An alternative is to form a regional buyers' cooperative, which will
then negotiate terms & conditions for its members as a larger entity,
rather than each small entity negotiating on its own.

Obviously, this won't work for everyone, but for those who can swing
this sort of arrangement, it may offer some relief.

Best regards.

Fred
===================================================================
Frederic J. Grevin
Deputy Commissioner and Chief Information Officer
The City of New York,
Department of Records
Email: [log in to unmask]
Land phone: 212.788.8615
Cell phone: 347.436.5360
Fax:  212.788.8614
www.nyc.gov/records
31 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
USA
-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of David Gaynon
Sent: Monday, March 09, 2009 11:22
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [RM] Record Storage Vendors


 The problem with this topic (besides the fact that it periodically
surfaces with the same complaints, problems, and solutions) is that like
the weather no one seems to be able to do much about it.  Its fine to
stress the importance of contract negotiations and contract management
but this does not provide relatively small customers very much leverage.
Because in point of fact without significant volume a vendor is not
terribly inclined to do much negotiation or provide any concessions from
what is sees as its standard business model.

Perhaps there is an opportunity for ARMA or some other trade group to
negotiate a lower fee structure for the benefit of any of its members
who might wish to take advantage of this.  Such an approach while most
likely impractical, could provide small customers with the same volume
discounts enjoyed by large customers.

David Gaynon
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