With the year coming to an end, now is the perfect time for operators to take a closer look at their purchasing and, more importantly, at the savings they may be missing. Supplier rebates are one of the simplest and most effective ways to put money back into your business, yet many operators leave these dollars on the table without even realizing it.
If you’ve never heard of supplier rebates or buying groups, you’re not alone. Many operators across Canada are still buying the traditional way: place an order, pay the invoice, and move on. No rewards. No money back. No added value.
As the calendar resets, here’s how you can start earning rebates and finish the year stronger.
1. Review Where You’re Already Spending
Most operators make frequent purchases from suppliers across categories like proteins, produce, beverages, cleaning supplies, and packaging, but not all realize which of those purchases qualify for rebates.
Take a moment to review your top suppliers, high-volume items, and consistent weekly or monthly purchases. If these purchases fall under a Groupex rebate program, you could be earning money back on products you’re already buying.
2. Shift Purchases Toward Rebate-Earning Products
You don’t need to overhaul your menu to earn more rebates. Sometimes, it’s simply about choosing the right brand or product within the category you already buy.
For example, switching from a non-qualifying cleaning item to one that participates in a rebate program can make a noticeable difference. Our partner Diversey offers a wide range of cleaning and sanitation products that qualify for rebates, helping your essential purchases work harder for your bottom line.
3. Use Remaining Budget Wisely
Many operators make last-minute purchases in December without realizing that those decisions could increase their rebate totals.
If you’re already planning to stock up on proteins for holiday menus, packaging for the busy takeout season, or frozen produce and desserts for January, take a moment to double-check which items qualify for rebates.
Choosing rebate-eligible products can turn these necessary, seasonal purchases into additional returns.
4. Don’t Miss Out on Year-End Promotions
The final quarter of the year is when many suppliers launch seasonal promotions or enhanced rebate offers, especially on beverages, cleaning products, desserts, and holiday ingredients. These limited-time opportunities can significantly boost your earnings, but they’re easy to miss if you’re not watching for them.
Review your monthly Groupex newsletter for current promotions, and reach out to your Key Account Consultant to see which items qualify for stronger year-end rebates. When you know what’s available, it’s much easier to prioritize high-value products and make smarter purchasing decisions before December ends.
5. Get Organized for a Strong Start to the New Year
Rebates are much easier to earn when you have a clear view of what you’re buying. Take time to organize your invoices, list your most frequent suppliers, and look at the items you order every week.
A simple year-end review helps you see where most of your spending goes and highlights categories where rebate opportunities may exist. It’s a great way to plan smarter and start the new year prepared to earn more.
You Could Be Earning More: Here’s How Groupex Helps
Groupex simplifies the rebate process by connecting operators with eligible supplier programs and providing clear monthly statements that show exactly what you’ve earned.
If you’re not a Groupex member yet, this is the perfect time to see what you could be saving. We offer a complimentary cost analysis to help you understand your real potential. Our team reviews your current suppliers and purchasing patterns and shows you the rebate opportunities and cost savings available to your operation.
You might be surprised by how much money your regular purchases could be returning.
📞 Call us at 1-800-670-6800 or fill out this form to learn how much more you could earn before the year ends.
