Targus Inc. has enhanced its PartnerVantage program in the U.S and promises Canadian partners it plans to update its strategy for the Canadian marketplace in the near future as well.
The Anaheim, Calif.-based notebook carrying case and accessory supplier launched its enhanced partner program in the U.S. earlier this week. Building on the existing ParterVantage program, which was launched in the U.S. and Canada last year, the enhanced program now includes a Business Development Resource Centre. The centre includes a points system designed to benefit resellers by providing them with marketing support and tools to help boost sales.
“With the new program we wanted to offer a paperless, online tool for resellers to collect and view points based on their distribution purchases,” said Al Giazzon, vice-president of marketing with Targus. “They could then use those points to pay for and acquire samples and marketing tools.”
Giazzon says the new fully automated system allows VARs to log into personal, designated accounts using an online portal to view purchasing information, points they’ve accrued and marketing support tools. Targus promises its PartnerVantage program will not only increase partner profitability, but reseller knowledge and customer satisfaction as well.
With the enhanced program currently slated just for the U.S., Giazzon said Targus has not ruled out the option of later introducing the new features in Canada.
“We’re still investigating what the next enhancements should be in the Canadian market,” said Giazzon. “We’re currently working with Canadian distributors to see what we need to do. We may not even make the same enhancements to the Canadian program and instead [we] may do something else with our partners in Canada.”
But no matter what changes and enhancements are made, Targus maintains it will not lose sight of its partner focus.
“We’re very focused on quality as opposed to [the] quantity [of our partners],” Giazzon said. “We want to focus and lead with our VARs. It’s not so much about growing our VARs, but really developing the ones that lead with us.”
Members of the PartnerVantage program have access to an 800 number as well as a partner website, sales and marketing support along with training materials, incentives and technical support services. Partner margins also range between 20 and 30 points with Targus, Giazzon said.
Looking ahead, Giazzon forecasts future Targus Inc. plans by saying continued partner support will be delivered no matter what happens.
“Wherever our VARs are, we want to continue to leverage technology and we will support our VARs to help them drive home the importance of notebook accessories and cases with their sales.”
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