Matt Burke, Dining & Housing Procurement Professional at UC Riverside (UCR), recently received a notification about a new restaurant equipment and supplies dealer, Cook’s Direct, joining E&I Cooperative Services – a program in which multiple entities (usually government agencies or higher ed institutions) combine buying power to negotiate better prices and terms for goods and services through a single contract, leveraging collective strength for cost savings and efficiency.
Always on the lookout for competitive options, Matt reached out to E&I about this new member and was soon connected with Cook’s Direct to learn more about how their offerings might align with UCR’s needs.
Soon after, UCR Dining submitted a requisition for a new $18,000 oven, prompting Matt to reach out to Cook’s Direct for a comparative quote, unsure of how they would measure up against the incumbent supplier.
Imagine Matt’s excitement when Cook’s Direct quoted the exact same model for over $1,300 less! He immediately placed the oven order with Cook’s, securing significant savings while ensuring compliance under the E&I program.
Not only did this introduce a new, cost-effective sourcing option, but Matt also reported the savings into Benefit Bank, further amplifying the impact. This success story highlights how leveraging cooperative agreements can secure better pricing, streamline sourcing, and drive greater value for your campus.