IEEE Sponsored Discounts: FAQs

Q: Why are some discounts only available in certain countries?
A: Vendors are most interested in offering unique discounts to sizeable groups, or groups that represent a unique market for their products. For example, the US membership is approximately 200,000, whereas the next largest concentration of members is fewer than 20,000 in a country. This is why the US has historically been able to sustain more discount offers. As IEEE membership in various countries becomes more sizeable, we are investigating opportunities to offer comparable advantages in those countries.

Q: Shouldn’t IEEE be able to leverage the size and buying power of its global membership to obtain a global discount?
A: In general, the IEEE membership size per country is the key factor in determining whether IEEE can sustain a mutually productive relationship with a provider. Other considerations include national or local trade regulations, a vendor’s product distribution/logistics model, and the reality that even companies with a global sales footprint may not offer affinity group sales programs in all markets.

Q: If a company’s products are globally available on the internet, then why isn’t the IEEE member discount also available globally?
A: IEEE members are welcome to view all online offers. Insurance and credit cards are regulated by the prevailing government and eligibility requirements apply. Some of IEEE sponsored program partners have Web sites capable of supporting multi-country sales and distribution models and some do not. If a telephone order line is available in lieu of a Web site, then we indicate this option.

Q: What are IEEE sponsored discount programs or affinity group programs?
A: IEEE may license its brand to a vendor for the specific purpose of sponsoring a member discount program. This is not a product endorsement. IEEE, like other professional associations, alumni groups or employers, is an affinity group, which may be eligible for special pricing, because of the unique market our members represent to the vendor.

Q: How is the IEEE sponsored insurance discounted?
A:  Insurance may be a standard product sold at a discounted, group rate, or it may be an exclusive product in which the rates are based on plan experience factors. In either case, the product’s benefits and price are frequently benchmarked by IEEE and our insurance providers, to ensure that IEEE members receive excellent value.

Q: Why does IEEE, a learned society, agree to sponsor personal products and services?
A: IEEE members request discounts on insurance and personal products. Many indicate that these cost-saving benefits are important to their reasons for joining and retaining membership. Those members rely upon the personal benefits they can obtain through the IEEE, especially if they do not have employer benefits. In most cases, IEEE earns royalties from sponsored products which help to offset increases in member dues. (PDF, 184 KB)

Q: How does IEEE determine what discounts to offer?
A: IEEE identifies the need for a discount in a variety of ways, including feedback from member surveys and recommendations of volunteer committees or the IEEE professional staff. At all times, IEEE seeks discounts that will add value to membership for a significant number of members who would utilize the benefit. IEEE conducts a thorough assessment process, to determine whether a product should be added to our portfolio, and which provider should be granted a contract.

Q: Who approves the IEEE sponsored discount benefits?
A: In order to be an IEEE member benefit, an officer of the IEEE must sign a licensing and marketing agreement with the vendor, after a formal governance process occurs. The Individual Benefits & Services Committee (IB&SC) has the authority to review and recommend benefits to the Member and Geographic Activities Board for approval. In addition, insurance products are reviewed by the Insurance Committee. Some contracts may require approval by the IEEE Board of Directors. All sponsored discount programs will be administered by IEEE corporate staff.