In this article, learn about: 

• How to become a supplier with True Value 

• Navigating the True Value onboarding process 

• Details about the True Value and Do It Best merger  

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The landscape of retail hardware is changing—again. In late 2024, True Value was acquired by Do It Best, bringing together two legacy names in the industry. While the merger sets the stage for long-term operational changes, the process for becoming a supplier hasn’t yet changed.  

This article takes you through the steps to become a supplier with the co-op hardware stores, what to expect during the onboarding process, and how the recent acquisition is reshaping supplier relationships. Whether you're drop shipping or shipping into warehouses, we’ve got tips and compliance insights to get you started. 

A Legacy Brand in Transition 

True Value operates as a retailer-owned cooperative. It is controlled by the independent businesses that are its members. This structure allows them to leverage collective buying power to negotiate better deals with suppliers and offer competitive pricing and services to their members (independent store locations). Do It Best operates a very similar business model with added benefits like distributing profits back to its members through rebates. 

While the models are set up to support the independent stores and the customer with easy access and low prices, small regional vendors and suppliers have found a profitable place in the co-op model of these high-powered retail giants primarily due to the volume of product moving through the supply chain.  

Related Reading: What is Supply Chain Resilience? 

In October 2024, True Value filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to liquidity challenges and pre-COVID market share erosion. Shortly after, they announced plans to sell to Do It Best. The sale took place for approximately $153M and was finalized in November 2024, thus preserving the True Value brand and its national chain of over 4500 independently owned stores.  

Do It Best reports that it aims to modernize and streamline operations within the supply chain while honoring the legacy that is True Value. For suppliers, this means working with a retailer that has strong purchasing power, is committed to growth, and is now backed by serious distribution power. It is important to note that this merger creates the largest member-owned hardware and lumber buying cooperative in the world.  

Bigger. Stronger. Faster.  

With the merger, a new campaign initiative was established between the hardware retailers— Bigger. Stronger. Faster — in which we are seeing an improved supply network in the consolidation of distribution centers, streamlined operations, and updates to technology.  

Do It Best and True Value distinguish suppliers based on two separate groups: 

Warehouse 

This method refers to suppliers who ship directly into the established distribution centers. This process includes: 

• Inventory Management: True Value purchases, owns, and manages inventory in its own warehouses which it then distributes among independent store locations.  

• Order Fulfillment: True Value ships products from its regional distribution centers to store locations and customers.  

• Scalability: Can be more scalable for established businesses with access to higher sales volumes.  

• Capital Investment: Requires more upfront capital for inventory and infrastructure development. 

Drop Ship (Direct Ship) 

This method refers to suppliers who utilize True Value’s platform and retail distribution network to sell directly to the consumer. The method includes: 

• Inventory Management: The supplier manages storage/shipping but does not hold any inventory. 

• Order Fulfillment: The supplier ships products directly to the customer.  

• Costs: Lower upfront costs as suppliers do not need to invest in large amounts of inventory or warehousing.  

• Scalability: Easier to begin, but many pitfalls still exist, such as limited control over quality. 

The decision between becoming a warehouse supplier and/or a drop shipping supplier depends on your specific needs, resources, and risk tolerance.  

Drop shipping is often favored by suppliers with limited capital and those seeking to test the market, while the warehouse distinction offers greater control and potentially higher margins. 

So far, logistics operations have only improved throughout the acquisition and merger, so suppliers should feel confident moving in either direction. True Value states that they value loyalty, honesty, transparency, and communication within their supply chain. They aim to seek out those same qualities in suppliers in order to ensure they are working as a team.  

How to Become a True Value Supplier 

For suppliers seeking to connect to the hardware and lumber network, there is a direct path that can lead to approval.  

Initial Contact 

Companies interested in becoming a True Value supplier should submit the following information to https://truevaluecompany.com/contact-us : 

• Select - “Merchandising Department” 

• Subject - "New Vendor Inquiry" 

• Business name, address, phone number 

• Contact name, email address, phone number 

• Products offered  

• Company website 

Qualify 

After emailing, suppliers can expect to hear from a Product Merchant, who will discuss the possibility of partnership as well as standard supplier requirements for True Value hardware.   

The Product Merchant will want to ensure mission alignment, product availability and pricing, as well as logistical track record. If approved, suppliers can then continue the registration process at: https://vendor.truevalue.com/apps/SupplierPortal/SupplierRegister.aspx 

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)  

True Value advises that not all transactions are completed using EDI. However, certain documents—such as Advance Ship Notices (ASNs)—may require it. 

During registration and conversations with the Product Merchant, suppliers will be advised of EDI guidelines and shipment-specific requirements. If EDI is required, True Value will establish dates for testing and live usage. 

Related Reading: Common EDI Document Types for the Retail Industry 

Format Approval and Setup 

Upon setup, suppliers will receive a few automated emails with their supplier account information (including supplier number), True Value Vendor Portal (VOL) login credentials, and notification of pending tasks as per the True Value hardware vendor checklist.  

True Value & Do It Best Supplier Program Changes in 2025 

With mergers come changes. A period of rapid optimization is underway as Do It Best supports the supply chain and logistical performance of True Value store locations, products, suppliers, and carriers.  

Supplier Scorecard & Compliance 

The most major change is to the supplier compliance program. In the past, True Value operated a scorecard to rate suppliers based on their: 

• On-time performance—tracks the rate and amount of on-time deliveries 

• Sell through rate—tracks the number of products sold from inventory 

• Delivery accuracy—evaluates the accuracy of order fulfillment (quantity and time) 

• Purchase order fulfillment—evaluates the accuracy of filling requested orders 

• Logistics documentation—tracks accuracy across suppliers, carriers, and warehouses 

• Item bar coding—tracks label accuracy, placement, and readability 

• EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)—tests accuracy, completeness, and timeliness 

• Invoicing—evaluates the accurateness of standard invoicing throughout partnership 

• Packaging and Labeling—tracks accuracy of packaging and labeling as per written instructions and requirements 

• Transportation/shipping—tracks the rate and number of late shipments, on-time deliveries, and carrier adherence 

These metrics are tied to fees, deductions, and chargebacks that enforce supply chain efficiency. 

For example, if multiple orders are shipped the same day to the same destination from the same origin but are not consolidated under a single bill of lading, the cost of multiple freight bills plus an administrative fee will be charged to the supplier. 

We can anticipate that these metrics will continue under the new ownership, though the level of tracking and enforcement may increase. More efficiency typically means stricter deduction rules for non-compliance. 

Best Practices for Suppliers 

To avoid the deductions, suppliers should: 

• Centralize documentation and data 

• Adopt the required technology 

• Set clear standardized operating procedures for teams and staff 

• Prioritize responsiveness and on-time deliveries 

Next Steps 

SupplyPike is monitoring the acquisition along with the compliance program shifts. We will be sure to update the information available as soon as new rules and standards are announced.  

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