Are You a Supplier? | Eastern

Here’s what Members are saying about the Winks Program:

Dear Winks Folks,
Thank You for the continuing support you have provided me throughout the past year. Your support has not only come in the form of rebate dollars but it has also helped me to improve my business with exclusive offers, special manufacturer launches and important information through the monthly news letter.
The offer that I have benefited most from is the Tassimo Coffee program. Winks had chosen my store to act as a test location last year for the coffee program. Although my business is attached to a Coffee Time location, the Tassimo has enabled me to draw and cater to more discerning consumers who are now in my store regularly not only purchasing their morning coffee but also other profitable items as well.
I look forward to the Winks Links news letter each month as it’s filled with promotional material directly from the manufacturers which I would not be receiving if not through the Winks program. I also enjoy the industry information it provides.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the television that I’ve recently won. It came as a surprise and was hand delivered to me by the Winks and Core-Mark team. 
If I can offer any advice to Retailers who have just signed on to the program, I would say “be patient and let the program work for you like it’s working for me”.
Sincerely,

Vasant, (Winks # 5070)
When we were first approached about the Winks program we were skeptical. It looked like another of those programs that sounded great and offered wonderful rebates but then you had to take up a lot of additional shelf space with product that didn't move. Not so with Winks. We can carry the products (and only the products) we choose. 
At first the prices did not seem to be that much better, if at all, than other suppliers we used; but once we were on the program for a while we could see that it really was an advantage.
If you added in the costs of time and fuel being out of the store it really started to add up.
One of the biggest, happiest surprises was how much we saved on our Global Payments bill. That alone was worth the switch! 
Jeff, our Winks rep, was a great 'mover and shaker' when we were having some issues with our suppliers, saving us time and stress.
Going forward, we expect more great prices and associations with suppliers that will result in lowering our costs to operate. We're also looking forward to attending seminars or networking with like minded stores on how to grow our business, market product, train employees, etc. 
The Winks program is giving us a true competitive advantage in our local marketplace - we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this program.

Winks 5073 ~ Ayr Gas Bar

 In January 2012 I entered into a business relationship with Core-Mark Canada, and this has proved to be a fruitful venture.  One of many great assets that was provided to me was the chance to join the Winks programJoining the Winks program has enabled my company to provide my customers with prices and specials that may not have been possible before.  Jeff Poulin and his team have proven themselves to be approachable, responsible, and true advocates for the industry.  I look forward to seeing what is available every month through the Winks Links, and growing my business by utilizing the resources provided. Thanks to Jeff and his team!

Jessica, VP of Gales Gas Bars in the Niagara Region

My name is Gary Trembinski and I am the owner of Metallos Mini Mark in Sault Ste Marie. I am in independent operator always looking for ways to improve my business.
In October 2011 I was introduced to the Winks program by Jeff Poulin. My first impression was that it looked interesting but because they were affiliated with Macs I really didn’t give it a second thought. However as time went on and Jeff kept calling the program that was being offered by Winks was really interesting.
If you are an independent retailer and don’t belong to a buying group you are missing out on a huge advantage. I soon realized that what Winks was offering me was so important to my success that I could no longer ignore it.
The contract pricing with all the major vendors, quarterly rebates based on sales volume, monthly flyers, vendor prepacks well in advance ie the opportunity to prebook ahead of time, professional advice from industrial specialists. All for a low monthly cost paid for by your quarterly rebate.
Since joining Winks I have enjoyed a quarterly rebate much larger than the last buying group I was in as well as found ways to be more competitive. As you all know there is strength in numbers and the more independent retailers that take advantage of the Winks Program the stronger we all become. Check it out and join today, you won’t be disappointed.

- Gary Tembinski, Owner of Metallos Mini Mart, Sault Ste Marie, ON
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