Member FAQs

The IWDC’s membership criteria are governed by its cooperative bylaws. Generally, Members must be independent (no public ownership) and must be distributors of industrial welding & gases who generate a majority of their sales to end users within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. There are other factors which require further discussion with appropriate IWDC staff.

First, complete and submit our New Prospective Member Form. Once we receive it, IWDC staff will follow up to discuss next steps and answer questions about the IWDC. One key element will be a credit review as IWDC’s central invoicing process includes paying invoices directly to vendors, on behalf of our Members’ purchases. Our total application process essentially consists of both parties – you and the IWDC – continuing to exchange information until mutual interest has been verified – or not.

Of course. If necessary, you can search our Membership Directory to find current Members you might want to reach out and talk to. Be sure also to review the Testimonials on this website.

You could – and should – talk to existing IWDC members and our staff about our product sourcing Agreements. Beyond that, the IWDC could work with you to provide a cost savings analysis.

There is a one-time equity deposit, and annual dues are collected thereafter. Both are explained in detail as part of the application process.

IWDC Members each own a voting share, and the cooperative is governed by bylaws filed in the State of California. In addition to having a staff that manages day-to-day operations, a Board of Directors made up of Member principals provides oversight and stewardship.

Primary IWDC Committees include those devoted to:

Marketing – which focuses on key vendor programs, IWDC’s brands, and Web-based initiatives

Purchasing – which focuses on Volume/Growth/Rebate Agreements with key Vendor partners

Expense Control – which focuses on sourcing Agreements for back-office spend

We have several other committees to address gas sourcing, our PurityPlus® Specialty Gas program, Technology, Finance, Next-Generation and Expense Control to name a few.

Education, best practice exchange and networking that occur at our two annual meetings are valued by our Members therefore new Members who join our group come in with an expectation to attend meetings. Besides peer pressure, attendance is tracked and there is a fee structure imposed on Members who habitually miss meetings.

Please visit IWDC Owners' Meeting or Sales & Purchasing Convention here at iwdc.coop, or contact the IWDC via email for more information.