Become A Dealer

Benefits of Membership

As a member, you would become part of one of the most dynamic and respected photographic buying/marketing groups in Canada. As one of the largest alliances in Canada the benefits to you as an independent dealer and to your valued customers are quite substantial. Simply put, it is service that is second to none and is kept at this high level through our members' knowledge, experience, integrity and honesty. Although as a member of Foto Source you would be a part of a group you are still free to operate independently and in fact are expected to do so. The members are considered our greatest asset and as such are expected to live up to this reputation. Members make purchases on-line through our innovative system called foto smart. As well, cash discounts and accrued co-op funds belong to and remain with the members.

When examined from a financial standpoint the benefits of membership become even more convincing. As a member you would be eligible for the combined volume rebates that the group has achieved with each respective vendor. The rebates to the members are deposited directly into your bank account and are calculated on your individual vendor purchases. Both you as a businessperson and your customers will appreciate the strength that the foto source alliance brings. Members frequently exchange information with each other and are more than willing to help fellow members in whatever way they can. This is one of the greatest benefits of membership that is often overlooked but greatly appreciated.

Some of the advantages include:

• Foto Source is owned and operated by members for their benefit.
• Foto Source profit is returned to the membership.
• Efficient online buying from vendors (suppliers) through foto smart system.
• Combined buying power of over 225 retail stores.
• More authorized vendors than any other group, provides maximum assortment of product (list of authorized vendors)
• Maximum discounts and rebates with listed vendors.
• Quarterly payments of rebates.
• All benefits of Foto Source are to improve the profitability of its members
• Full benefits co-op
• Additional monies for national advertising
• Co-operative marketing
• Business workshops
• foto source branded product
• Open and honest exchange amongst members at regional meetings
• Insurance program
• Annual General Meeting, seminars, training, and exchange of ideas.
• Store fixtures
• The ability to exchange merchandise among the membership
• Listed vendors offering discounts or rebates in non-photographic areas such as insurance, clothing, large household appliances, business forms, credit card rates, and point of sale systems for your store.

Requirements of Membership

A prospective member of foto source must be specializing primarily in the sales of cameras and accessories in one or more locations OR must be operating a retail photofinishing laboratory (more than 50% of total business) in one or more locations.

Prospective members of foto source must also provide the following:

1. Application and initiation fee of $500 + GST
2. Yearly purchase figures from four major vendors.
3. Current financial statement.
4. Security agreement/Letter of Credit.
5. Yearly membership fee, paid quarterly.

Periodically, special offers are available on an exclusive or semi-exclusive basis to the members. Members are expected to support these initiatives as it is in their best interest and that of the group to do so. Various promotions are planned at the general meetings or by committee and participation by all members is not mandatory but is expected. The major cost for these promotions is usually paid by vendors. Other advertising and promotional support, such as admakers and POS material is provided as desired by the majority of the membership on a cost sharing basis. Rebates to members are paid only on accounts that are current and in good standing. It is highly recommended that members of foto source attend the general meetings where the goals and plans of the membership are set and voted on. Each member after becoming a shareholder has one vote regardless of size or number of locations.

PLEASE NOTE: All new members are on a trial basis for one year.

New Member Application

If you are interested in joining foto source, please download and complete the application and fax it to 905-465-0470 or e-mail to info@fotosource.com.