GoVets - American Flag - Hands - Heart Shaped with GoVets Logo and US patriotic flag and eagle in background

Introduction

Procurement - finding and purchasing the goods and services your organization needs – can be a logistical nightmare. This is especially true within government contexts or for businesses who value streamlined solutions and mission-driven suppliers. GoVets aims to change that. As the largest veteran-owned online store, GoVets offers a massive range of products tailored to the unique needs of government entities, businesses, and even savvy individual consumers. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about GoVets, from its founding mission to its capabilities and advantages.

Section 1: The Veteran-First Difference

Govets wasn't created merely as another online superstore. Founded in 2013, its core identity is based on being a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). This certification and their other diversity program memberships aren't just badges of honor – they create opportunities and demonstrate commitment:

  • Government Contracting: For federal, state, and local agencies, working with SDVOSBs can contribute to fulfilling small business contracting goals. GoVets, particularly with its GSA contract, is positioned to streamline those government acquisitions seamlessly.
  • Corporate Responsibility: Many corporations have supplier diversity programs. GoVets offers an easy way for these companies to source from socially responsible vendors.
  • Individual Choice: Consumers driven by a belief in supporting veteran-run businesses will gravitate toward the powerful narrative GoVets offers.

Section 2: What Can You Find on GoVets?

A good way to grasp the sheer scale of GoVets is to think of it as a hybrid between massive online retailers, industrial supply outlets, and your trusty local hardware store – except supercharged:

  • The Essentials: Office supplies (from paperclips to executive furniture), cleaning products, technology ranging from desktops to network infrastructure, you name it!
  • Industrial Powerhouse: If you're building, fixing, or maintaining facilities, you'll find everything from raw metal to tools to advanced HVAC components. Their selection in safety gear and PPE is essential for workplace compliance.
  • Specialized Equipment: Laboratory glassware, specific machining tools, or automotive fleet diagnostic tech – they dig into niches too.
  • Beyond the Product: Let's say you're a city office that needs 100 desks of a specific model and configuration. GoVets acts as a reseller and aggregator, potentially saving you significant time and procurement headaches.

Section 3: GoVets – Designed for Ease of Use

A massive catalog wouldn't be worth much without a way to navigate it. Govets prioritizes several usability features:

  • Filtering Power: Need fasteners of a specific material and size? Government-grade safety harnesses? Filtering tools help narrow down results fast.
  • Clear Pricing & Stock Info: Nothing's worse than building a purchase only to find something's backordered. GoVets' inventory link with warehouses provides reliable, up-to-date information.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Procurement pros will appreciate purchase orders, invoice options, and GSA contract compatibility. However, individuals aren't left out and can use regular credit cards or purchase cards.

Section 4: Advantages that Seal the Deal

  • Free Shipping: GoVets offers free shipping across the contiguous United States on their entire massive catalog. This alone is a powerful draw for those used to juggling added costs on complex orders.
  • Mission Beyond Sales: A portion of sales supports veteran non-profits. For value-aligned customers, every purchase has additional impact.
  • USA-Based Everything: Customer support, product sourcing when possible – their patriotism isn't just about ownership, it infuses operations at every stage.

Section 5: Is GoVets Right for You?

Here's a quick breakdown of who benefits most from GoVets:

  • Government of Any Size: From a small school district to a federal agency, if you're bound by public purchasing rules, GoVets simplifies navigating those waters.
  • B2B Buyers: If you're responsible for equipping an office, outfitting a construction site, or maintaining complex facilities, GoVets aims to minimize hassles.
  • Budget-Conscious: While not a discount store, free shipping and competitive pricing are attractive if your organization operates on a tight budget.
  • Ethical Shoppers: Want your spending to contribute to something positive? GoVets is transparent about its dedication to the veteran community.

Section 6: Customer Spotlight: Example Use Cases

1. The School District: Overburdened school IT manager Sarah tackles tech for several buildings. GoVets streamlines:

  • Bulk laptops for a grant-funded computer lab expansion
  • Projectors and interactive whiteboards for classrooms
  • Replacement network cable and hardware to troubleshoot aging infrastructure

2. The Construction Company: Project manager Bill's got deadlines looming. GoVets can quickly supply:

  • Temporary fencing and signage for a job site
  • Hard hats, boots, and other PPE for a new crew
  • Power tools needed to quickly replace a malfunctioning one

3. The Medical Clinic: Office manager Laura keeps a small healthcare office stocked. GoVets covers the everyday essentials:

  • Printer paper, ink cartridges, and medical exam supplies in bulk
  • Cleaning products and sanitation stations for waiting areas
  • Patient privacy forms and HIPAA-compliant storage and shredding equipment

4. The Research Facility: Lab Director Chen oversees sensitive projects. GoVets could secure:

  • Specialized centrifuge models for their workflow
  • High-grade protective wear and controlled-environment storage cabinets
  • Access to calibrated temperature monitoring and recording equipment

5. The Family-Owned Restaurant: Maria has modernized her parents' classic diner. GoVets helped stock:

  • New energy-efficient kitchen appliances
  • Updated point-of-sale system to handle mobile payments
  • Branded uniforms and merchandise for their loyal customer base

Section 6: A Few Things to Keep in Mind

  • Shipping Restrictions: As we discussed, their fantastic free shipping policy primarily applies to the contiguous United States. Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, and outside the US territories require special arrangements.
  • Product Specialization: Always confirm specifics! Govets might carry general tools, but for truly niche areas, consulting specialized suppliers might still be required.
  • Evolving Platform: Companies grow, and new products pop up all the time. It's smart to check GoVets frequently to see if they've expanded to areas relevant to your needs.

Conclusion

Govets represents an impressive blend of business savvy and impactful mission. For organizations focused on efficiency, supporting worthy causes, and streamlining the complexities of purchasing, GoVets deserves serious consideration. Their impressive growth and recognition (Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing) show potential customers are catching on to the revolution they represent.