Three more aftermarket companies implement MAP policies
News release
In order to protect their dealers and prevent devaluation of their brands, three more aftermarket companies have joined the recent trend of implementing a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy.
Here are news releases from each of the three:
MSR Hard Parts
In order to protect its dealers and prevent devaluing the brand, Malcolm Smith Racing (MSR) Hard Parts is pleased to announce the implementation of a Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy. This MAP policy becomes effective January 1st, 2015 for distributors and dealers alike. Any retailer advertising products at lower than suggested retail prices will be subject to disciplinary action which could include termination of their dealer account.
“The MAP policy is being implemented in order to preserve our reputation for providing customers with high value products,” explains MSR Hard Parts Brand Manager Jason Gearld. “MAP will protect the integrity of the brand reinforcing our strong after-sales support and further enhancing the MSR Hard Parts brand image and competitiveness in the marketplace.”
This MAP policy is being implemented unilaterally and applies to all distributors, retailers and resellers of MSR Hard Parts products to end users in the United States. Resellers of MSR Hard Parts products will have until February 28th, 2015 to be in compliance with the policy.
All questions about this MAP Policy should be in writing and directed via U.S. Mail to MAP Policy Administrator, MSR Hard Parts, 1621 Alton Parkway, Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92606 or via e-mail to jgearld@tuckerrocky.com who will respond only in writing. No oral communications about this MAP policy are authorized.
Website: http://www.msrhp.com/company/map-policy
MAP Policy File: http://www.msrhp.com/downloads/map-policy.pdf
MAP Price List: http://www.msrhp.com/downloads/msrp.pdf
ProTaper
A pioneer in the motocross industry, ProTaper is now breaking new ground with its retail channels. As an integral component of an ongoing strategy to protect the integrity of the ProTaper brand, a comprehensive Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy is being initiated. “We are proud to announce that the new MAP policy goes live January 1, 2015, says Paul Perebijnos, ProTaper Brand Manager.
This MAP policy applies to all ProTaper distributors, retailers and resellers. Internet resellers of ProTaper products will have until February 28, 2015 to be in compliance with the policy.
“Essentially anyone advertising products at lower than 10% off suggested retail prices will be subject to immediate termination,” explains Perebijnos. “ProTaper stands for unsurpassed quality and a perpetual commitment to excellence… our MAP policy is just another demonstration of our commitment to our dealers, and ultimately our customers.”
ProTaper’s MAP policy is being implemented in order to preserve the brand’s reputation for providing customers with high value products. Adherence to this MAP policy will protect the integrity of the brand, reinforce ProTaper’s strong after-sales support and enhance the brand’s image.
“By leveling the playing field, we are protecting our dealers and increasing ProTapers competitiveness in the marketplace,” concludes Perebijnos.
RK Excel
RK Excel’s MAP policy goes into affect Jan. 1.
The following is a statement from RK Excel’s sales manager Robbi Roberts:
“This is something we have taken our time in writing, and after reviewing multiple pre-existing policies, we believe what we have defined is the most user friendly for all distributors and the dealers/resellers they support. I understand change is a difficult thing to accept, and for the majority of our distributors, dealers, and resellers there will be minimal impact. RKEA is not going to tell you at what price you can sell our product! What concerns us is how we are presented to the public. In some instances we have been approached by consumers asking if we have sold out to a Chinese entity given the price point at which our products are being offered. This is unacceptable and cannot continue. The disciplinary portion of the MAP policy is a four-step process, with no financial penalties for the first and second offense. With that being said, there is no ‘intent clause’ written into the policy. Punitive action is not taken until the third offense. RKEA believes there is no reason that would be acceptable beyond a second offense to entertain an unintentional violation of policy conversation.”
“RKEA’s reason for implementing this policy is to protect our brand and everyone who sells our products from distributor to the dealer/re-seller. We understand there will be questions, and we welcome those concerns and will do our best to work with everyone on a case-by-case basis. Please email your concerns to robbi@rkexcelamerica.com and I will do my best to reply as quickly as I can. The biggest offender to this policy is AMAZON, and after January 1, we will begin going after that market, to get the pricing under control. We have bought our own product from AMAZON for as much as 40% below retail, this cannot continue. It is not fair to those of you who have spent the money to stock our product only to have difficulty selling it due to be priced out of the market by a website. For this reason, we are going to give everyone until February 28th to become compliant with the new policy. RKEA is also asking that during this time period you communicate this policy forward to all of your dealers/resellers, and ask to return a signed electronic copy to you and to info@rkexcelamerica.com or robbi@rkexcelamerica.com.”
Click here to download RK Excel’s MAP policy.
Click here to download RK Excel’s MAP Disciplinary Steps.
