Full Circle Development announced the launch of Purchasing Ally, the first ground-up SaaS web application native to the cloud for B2B purchasing in the flooring industry. The platform, which was first reported on Aug. 7, represents a breakthrough for the estimated 80% of flooring retailers who use QuickBooks but have been unable to participate in electronic commerce due to cost and complexity barriers.

Developed by industry veteran Jim Buckles, who brings 35 years of flooring industry experience, Purchasing Ally features patent-pending processes that enable electronic data interchange (EDI) capabilities for businesses of any size. The software allows smaller dealers to create sales orders with current electronic pricing from vendors and order goods electronically, with vendor invoices automatically importing into QuickBooks.

"I have devoted my career to working with family-owned businesses in the flooring industry, both large and small, helping them operate with better information and methods," said Buckles, founder of Purchasing Ally. "From that experience, my family and I launched this software to help the eighty plus percent of the industry, who were left unable to participate without the financial and operational support needed for the industry ERP packages."

Breaking Down Technology Barriers

What sets Purchasing Ally apart from existing solutions is its ability to work with any vendor, regardless of their technological capabilities. Through a simple CSV upload of pricing, the platform enables customers to send vendors emails with PDF purchase orders attached. Vendors can then click a link to confirm costs, quantities, and shipping dates, with all updates flowing back to the customer's software in real-time.

The system also automatically processes vendor invoices emailed to Purchasing Ally, entering them directly into the dealer's QuickBooks system in the cloud—a capability covered by the company's pending patent application.

"Purchasing Ally is the first software in the flooring industry that allows the retailer to send and receive purchase orders and confirmations both manually and electronically, and the same for vendor invoices," Buckles explained. "We believe in the dealer running their business and meeting them where they are. Not requiring a lot of changes to their business, just helping them keep the profits for which they work so hard."

The launch comes at a critical time for the flooring industry, which continues to face pricing uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, and increasing demands for remote accessibility. Purchasing Ally's cloud-based architecture allows access from any device with a web browser, enabling dealers to manage operations from customer sites or while working remotely.

Sarah Buckles, co-founder of Purchasing Ally, emphasized the platform's user-friendly design. "The simple and intuitive way the software works is ideally suited to the small business dealer," she said. "I grew up in a small family business and know how important it is to have the right tools at your fingertips."

Competitive Pricing Model

Unlike traditional industry ERP packages that can cost thousands of dollars with complex licensing structures, Purchasing Ally is available for $99 per month per company with no contracts, add-ons, or per-user fees. This pricing model removes financial barriers that have historically prevented smaller dealers from accessing electronic commerce capabilities.

"Purchasing Ally is a low-cost tool, easy to use, saving the retailer time and money," Buckles said, highlighting the software's focus on operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The platform's launch addresses a significant gap in the flooring industry's technological infrastructure. According to the company, the majority of flooring retailers using QuickBooks have been unable to participate in electronic data interchange, putting them at a competitive disadvantage compared to larger dealers with expensive ERP systems.

The streamlined communication capabilities promise to improve operational efficiency, reduce errors, and strengthen relationships across the supply chain. The platform's ability to facilitate real-time updates on pricing, quantities, and shipping dates is particularly valuable in an industry where accurate inventory management and timely deliveries are critical to customer satisfaction.