Retailer in control