Frequently Asked Questions

How are CHIPS Purchasing vendors selected?

CHIPS Purchasing professionally negotiates and contracts with vendors partners carefully. We recognize the industry leaders in each product category such as medical supplies, food & beverage, housekeeping and patient care. Through our experience in the long-term care industry, we are able to negotiate strong contracts that meet the needs of our members. We do thorough product evaluations and cost comparisons to be sure there are savings for your organization if you’d like.

What if I don’t see the specific vendor I would like to use?

Not a problem! Membership is free and you can decide to use any contracts that you would like. Although we feel the best value would be to go with the vendors we have selected, sometimes you may have a vendor you prefer for a specific reason. We will be able to work with your vendor and be sure they are part of our IT platform so you gain the benefits of the CHIPS program. Please contact Sarah Mullenax at 800-590-9907 and we will try to work with your vendor.

How is CHIPS Purchasing involved in my purchasing?

CHIPS Purchasing offers a membership to gain aggregated purchasing leverage. CHIPS also offers an IT platform as an organizational tool for your facility to utilize. Product recommendations and assistance with finding the best price are included with the free CHIPS membership as well. However, any and all ordering is done between each location and the vendor and each location is responsible for shipping and billing inquiries and information. In no way is CHIPS Purchasing responsible for the online ordering sites that are linked to, any billing with vendors or for any liabilities concerning any products purchased through the program. We offer the IT platform as a tool for managing and organizing all your vendor contracts and are available at any time to offer assistance and expertise in regards to purchasing issues or questions.

How do I order through the CHIPS IT Platform?

As a member in the CHIPS Purchasing program, each facility places their orders with each vendor via online ordering, phone or fax. The ordering information can be found for each vendor on the “Vendor List” page of the website (once you are logged in).

How do I know that I am receiving CHIPS Purchasing pricing from a vendor?

Pricing is regularly reviewed by the CHIPS Purchasing staff to ensure you are getting the negotiated pricing through the program. Also, each time you order, you should declare your facility as a CHIPS Purchasing member.

Will my prices change if I am a member?

Often price changes occur due to varying market conditions. Mostly, dairy products and fresh produce from your dietary provider will change monthly. Pricing from other vendors should be stable for up to a year. Most importantly, we will be notified of any price changes and keep our members updated with monthly newsletters. Also, any increase due to the fluctuating fuel situation will be sent to us as soon as it has been approved for that vendor.

What do I do if I need additional information?

Please do not hesitate to contact our corporate office located at Deep Creek Lake, Maryland for questions regarding potential membership in the CHIPS Purchasing program. More specifically, a question regarding current membership should be directed to Sarah Mullenax at 301-387-5653. If you would just like general information regarding our program, please call 800-590-9907. If you need vendor specific information, such as catalogs, please contact your company’s assigned vendor representative.