ViewSonic Provides Big Pay Day For Partners With New Channel Program

The enhancements to the company's Finch Club channel program for the first time rewards partners for both volume sales and vertical specialization.

The program, for example, includes a new digital signage specialization that for the first time provides those specialty VARs back-end rebate. ViewSonic said those digital signage resellers have the opportunity to earn an eight percent incentive rebate along with special dealer demo programs with as much as 75 percent off manufacturer's suggested retail price.

The program also includes what ViewSonic is calling a "reseller bounty," a deal-registration like incentive that gives VARs cash rewards for including ViewSonic Regional Business Managers in meetings with prospective clients.

Mark Conrad, an account executive for Prosys, an Atlanta, Ga. solution provider, estimates that those partners that take advantage of all the incentives and rebates could add as much as 10 percent to their bottom line. "That's pretty substantial in a market with razor thin margins," he said.

Conrad praised the long-time channel friendly display vendor as a loyal and responsive channel partner with one of the industry's best channel programs. "On a scale one to ten, I give ViewSonic an eight," he said. "I don't like to give anyone a 10. This is a highly rated channel program."

Conrad said the ViewSonic channel effort also stands out because of the simplicity and ease of doing business with the company. "They are not as complex as some of the other vendors," he said. "There are not as many multiple layers and it is easier to get paid on rebate incentives."

The new channel program represents a return of sorts to the kind of robust, tiered channel program that ViewSonic had in place before the industry downturn took hold in 2008.

The new Finch Club offering provides four tiers that offer additional benefits based on achieving revenue goals (Bronze - $15,000 - $99,000; Silver - $100,000 plus; Gold- $100,000 - $149,000; Platinum - $150,000 - $249,000 and $250,000 plus). Platinum members also get access to a dedicated VIP customer support line. In addition, gold and platinum members receive complimentary sales collateral.

ViewSonic is also launching a North American Advisory Council based on sales as well as an application process that begins in January 2011.

The general program enhancements go into effect Sept. 1 with the tiered program taking hold in the fourth quarter.

"Our message to VARs is we understand your needs," said Adam Hanin, vice president of marketing for ViewSonic Corp. Americas. "For over 20 years you have recognized us time and time again as a partner you can trust. We will continue to be there for you as you build your business. Our message to competitors: get out of the way. Here comes ViewSonic with a bigger and better (channel) program."