Frequently Asked Questions

Are additional Savings offered for large groups?

Some vendors offer increased savings opportunities for committed volume groups. For example, Ecolab offers contract pricing and PPD cost guarantee programs to eligible groups of ten or more facilities. Also, many food manufacturers offer "committed volume" pricing for formulary compliance, i.e., BIB juice and coffee. To learn more about Tidewater's discount purchasing programs, please contact your Account Executive.

What is Tidewater's responsibility in regards to my order?

It is the responsibility of each facility to perform its own purchasing, using the advantage of Tidewater's purchasing leverage. As such, Tidewater's role is to research, establish, evaluate, and maintain vendor contracts for the use and benefit of our members. Tidewater makes no warranties for goods purchased under the program and is not liable for loss or damage arising from the use of such merchandise.

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

When placing your first order as a Tidewater member, please advise the vendor that you are a member of Tidewater Group Purchasing and wish to be placed on our pricing contract. Additionally, a completed Affiliation Declaration, located on the "Contact Us" page of this website (located under the "Service" tab, will assure your participation in Tidewater contracts with affiliated vendors. Please refer to the "Suppliers" tab for vendor and manufacturer information.

How does Tidewater evaluate the approved vendors?

Member satisfaction is one of our highest priorities. Tidewater performs vendor evaluations and distributor audits annually to assess our approved vendors. In conjunction with our chain group members, Tidewater often participates in formal product cuttings held at food distributor branch locations. Products are evaluated and scored based on quality, yield, cost, and other established criteria.

How often will my prices change?

The frequency of price changes varies by vendor. In general, prices for dietary products can change monthly and may increase or decrease as market conditions apply. Certain market-sensitive housekeeping and maintenance products may incur up or down fluctuations a couple of times per year. Products used in administration and nursing, as well as furniture, fixtures and equipment, are contracted on a yearly basis.

How does Tidewater select the approved vendor?

Tidewater's purchasing expertise comes from working in the LTC industry for over 20 years and from interacting with purchasing professionals on a daily basis to understand their operational and cost containment needs. Tidewater's vendor and product ion process is based on in-depth negotiation, group product evaluations and formal bidding.

Who should I contact for additional information?

If you need additional information, price lists, or catalogs, please contact the specific vendor. You may also call Tidewater Group Purchasing's Contracts Department by dialing (800) 638-9008. You may also call your Tidewater Group Purchasing Account Executive or Tidewater Group purchasing's Contracts Department.

When placing an order, why should I mention that I am a Tidewater Member?

When utilizing Tidewater approved vendors, please remember to mention that you are a Tidewater Group Purchasing member. This will insure that you are receiving our negotiated savings and program benefits. Tidewater's contracts offer significant savings and access to special services.