They think, “If only I had someone to talk to who doesn’t have an axe to grind, or to get the help I need at an affordable price.” Such was the idea behind the development of cooperatives and business associations like Carpet One/CCA Global, StarNet Worldwide and other industry groups. Residential and commercial flooring dealers began banding together to discuss common problems. High on the list were better ideas for doing business; greater buying power; clout with suppliers; and increased profits.
The following is my take on these types of organizations. As a former employee and principal in Commercial Carpets of America, my first experiences were with Carpet One in 1993 and later StarNet, but these observations may full well apply to other such groups in the floor covering industry.