West Chester, Pa. -- Azione Unlimited, the startup buying group for custom retailers and system integrators, has dropped its quarterly dues from $1,000 to $750.

According to founder Richard Glikes, "We are now charging $3,000 a year and supplying marketing on an ‘opt in' basis." Initially, dues were $4,000 a year and members received a $1,000 credit toward marketing materials like website development, a bi-monthly newsletter, and a handsome brochure for new clients.

"Dealers can now choose to take advantage of the marketing at their own pace," noted Glikes, who was the longtime executive director of the Home Technology Specialists of America buying group (HTSA).

In other Azione news, the group has added three new vendor members: Peerless AV, Salamander Designs and SunBrite TV. Another 22 vendor members were announced earlier this month, including Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic, Panasonic Professional, and LG (available through the group's distribution partnerships).

Qualifications for membership include:

•        a minimum of three years in business;

•        minimum sales volume of $1.5 million;

•        a "strong desire to grow their business and share ideas," and;

•        a willingness to focus on group vendors.

Glikes added that membership benefits include manufacturer's incentives and rebates, free conferences and "increased bottom line profits."