About communitybuyer and Frequently Asked Questions

Communitybuyer.org is a directory of goods and services for the voluntary and community sector.

It allows buyers to review the experience they have had with individual suppliers and provides guidance on more specialist purchases. It also offers a unique advertising opportunity for suppliers. Suppliers are welcome from the private sector and from within the voluntary and community and social economy sectors.

Buyers FAQs

Q1 How can communitybuyer help me?

Purchasing products and services to suit the needs of voluntary and community organisations can be a complicated and time consuming process. Through the mixture of a supplier directory, peer reviews and purchasing advice, communitybuyer aims to connect organisations with the right supplier.

Q2 How do I search for products and services?

Communitybuyer allows you as a potential customer to search for your required product or service in different ways.

If you are clear about the product or services you are looking for, for example a computer, then just type ‘computer' or the name of the item into the first ‘Search by' option ie Product, Service or Supplier and communitybuyer will provide you with a list of search results and summary information on each of the relevant listngs.

If you know who supplies the item you require then just type the name of the supplier into the ‘search by' product, service or supplier box and communitybuyer will provide you with a list of search results and summary information on each of the relevant listngs.

If you are interested in a range of products and services available on communitybuyer, or wish to consider the classification used on the site, just click on ‘browse by classification' and the communitybuyer classification and categories will appear.

Q3 What other information can I get from my search results?

The search results provides a set of summarised listings of all products, services, suppliers or clsssification entries as defined by you.

Each individual summary gives you some detail on the supplier, its reveiws ie others experience of purchasing with that supplier and also a list of other relevant communitybuyer sections where you may find similar or related products and services. This helps you to navigate around the site and also to consider other products or services you may need.

Q4 What is a directory listing?

The listing provides you with details on the supplier including contact information and the products and services they offer.

Again note that communitybuyer provides you with detail on other relevant classifications in the form of breadcrumbs. This can help you broaden your search and/or think of associated products and services you may require. These breadcrumbs are also very useful when you are not too sure about the product or service you need or how it may be classified.

The listing also provides information on the number and content of any reviews posted on this supplier and allows you the customer to post a review should you wsh to do so.

If the supplier has provided any purchasing advice on how to make buying decisions easier then this 'purchasing advice' will appear on their listing.

Q5 What are the ‘freebies and deals'

Freebies - from time to time different products and services are given to the sector by suppliers or even by other voluntary and community sector organisations free of charge. These can include second hand furniture and photocopiers, offers of short term professional advice and mentoring etc. To view the freebies on offer at any time just click on the freebies tab within the freebies and deals section of the homepage and the list of available products and services will appear. As with all listings on this site communitybuyer has no responsibility for the standard of product or service advertised herein and you, the buyer, will have to contact the supplier. For more detail on freebies see FAQs on Freebies.

Special Offers - the suppliers listed on this site come from the private, social economy and fair trade sectors. Many have shown a keen interest in working with the voluntary and community sector and will often give extra discounts and savings. To view these deals on offer at any time just click on the special offers link within the freebies and deals section on the homepage.

As with all listings on this site communitybuyer has no responsibility for the standard of product or service advertised herein and you, the buyer, will have to contact the supplier directly for further details on special offers. see FAQs on communitybuyer deals below.

NICVA member deals - Look out for the NICVA member discounted badge to avail of any of the special deals which have been negotiated on behalf of NICVA members. Where relevant, the badge will appear on the listing for the individual product or services.

Q6 Can communitybuyer advise me on the quality of the products and services advertised?

Communitybuyer tries to assist you in making purchasing decisions by encouraging others to complete a review of the supplier used in previous purchases. To see what other voluntary and community sector organisations have experienced and thought about the service from a supplier look out for the review section within a listing for a product or service.

For further information on specialist purchases go to FAQs on purchasing advice.

Suppliers FAQs

Q1 Why would I sell on communitybuyer?

Communitybuyer offers suppliers a unique gateway to the voluntary and community sector. The sector is made up of 4,700 organisations, employs over 26,000 people and provides volunteering opportunities to a further 80,000 to 90,000 people in Northern Ireland. The site provides you as a supplier with a shop window to a sector which is made up of a market of small community groups to large million pound household charities. All of these need a host of products and services to run their organisations and deliver services to those most in need. To find out more about the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland see www.communityni.org

Q2 How successful is communitybuyer?

