1. Search. Prospective buyers will continue to use A.R.E.’s online Fixture Finder to search for members that meet their specific criteria. They can search by keyword, or by specific products, services, or capabilities. By clicking on the “+” and expanding the keyword search screen, they can add specific criteria including materials worked with, geographic region, production level (stock, semi-custom, or custom) and/or plant size, among others. The search returns a summary list of companies that meet that criteria. At this point, the buyer can either refine the search further, or begin to review company information in more detail.

2. Review. Starting with the summary list, buyers begin to get an idea of each company’s experience and industry activity through the associated icons. These graphic elements identify years of membership in A.R.E., GlobalShop exhibitors, Retail Design Awards and other industry awards, participation in A.R.E.’s continuing education programs and industry research, and industry service through the association. (See icons.)

Buyers can find specifics on individual companies by clicking on the company name and viewing the member’s profile page. This detailed page also provides more information on the member’s industry participation.

3. Request. Once buyers have reviewed the detailed profile page, and believe that they’ve found a good match for their needs, they can request an A.R.E. Standard Vendor Qualification Form from the company by clicking on “Request.”

Buyers are then asked to complete a brief online questionnaire. This form identifies who is making the request and provides basic information about the retailer, including contact information. The form also affords buyers (or specifiers) the opportunity to request additional information that is not part of the A.R.E. Standard Vendor Qualification Form.

Once buyers submit their request, they will receive an automatic e-mail confirmation that lets them know it has been sent to the fixture company of their choice. At the same time, the A.R.E. member company receives a separate e-mail that details the retailer’s request for the company’s A.R.E. Standard Vendor Qualification Form, together with the information that the retailer provided regarding number of stores, contact information, deadline for receipt of information, etc.

At this point, the member company can decide whether or not to respond to the retailer’s request, and has the necessary information to carry on future communications with the buyer directly.

That’s all there is to it. Member companies are in complete control of their information and which retailers it is sent to. A.R.E. does not hold (or even see) any completed qualification forms. And, of course, it’s always up to members whether they wish to respond to a request for information.