The Independent Media Agencies of Australia (IMAA) today announced what it described as a win for its members, after negotiating a “world-first” trade credit insurance group deal.
The group deal, successfully brokered by the IMAA, will see its members save up to 75 per cent on trade credit insurance, in some cases.
According to the IMAA, trade credit insurance protects agencies from bad debts including unpaid invoices caused by client bankruptcy and receivership, default, political risks, and other reasons.
The policy is usually commensurate with the value of advertising spend and the payment terms agreed with each client. Although rarely used, it is one of the highest costs for independent media agencies, the association said.
“We uncovered through our IMAA Pulse Survey that members wanted to look for ways they can save money as a group on big-ticket items,” IMAA general manager Sam Buchanan said.
“One of the biggest expenses for independent media agencies is trade credit insurance, so for the last three months, we have explored a group deal for IMAA members.
“This is an absolute game-changer for us, and the industry and we are thrilled to be able to offer this important cost saving initiative to our members.”
The IMAA held a webinar for members this week, hosted by Buchanan, IMAA chairman and Sandbox media director Ant Colreavy and a trade credit insurance specialist to explain the group deal, which was reportedly received “enthusiastically” by members.
“Many independent agencies were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw some trade credit insurers effectively penalise Australian-owned businesses as they ‘de-risked’ themselves,” Colreavy said.
“Limiting the amount of trade credit meant that agencies were left with no other option than to ask their clients for cash upfront or carry the exposure themselves. This new group deal is a massive win for IMAA members and one which will make us all sleep better at night.”
Further information is available at: https://www.theimaa.com.au/
