Skip to main content

Hey Gang,

 

I am trying to get a feel for what formal programs the MFP manufacturers are offering to allow dealers to partner with other dealers to ensure support for MFP/MPS accounts that are outside of their service area.

 

I know Xerox does a good job with this and I've heard some chatter form the other OEMs about programs like this, but I can't find any evidence online.

 

How do your MFP manufacturers facilitate service for your larger and geographically-diverse accounts?

 

Thanks for any insights.

 

- Jake

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

from  what I see, we have a network of dealers that we do business with.  They ship systems into our territory, we ship them to theirs.  In the past at least for Ricoh there was a DMAP program.  Not sure if it still exists, problem was that Ricoh was giving that service to Ricoh Business Systems.  Thus before the company I work for was bought, we would make or own contacts and work out our own deals.  Note: If you did not specify a servicing dealer with your DMAP order then Ricoh Business Systems would be the service provider.

 

Anyone else care to comment on this?

I do a lot of this. I avoid like the plague using Ricoh Direct. I take the time to locate a Ricoh Family Group Independent Dealer, I send for signature an Inner-territorial agreement that spells out the who, what, and where's as well as the how much. Ricoh has established maintenance minimums and I find that as long as I am above that everything goes smoothly.

When you place the order you designate the servicing dealer and Ricoh ships the unit to them and deposits the installing dealer credits into their dealer account.

Because I handle major accounts, probably half of everything I sell goes outside our servicing area.

I think Canon has made it the easiest IMO. We have done some with the Ricoh product but our warehouse and purchasing people find it a nightmare compared to Canon. Canon has a set price for each machine. Sometimes you can stick to it, other times on thin deals you can't. Most of the dealers we deal with are willing to work wtih us on the install fees.

 

With Canon we get send the dealer and Install agreement and then they send us their dealer code. Once we have that it gets put with the order and the servicing dealer goes online and accepts the PO and then it ships to them. Being members of the CDA we try to use them first and then if no one is available in the particular market we will find someone in that market other than direct. We avoid them like the plague as well.

 

As much harm as the directs have done to this industry, the last thing I want to do is send them business.

Last edited by Jason H

Add Reply

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×