Group Sales

GSABC negotiates and manages group sales contracts on behalf of its members.  This allows members to develop relationships with customers they may not otherwise have access to because of their limits in size and scope.  GSABC is able to leverage the combined volume of multiple blood centers to negotiate more competitive prices and additional contract perks on behalf of its members.  GSABC monitors the market landscape for trends that may influence the economics or regulatory environment of the contract and keeps its members informed of these developments. 

 Because GSABC can provide centralized contract services such as billing, negotiation and facilitation the process is simplified for the customer and costs are reduced.  Typically, GSABC negotiates a master agreement with the contracting company and then signs on member centers that are interested in participating.  GSABC staff acts as a liaison between members and the contracting company by answering center questions, sending out updates regarding changes in procedures and specifications, holding group conference calls and providing a quarterly newsletter to contract participants.  GSABC provides centralized billing by collecting invoices from the participating centers and providing a consolidated statement to the contracting company.  We collect the payment from the contracting company and distribute it amongst the participants.  GSABC also works with the contracting company to develop and implement an expansion plan to increase contract participation and utilization.  GSABC can also provide the contracting company with access to ABC’s scientific, medical and technical staff.  Their insight and expertise regarding transfusion medicine, regulatory issues and blood center operations is invaluable.  

The primary focus in this area has been a contract for recovered plasma with Octapharma.  In 2008, 28 of our members will participate in this contract and will send over 360,000 liters of plasma to be developed into lifesaving plasma derived therapies.  

GSABC is studying the marketplace for additional group sales opportunities for our members.