One idea is to negotiate with another museum, perhaps a state one, that is
buying these materials in quantity -- and simply work through them, as need
arises, to get a discounted rate if one exists.  There are other instances
of collaborative purchasing by museums, but I know of none in the west.
-----Original Message-----
From: DAN SEBBY <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, April 02, 1998 9:36 PM
Subject: Museum Suppliers


>I am a volunteer staff member with the California State Military Museum in
>Sacramento.  As with most museums of our type, we are managed by retired
and
>serving members of the Armed Forces, not museum professionals.  For
talented
>amatures, we've been told that we do a pretty good job by the
professionals.
>
>Anyway can anyone recommend a good general museum supply house.  Buying
>things like foamcore on the retail market is playing hell with our budget
>and I'm sure that we can get these items for a better price.  We are also
>looking for archival supplies and storage systems, display cabinetry, etc.
>
>Please e-mail your replies as well as posting them.  I'm having problems
>with my news server.
>
>Thanks!
>
>P.S.  Any California residents who haven't done your taxes yet, please
>remember our museum on the checkoff section of you Form 540 State Income
Tax
>Return.  Thanks again!
>
>Dan Sebby
>Sgt. Maj.