Originally launched in February 2007 the site has grown from strength to strength. To get a better idea of the vast array of suppliers currently advertising on the site why not click on 'browse by classification' on the homepage.

Keith Pryde, Business Development Manager, Asset Management Ireland Ltd (AMI) has been on the site for some time and says:

"AMI are proud to be involved with communitybuyer as a part of our own ‘corporate social responsibility' strategy. AMI have advertised on ‘communitybuyer' since it was first launched and we see it as an ideal means of receiving independent feedback from our NICVA member clients on how we actually perform as a supplier. AMI provide refurbished computers for local charities and ensure ‘peace of mind' for all our clients with professional electronic recycling and data destruction services.

The various directory sections cover the most popular categories of business services and advice available to all organisations, large and small. We'd certainly endorse it as a trusted directory for the voluntary and social economy sector seeking out reputable suppliers - especially due to the ‘customer feedback', which we love!"

Q3 Do I have to sell my product or service at a discounted rate?

No, you can add details on you product or service at its normal retail price. However by offering your product or service at a discounted rate you can avail of more free advertising opportunities on this site as your listing will also be included also in the special offers section as promoted on the homepage.

Q4 How does the review mechanism work?

As a supplier you can use communitybuyer to spread the word about the great service you've provided. Please encourage your customers to post a review of your service using their own name and as well as their organisation's name. These details are important and will give credibility to the review.

What do the stars mean

Along with the review comment, customers can add a star rating - 1 is poor, 5 is excellent. Customers must add a comment if they wish to give you a star rating.

Q5 What happens if I don't like a review someone has given about my service?

Communitybuyer will not intervene in the review process unless there are unreasonable, distasteful or particularly negative comments added. If communitybuyer does need to intervene it will seek the best outcome for suppliers and customers. (see communitybuyer's terms and conditions)

Q6 How much does it cost to be on communitybuyer?

Directory listings on communitybuyer are FREE of charge. For other advertising opportunies and costs see site for details.

Q7 How do I sign up?

To add your information for the first time just click sign up on the homepage. This will take you directly to the sign up form where you will be required to create a username and password. You must then complete the relevant sections adding information about your organisation and its services as well as your primary contact, address and telephone details. An asterisk will indicate any essential fields required.

You are also encouraged to upload your logo. This will appear within your listing when a potential customer searches for your product, service or organisation.

Once this form is completed please preview the information you have added before saving, you can edit, delete or add further information at this stage. If you wish to add a freebie, special deal or purchasing advice you may also do so. It is advised that you save your listing before adding any of the above. You can also request information on other advertising opportunities within the site at this stage.

You will be required to confirm your agreement with the site's terms and conditions of advertising and privacy policy before proceeding.

Q8 When will my information or listing go live?

Once you have completed the form and submitted it to the site it will appear on communitybuyer immediately. Please note that the information you add to the sign up form is exactly as how it will appear on your listing. Communitybuyer administration will not edit or alter listings unless requested to do so.

Q9 Can I update my listing?

Yes - its very easy to do so. Just click on my account or login where you will be asked to add you username and password to access your listings and supplier's information. From here you can edit your listngs and add other nformation to the site.

Q10 Can I include a link to my website?

Yes, the link to your site can be included. It is requested on the first section of the sign up form alongside your organisation's details.

Q11 How do I set up a special offer deal?

If you wish to add a special discount, reduced rates or new promotion then please click on ‘my account/login’. Having logged into your account you can click on the ‘add special offer’ link on the right hand side of the page which will bring you to a short form in which to add the offer/discount you have available. Please remember to preview and save this information before exiting the site.

This information will appear on the homepage under the freebies and deals section and also under your own directory listing

Advertising FAQs

Q1 How much does it cost to advertise on Communitybuyer?

The generic directory listing is FREE of charge. Other advertising opportunities and costs are as oulined below:

Banner advertising costs are:

Banner Ad (728px x 90px PNG format) : £60 per month
Box Ad 1 (300px x 250px PNG format) : £50 per month
Box Ad 2 (300px x 250px PNG format) : £50 per month
Minimum term of one month, maximum one year (including one month free in each six month period)

Q2 How long does my advertisement stay on the site?

Your advertisement will appear on the site for the period of time purchased, however if payment is not received within 30 days it will be automatically removed.

