OCSEA Extras
Your source on membership benefits & discounts

Union offers Purchasing Power's computer program

OCSEA members are now able to take advantage of a new computer-purchasing program offered through a business called Purchasing Power.

Browse OCSEA.PurchasingPower.com to learn more about purchasing options and to get started. Members may also call Purchasing Power at 1-866-305-3389.

For more details, review the FAQ below or download a printer-friendly version (PDF) to share with others.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who is Purchasing Power?
   
   
2. Has Purchasing Power worked with other unions?
   
   
3. What are the main features of the Purchasing Power program?
   
   
4. What are the PP ‘bundles’ like?
   
   
5. What brand names are offered?
   
   
6. Are participants in the computer purchase program required to have an 18-month loan?
   
   
7. Are there any restrictions on who may participate in the PP computer program?
   

Who is Purchasing Power?

PP is one of a number of independent buying and financing businesses that offers purchasing alternatives on lines of consumer products.

It packages, promotes and finances its offerings.

It has a reputation for excellent customer service and it will act as the administrator of the computer-purchasing program.

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Has Purchasing Power worked with other unions?

Yes. PP currently works with American Federation of Government Employees, a federal-employee union, the California State Employees Association, and an AFSCME affiliate in Maine.

These unions recommend PP and say the program has been well received by their members.

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What are the main features of the Purchasing Power program?

The computer purchase program is much like the other programs available through OCSEA Extras and AFSCME Advantage. In fact, the PP computer-purchasing program will be added to the OCSEA Extras booklet and web pages.

The Purchasing Power program offers "bundles" of brand name computer equipment.

PP offers the bundles at 0% interest with payments made through payroll deduction.

PP will not do credit checks and the payback period is 18 months/39 pay periods.

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What are the PP "bundles" like?

A bundle typically consists of a computer, printer, software, and monitor.

Brand-name bundles with both laptop and desktop computers are offered by PP.

There is no guarantee that the PP bundles will be the lowest priced. The main benefits of the PP program are the:

• no-interest loan
• easy payroll deduction
• easy credit
• brand name products and
• excellent customer service.

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What brand names are offered?

Currently, PP offers equipment from Dell, HP, Lenovo and Gateway.

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Are participants in the computer purchase program required to have an 18-month loan?

Yes, all participants initially are set up with and 18-month/39 pay periods loan.

This is different than the old CPP program that allowed up to 52 pay periods. 

However PP does not have a penalty for early payment, so participants can pay off the loan sooner if they wish.

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Are there any restrictions on who may participate in the PP computer program?

The only restriction is that the employee must be in an OCSEA state employee bargaining unit and have completed six months of service.

As part of the negotiations to use payroll deduction for these loans, state officials required that all bargaining unit members who have completed their probation be eligible.

Thus, even Fair Share employees can participate in the PP program.

Established Term employees are not eligible at this time.

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