Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I lose my independence as a retailer if I join STAG or Freedom?

A: No, we do not get involved in how you buy or sell or any other part of the way you run your business. You are free to choose if you take part in any special offers, trade shows or regional meetings. Nothing is mandatory.

Q: What happens with the invoices from suppliers and how do we pay them?

A: You will be sent a copy of every original invoice from all the suppliers weekly attached to the STAG master invoice. This means you can check the invoices against your packing notes/original orders for accuracy on quantities and prices as you would normally do. You pay STAG with one cheque, BACS, credit card etc as opposed to writing dozens of cheques monthly. This alone will save you hundreds of pounds per year in bank charges.

Q: Do I still see the manufacturers agents/reps as usual then?

A: Yes, we do not get involved with your buying or selling in any form. The company agents/reps will pay even more attention to you as they are very keen to support you.

Q: What happens if I dispute an invoice?

A: You must inform STAG H.O. within 21 days. We will email the supplier in question to start the process of resolving the dispute. You do not pay STAG the value of the dispute until it is resolved. The remainder of the invoice is still payable. Most disputes are resolved in a matter of days.

Q: Can I attend your trade show?

A: Absolutely, we encourage every member of STAG or Freedom to attend as the suppliers offer superb buying incentives for you to increase your margins. We even pay your overnight accommodation and food (one night, one room). Did you know that several of the largest brand names within our industry have commented that we has the single most effective format for a trade show yet devised for the sports and outdoor industry?

Q: What other ways do you help me improve my profits?

A: We have pre negotiated trade discounts with all suppliers. These are automatically applied to your invoices. We have monthly promotional mailers that give you the best of our suppliers clearance or core product styles at special discounted rates. 80% of our membership are on our credit/card debit card scheme. The rate we have negotiated is hard to beat and could save you thousands in bank charges every year.

We can also save you money on your shop insurance, obtain reductions on your land lines and mobile phone costs, offer you the best rates on shop fittings and shop re-design, we have superb rates on stock management systems (epos). If you are sending out parcels please ask us about our courier rates.

All the services are designed to save you money and add to your bottom line profits.

Q: Do I need to buy from all of your suppliers?

A: No, we do however encourage all members to support the suppliers within the group as these are generally the best suppliers within their categories and offer excellent margins.

Q: Can I get accounts with suppliers I don't currently deal with?

A: In most cases yes. However every supplier has their own distribution policy and will evaluate every business on its own merits. Being part of STAG or Freedom generally means that brands are happy to supply you.

Please get in touch with STAG if you have any other questions.