Q3 What do I do to add my advertisement to the site?

If you wish to avail of some of the excellent opportunities to advertise your product, service or organisation on the site, as well as having placed your free listing, then click on 'sign up' on the homepage.

If you have already created an account then click on my account enter your username and password scroll down to the end of the create listing form where you will be asked ‘Are you interested in advertising on communitybuyer?‘ If you tick ‘Yes' then the communitybuyer administration team will get back to you to discuss the advertising options and rates, and to finalise and approve your advertisement. Alternatively you can contact communitybuyer administration at 028 9087 7777

This may be of help to those of you who are advertising on a website for the first time. Our in house team will be able to help you consider or prepare the advertisement.

Q4 How do I pay?

You can pay communitybuyer directly via cheque or Bacs. However once your advertisement has been approved it will appear immediately on the site. Payment must be received within thirty days or your advertisement will be removed. Please make all cheques payable to NICVA.

Q5 Where will my advert be placed on the site?

Advertising locations are available on the communitybuyer homepage, the sections homepage and alongside every searched listing.

You can ensure your advertisement appears alongside the relevant business area by selecting to place your advertisement within the ‘searched by classification' option.

For more informaiton on advertising contact communitybuyer on 028 9087 7777

Reviews FAQs

Q1 What is a review?

A review is a comment and rating added by a previous customer of a supplier. Reviews are encouraged to help future and potential customer steer their purchasing decision towards suppliers who provide a good purchasing experience. The ratings and reviews are found on the each relevant listing.

As a supplier you can use communitybuyer to spread the word about the great service you've provided. Encourage your customers to post a review on your service adding their own and their organisation's name to the endorsement. This is important and will give credibility to the reviews.

What do the stars mean?

Along with the review comment, customers can add a star rating - 1 is poor, 5 is excellent. Customers must add a comment if they wish to give you a star rating.

Note: not every listing will have a review and rating.

Q2 How do I add my review?

To add your review and rating simply click on the summary listing of the supplier you wish to endorse. Once into the individual listing you can scroll down and see the full detail of reviews and comments left by others. Below this you will find a form asking you to post a review. Please complete, preview and save before exiting the form.

Q3 Why should I add a review?

One of the key aims of communitybuyer is to help those in the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland make better and informed decisions about what they buy and who they buy from. Thus previous customers are encouraged to help others by providing them with an insight of their purchasing experience.

Q4 As a supplier how can I see the reviews for my product or service?

To view the reviews on your product or service simply click into your listing. All reviews are listed below the information you have provided about your organisation.

Q5 How do I use the review to guide me in making purchasing decisions?

The best way to use the reviews to guide your purchasing is to search for the product or service you require. If a previous customer has submitted a review then a review button will appear on the lower right hand side of each listing. Click on the review button to reveal what others have had to say on their experiences.

FAQs on purchasing advice

Q1 What is purchasing advice?

One of the key aims of communitybuyer is to assist voluntary and community organisations in making decisions and more informed choices when purchasing more specialist products or services. Such purchases could include an organisation approaching a printer and/or designer to produce its annual report - in this instance communitybuyer would provide the organisation with a list of questions to consider before approaching a supplier. Another example maybe in the appointment of a management consultant - again the site will provide information to help the organisation prepare the correct brief and mange this process.

Purchasing advice is a library of information and guidance provided by communitybuyer and others on what you need to think about and how best to purchase specific products and services.

Q2 As a supplier, how can I help my potential customers and add purchasing advice?

The site encourages suppliers to also provide some advice around their own product or service which in turn will help the supplier customer relationship. To upload the acvice you have on your product or service go to my account and where you can see all the information you have on the site. If you wish to add or edit your advice just click on the link for purchasing advice and add you information.

Remember this is another opportunity to advertise free of charge on the site - add your logo and keep you instructions/advice clear and concise to suit all potential customers.

Q3 Where will this purchasing advice appear on the site?

Purchasing advice will appear alongside your listing and also with any other relevant search results within the same classification. Furthermore the purchasing advice section (see link from homepage) will hold a library of alphabetically listed articles.

FAQs on freebies

Q1 What is a freebie?

