Samsung Electronics overhauls U.S. partner program
Samsung
Electronics recently announced it has revamped its Power Partner
Program for its U.S.-based reseller partners. The overhauled program
would feature a new channel infrastructure and 30 new field reps to
help solution providers generate demand.Marco Nalli, marketing manager,
IT division, for Mississauga, Ont.-based Samsung Electronics Canada
Inc., said the revamped U.S. program comes at a time when Samsung’s
focus is on growing its printer and multifunction printer (MFP)
business in both the corporate and commercial markets.To that end,
similar efforts are being made to enhance Samsung Canada’s program
vis-à-vis new loyalty rewards for partners and new printer and MFP
products to be unveiled in the coming months.”We’re still working on
the front-end of our program, the silver, gold, platinum and diamond
type of structure,” Nalli said, adding details on the loyalty program
and new products are forthcoming.The Power Partner Program involves
Samsung Information Technology Division’s line of displays, printers
and ultra-mobile systems and Samsung in the U.S. said it would recruit
new solution providers from its competitors.
The Power Partner Program now features three tiers — silver, gold, and platinum — versus one previously.
The
silver level requires VARs to sell a minimum of $50,000 (U.S.) in
Samsung product on a rolling 12-month basis. Those VARs get access to a
named field sales rep, demo program and a dedicated in-bound inside
sales rep. The gold level requires $150,000 in sales over 12 months and
it provides partners with MDFs, priority authorized service provider
certification and administrator access to MDF accrual. At the platinum
level, VARs must sell $500,000 in Samsung products on a rolling
12-month basis. Partners in the platinum tier also receive quarterly
volume incentive rebates, priority roadmap access, a seat on the
reseller council, special premium pricing and priority field sales rep
support.”Previously under a single tier structure, we were locking out
several smaller reseller partners from participating in the program,”
Nalli explained. “We’ve increased our focus and we’re more aware of
their businesses . . . obviously, we want to grow our reseller base
with dedicated partners focused on Samsung and in turn grow our
business in the corporate and commercial markets. We’ve been successful
in the retail market with our displays and printers, and we’re seeing a
lot of potential in the commercial and corporate space.”