Ordering supplies for services is an on-going process that starts with inventory control which allows an organization to have a better idea of how many supplies they need and when they will be needed.

Although SSPs order from a wide variety of vendors, the primary harm reduction and safer sex suppliers in the US are:

• NASEN
• Points of Distribution
• Total Access Group

Some of the tips that were offered by harm reduction leaders for setting up and/or simplifying ordering are:

• Centralize – both create a central location for order forms (either online or physically), and use a single payment method and/or a single place in time (like every Wednesday or every-other Friday) to help keep ordering and accounting clear.
• Create a process (“proceduralize”) and USE IT – centralization dovetails neatly with another main suggestion from leaders about ordering: “proceduralize” that is, create a formal procedure for ordering and stick to it.
• Rotate ordering – where appropriate, rotating this duty between staff members can help with both cross-training and sharing the burden.
• Know your vendors – get to know your vendors, what they carry, and how their ordering and shipping work.
• Flex NPO privilege – if you are an independent 501(c)3 be sure and get your sales tax exemption.
• Check orders against what is received – ALWAYS double check your orders and make sure you got what you paid for.