For 15 years now we’ve been thinking about our company joining the Glass & Glazing Federation. According the GGF website:
‘The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) is a trade association for all those who make, supply or fit flat glass, such as windows, film or plastics.’
According to their advertising:
The GGF is a recognised authority for employers and companies within the flat glass, glazing, window, home improvement, plastics and window film industries.
Membership of the Federation is not automatic. Companies must have been trading for three years; and we have a strict vetting procedure that includes looking at company accounts and site visits.
The Federation represents more than 60% of the industry’s turnover. If you are not already a Member come and join us now.
So, are we missing out on an opportunity here? In order to help us make this decision, I’ve added a poll to the right hand column. Basically, I want to know whether the GGF represents good value for money for its members, and whether West Yorkshire Windows and Conservatory Outlet should sign up.
Tags: GGF
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simple question. will it create more sales? if not then dont bother tbh.
I believe it to be a toothless organisation and have avoided joining for 25 years!
100% Join.
Will it get more sales? Yes, if you present the GGF that differentiates the good from the bad.
You have to come up to a certain standard that installs confidence with clients, add this into the sales pitch (against non-GGF members) then you are on to a winner…..
At the end of the day, it’s a badge, but a badge that can make a difference.
Steve – Agreed. If we were to generate leads from joining the GGF then this would make the proposition better.
David – Thanks for your thoughts.
David Smith – So Paramount sell the advantages of membership and this helps with sales? Interesting. You say its a ‘badge’ but other organisations are far cheaper badges.
RCG
A mixed response RCG and perhaps indicative of the differentiation that GGF gives to any installer.
As David points out it’s a badge. Whether it is a badge that makes a difference is your call.
Secured By Design is also a greatly respected badge in many market sectors and so too is the approval of the British Board of Agrement.
The trick really is differentiation but not for its own sake, so if joining “60%” of the industry is going to help you go for it. If not don’t.
I note, for one product in particular, the two Davids above are both (perhaps unwittingly) missing the opportunity to up-sell, being installers of patio doors with neither BBA or Secured By Design accreditation.
I can say this with absolute confidence as neither of them buy their patio doors from Sliders UK.
From dwindling domestic installations to scarce new build opportunities BBA and SBD make a real difference. Add in the rapidly more exciting social housing and you should see why a patio door with not only both the above but also wheelchair access threshold with ramps presents great potential.
Our customers continue to do so which is why we enjoyed yet another record month in October!
Not all badges are the same RCG and David(s), I’d be more than happy to talk to you too.
Best Wishes
Ian
we been trading since jan79 as ltd and since 1961 as glaziers, looked joining 15 years ago seemed expensive, got impression if you paid you got in.only benefit to customers, they guarantee deposits taken, we dont take any !like your blog. do a good job = get recommended
I can only talk form experience. We avoided joining the GGF for at least 5 years and I regret that we didn’t join sooner.
Since joining we have benefited from receiving the most up to date and accurate information on where our industry is headed, what legislation is being formulated and how that might affect my business. The GGF has helped us keep ahead of the crowd and to actually have a voice on issues such as building regulations, energy ratings, sales legislation, conservatories regulation etc.
It has also given us the help we needed to improve the professionalism of our company and enabled us to talk with other like minded company leaders to share information and good practice.
On top of all this the GGF provides members with support in legal disputes and HR matters plus provides a wealth of business support literature.
If you just want another badge I suggest you go elsewhere.
The GGF wants to hear your voice. Being part of their membership makes your voice louder than it ever could be on its own.
If you want to be part of the industry’s foremost business federation and you want to actually take a part in and be involved with forming the future of our industry, join today!
Such suppliers as Pilkington and Saint Gobain and also the internet can keep you abreast of all the relevant issues which affect glaziers . We have been trading for over 25 years now and we strongly believe that it’s our reputation that has kept us apart from the rest.
Perhaps joining the GGF can help with legal issues and information but all can be found elsewhere. If your supplier is doing their job properly then they will keep you informed of all the relevant issues.
It hasn’t hurt us not being part of theGGF!
We are members and have been for some years, it’s a very powerful accreditation to have in today’s market, if explained properly and selling the benefits to the customer then it builds trust. They produce a superb mini leaflet showing a customer charter, and a code of ethical practice, pull these out and credibility comes into your pitch. With a limited number of members in the North East we use this to our advantage also giving the costumer piece of mind. Although it’s costly each year we think it adds value to the business, but in these times I will say it is a luxury to have maybe hold on to see what happens with the economy over the next 12 months and revisit it then.
Ian – Agreed, a mixed response about GGF. As for the importance of Secured By Design when specifying Patio Doors (a subject clearly very close to your heart) maybe I should do a poll!
Mark – you’ve probably noticed I have quite a loud voice already:-). But, I am keen to help in my small way to help shape the future of our industry and if that means being a part of the GGF I will certainly consider this.
Jordan – this is the thought process we have always taken. You are right, there is a lot of information available if you know where to look. We also have been trading many years, and I’ve always felt that we succeed because of our reputation and professionalism. I’ve never felt that we’re losing sales because we’re not members of trade organisations.
Carl – As you know, I have complete respect for your sales operation. According to the GGF website http://www.ggf.co.uk/members/subscription_rates.html it would cost us £6500 per year to join. According to my calculations if we converted 0.1% more business as a result of being members of the GGF, we’d cover our costs.
Do you think it help’s your business convert more than 0.1% extra business?
RCG
Yes, it does help convert business. (And this is from personal experience when I use to sell)
The GGF does help convert business without doubt, don’t forget GGF also setup FENSA. GGF and FENSA are one of the few organisations that were setup with Government encouragement
And by the way, Paramount’s products are SBD and most products will have some sort of BBA certification.
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David,
you state:
“And by the way, Paramount’s products are SBD and most products will have some sort of BBA certification”
If that is the extent of your understanding of your products accreditation perhaps you should be talking to Trading Standards not GGF.
Your in-line PVC patio door has neither BBA or SBD and it is fraudulent to suggest otherwise :0(
We have just been playing with the GGf’s new carbon calculator. Some bits don’t work – try entering a lounge window 3600×2100 (poss bi fold) and see what area you get. Regardless we put the worst case window in against the best and the ever helpful GGf have provided a tool to ‘prove’ A rated windows save you – not much! DOH.
Have a go http://www.ggfmembers.com//public/calculator.aspx