From time to time different products and services have been given to the sector by suppliers or even by other voluntary and community sector organisations free of charge. These have included second hand furniture and photocopiers, offers of short term professional advice and mentoring etc. To view the freebies on offer, click the freebies tab within the freebies and deals section of the homepage and the list of available products and services will appear.

Q2 How do I get the freebie?

When you have identified a free product or service that you are interested in, please make contact with the supplier directly at the number advertised on the site. Arrangements for delivery/collection of the products or services are the sole responsibility of your organisation and arrangements should be made directly with the supplier. As with all listings on this site communitybuyer has no responsibility for any transaction between buyer and supplier.

Q3 What happens if I am not happy with the freebie?

Communitybuyer has no responsibility for the standard of product or service advertised on this section of the site. Any issues arising from such transactions are the responsiblity of the supplier.

Q4 How do I add a freebie listing to the site?

To add a freebie to the site please click on 'sign up' or 'login' (if you already have an account). If its your first time on communitybuyer you will be asked to provide your contact name and telephone details.

For those organisations wishing to add a freebie but do not wish to have a directory listing. Please tick the appropriate box to confirm this option.

The information you add to this form will appear exactly as written on the site. Please remember to preview before saving and exiting the site.

Q5 What details to I need to provide about my free product or service?

Please give a clear and concise description of the service or product. Add your contact name. telephone number or email address. if your offer is time limited or quantity bound please state this in the summary. If you are providing a piece of equipment please make sure that it is in good working order and remember the responsibility to remove this offer from the site is the sole responsibility of the person/organisation that posted it.

FAQs on special offers

Q1 What are special offers?

The suppliers listed on this site come from the private, social economy and Fair Trade sectors. Many have shown a keen interest in working with the voluntary and community sector and will often give extra discounts and savings. To view the special offers, click the link within the freebies and deals section on the homepage.

Special offers will also appear on an individual supplier listing where relevant.

Q2 How do I add a special offer listing to the site?

To add a special offer, click on 'sign up' if its your first time on the site. This will take you to a form where you will be required to fill in your contact details, information about your organisation and primary contact details. An asterisk indicates the essential field to be completed. Once this is complete you can view what you have posted and will be offered the opportunity to add special offers to the site.

If you have an account please click on 'my account' or login where you will be taken to a view of all the information you curently have on the site. On the righthand side of this page you will see all of the offers you currently have on the site and asked if you would like to add anything further.

Remember the information you provide will appear exactly as you have written it on the site.

Q3 What detail to I need to provide about my product or service?

FAQs on NICVA deals

Q1 What are NICVA deals?

NICVA has negotiated several deals with private sector providers over the years based on its own experience with the companies involved. Just click on NICVA deals on the freebies and deals section of the homepage for more information on what's currently available.

Q2 How do I recognise a NICVA deal?

Look out for the NICVA member discounted badge to avail of any of the special deals that NICVA has negotiated on your behalf. Where relevant, the badge will appear on the listing for the individual product or services.

About Communitybuyer FAQs

Q1 Who owns or manages the site?

NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) is an organisation representing over one thousand organisations in Northern Ireland. You can find out more about the scale and profile of voluntary and community sector on www.communityni.org

Q2 Why has NICVA developed communitybuyer?

NICVA aims to provide a transparent and easy way for suppliers to connect with the voluntary and community sector and in turn help sector organisations find the best suppliers.

Q3 What's different about communitybuyer?

Communitybuyer is focused on services that are tailored for the voluntary and community sector; actively encourages social economy based enterprises; encourages ethical businesses and every supplier is encouraged to sign up to the community values; actively supports businesses which contribute to an environmentally sustainable future; encourages real reviews from real people in the voluntary and community sector; encourages suppliers to develop unique deals and brings economies of scale to sector procurement.

Q4 What is the history of communitybuyer?

The beta version of communitybuyer was launched in early 2008. Building on the success to date, NICVA has redeveloped the site to give suppliers and buyers an even better user experience.

Q5 What are the plans for the future?

NICVA is firmly committed to developing communitybuyer as a shared space for buying and selling of services and will continually market the site to members and the wider voluntary and community sector. The website will be developed on an ongoing basis using user experience testing and feedback from suppliers. The site has been built by the NICVA ICT team using the award winning open source content management system - drupal. You can keep up to date on the development process and plans for the future on the NICVA technical blog http://tech.nicva.org

or browse by classification