Here is an example of a rather stringent MAP policy/seller agreement.
This one is designed specifically to correct a rather bad situation relating to having too many sellers on one or more Amazon listings, which can be quite detrimental to a brand owner’s efforts to control their distribution channel.
To: All Brand X Distributing Customers
From: John Doe, CEO of Brand X
RE: MAP Policy Regulations & Online Restrictions
Please know that we truly appreciate your business. Brand X has always made a priority of communicating our vendors MAP information to all customers with the expectation that MAP restrictions be observed and followed. Staying compliant is a constant requirement in which violations have severe consequences – to you the customer and potentially to Brand X as well.
Due to recent occurrences with vendor relations, Brand X’s procedure has changed. We CANNOT continue to send out MAP warnings. This week we lost a vendor due to customers not following their selling guidelines.
As this has grown to be such a serious issue, we are implementing a non-negotiable policy as follows:
“All first offense MAP violators will receive ONE warning from Brand X. All second offense MAP violators will no longer be able to do business with Brand X. It is strictly the customer’s responsibility to recognize and represent the most current MAP.”
We understand that this notice may come as a shock to some; however, in order to maintain favorable vendor relations, it is a non-negotiable policy. If you find that you are unable to control MAP, we would suggest that you consider not selling any item that has a MAP. We are always happy to provide a spreadsheet (attached) which lists all items with their corresponding MAP. This information can also be found on our website.
Our ability to serve customers who depend on us daily is reliant upon strong relationships with our vendors. We have been told by customers in the past that they felt justified in selling below MAP because they discovered others were doing so; however, this philosophy will not be permitted. We will no longer be able to do business with those that choose to break MAP rules.
AMAZON – As we try to protect the value of our products, none of our items are to be sold directly on Amazon. This is a zero tolerance policy and if this does happen, we will not do business with the company that does so.
Please list any / all names for which you currently do business (including sales on Amazon), then sign and return this form by (insert date) to (insert email address)
By signing the below, I recognize that I understand the importance of maintaining accurate MAP pricing on any / all products which have MAP prices established by Brand X. I understand that products and their corresponding MAP are subject to change at any time without prior notice from the manufacturer.
Company Name(s) ______________________________________________________
(DBA) ________________________________________________________________
First / Last Name (Print) _________________________________________________
First / Last Name (Signature) _____________________________________________
Date __________________________________________________________________
We truly appreciate everyone’s business. This MAP policy is non-negotiable and no matter how big or small your business is, this must be followed. Thank you for your understanding.
Disclosure: The above agreement is a sample ONLY, and should be used solely as educational material. This agreement is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a qualified professional licensed in your state.