New IHA Service Addresses Compliance Issues

The challenging issue of compliance for suppliers is being addressed with a new member service from the International Housewares Association (IHA) that aims to increase collaboration between all parties in the supply chain.

The IHA announced that it is partnering with the Vendor Compliance Federation (VCF) to give members access to services that will improve communication and create a more efficient supply chain. The VCF is a retail membership organization with nearly 500 members, including the discount, department, specialty, hardware and electronic retailer channels.

Services will include: daily email alerts and updates about new compliance rules and regulations from the VCF's online Compliance Clearinghouse tool with up-to-the-minute information on each retailer; conferences and regional meetings introducing new technologies and best practices used to reduce deductions; and opportunities to meet with key retailers face-to-face to review and analyze individual compliance issues.

"Our alliance with the Vendor Compliance Federation will provide a dedicated resource to help IHA members improve efficiencies, reduce chargebacks, and develop best practices that will remove friction from the supply chain," said Phil Brandl, IHA president.

"The Vendor Compliance Federation is excited to announce this new alliance with the IHA," said Kim Zablocky, VCF co-managing director. "At our November Global Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., we will introduce VCF-Housewares, an industry-specific track for sharing best practices for reducing deductions and improving supply chain efficiencies targeted to housewares suppliers."

Retailers who participate at VCF events include JCPenney, Kohls, Crate and Barrel, Linens 'n Things, Sears, Big Lots, Dillards, Circuit City, Ace Hardware, Amazon.com, Kmart, JoAnn Stores, Dollar General, Michael's and QVC.

Several IHA members are already members of the VCF. They include Lifetime Brands, Nordic Ware, Krups, HoMedics, Salton, World Kitchen, Le Creuset of America, Meyer Corporation, Ott-Lite Technology, CIT Group/Commercial Services, Sharp Electronics Corp., DeLonghi America, Inc., Electrolux, Ginsey Industries, Guardsman, a division of Valspar, Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc., Focus Products Group, LLC, Spectrum Brands, Wallace International, a division of Lifetime Brands, and Wilton Industries.

IHA members receive a 25-percent discount off the VCF's current rate structure, which is based on a company's revenue. Special rates have been negotiated for IHA companies with under $10 million in sales, allowing a small company to join the program for as little as $750 annually.

Further information on the Vendor Compliance Federation program is available from the VCF at www.vcfww.com/novconf.asp, by contacting Janet Anderson, IHA membership manager, at janderson@housewares.org, or by calling 847-692-0114.