Computer and electronics distributor D&H Distributing is making it easier for its partners to become authorized resellers of IT vendor products.
Typically, resellers must go through an extensive vendor authorization process in order to buy products that are subject to minimum advertised pricing (MAP) and unilateral pricing policy (UPP) restrictions.
MAP and UPP policies have been instituted by manufacturers in order to keep product margins from dropping too dramatically due to aggressive pricing. VARs who wish to sell items covered by these guidelines must undergo a sometimes complex authorization process.
“Our vendors have been asking us to help them manage their authorization programs, and at the same time, customers who want to sell their products under these guidelines have been asking us to make the process easier,” explains Jeff Davis, D&H’s senior vice president of sales. “We devised a totally automated and real-time process that accommodates the needs of both vendors and customers.”
Shortening the Authorization Process
The authorization process, which documents a VAR’s compliance responsibility, usually requires the engagement of an account representative and can take hours or even days. Products frequently subject to authorization guidelines include displays, PCs, storage drives, audio equipment—merchandise that has historically suffered quick commoditization.
“With our new tool, eligible resellers need only to click a ‘Get Authorized Now’ button at any point during an online product search or order. The authorization process is approved instantly,” states D&H in a press release submitted to Channelpro-SMB.
Upon quick approval VARs can view and print a list of the different items covered under each vendor authorization as well as plus other key policy details. †
