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BPCA

BPCA is a Credit based Trade Association unlike most others. First, it was founded in 1875.  Secondly, it is market/channel specific. Unlike those credit associations that “try  to be everything to everybody”, BPCA limits its industry groups to those in which they are able to have someone familiar with the industry able to work with the Industry Group.  And, Third, it is a Not-For-Profit, Member Owned corporation.

In 1875, BPCA started, and continues, as a Not-For-Profit organization. At that time, and until 1992, dealt only in the Office Products, Stationery, and Filing supplies industry. Since, this Credit Group has expanded the membership requirements, and now the only requirement is that your company is a manufacturer, wholesaler, or factor.  The National Credit Group includes companies that sell to retail and mass merchandise customers in a variety of product lines.  In 1996, BPCA became the designated Industry Credit Trade Association of the Janitorial/Sanitary Supply Industry through ISSA^© (International Sanitary Supply Association), thereby creating the International Jan/San Industry Credit Group. BPCA has three additional industry groups: the National School Suppliers Credit Group, the National Promotional Products Credit Group, and the Plastics Manufacturing Credit Group.  If you are not sure if there is a group to fit your business, call the BPCA office and talk with Debbie.

Alliances

BPCA has formed an alliance with Business Solutions Association (BSA).  BSA members are Wholesalers, Manufacturers and Manufacturer's Representatives in the Office Products & Furniture Industries.  Through this alliance, members of BSA are able to obtain the most recent information on the payment habits of their present or potential customers.  This can assist the Manufacturer's Representative in better allocate their time since they have a better idea of the credit ability of the customer before making contact with them.   

BPCA has an alliance with Credit Research Foundation (CRF).  Both organizations work to assist the credit professional: CRF through continuing education; and BPCA through making available reports covering current payment trends and habits of the customer.

Several of our members are involved in 2 or more of the BPCA Credit Groups.   BPCA  continues to focus on the markets/channels of their members, thereby bringing more to the table for the membership than serving solely as a meeting planner. BPCA is involved in keeping informed about the Debtors of their members.  BPCA learns about the members' customer base, and market trends. It is not uncommon for members of BPCA to call the association office to see if anyone has indicated a problem they might be having with a particular Debtor.   The problem may be the inability to get return telephone calls; non-committal for payment of a past due debt; to verify information heard “on the street”;  or, to see if anyone else has received  correspondence from a debtor indicating their inability to pay.

BPCA has a National Manufacturers Deduction Resolution Group ("NDRG") which is a separate membership from the Credit Groups, and is not necessarily made up of credit personnel. The National Deduction Resolution Group is open to any manufacturer or wholesaler - any industry - not just BPCA credit group members.  This group meets and discusses the current "Deduction of the Period", and keeps members aware and how to handle these deductions.  Members share what has and has not worked for them.  This Group meets 3 times a year.

While BPCA has limited the number of industries it works with, it may be able to provide your industry with the same type of partnership association you need. Do not hesitate to call and discuss your industry with the BPCA President or Member Services Manager at 636-294-5775.

(A Business Products Credit Association, Inc. Company)

(C) Copyright 2000  Business Products Credit Association, Inc.