A MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) violation occurs when a retailer advertises a product below the manufacturer’s established minimum price. MAP policies help protect brand integrity, ensure fair competition, and support sustainable profit margins for all partners. In this document explains how to use Flxpoint to update your product listings once you have received a MAP violation notice from the manufacturer. It also outlines best practices for ecommerce sellers to address such concerns.

Using Flxpoint to Correct MAP Violations

Note: Flxpoint does not monitor or identify MAP violations automatically. Instead, manufacturers (e.g., through companies like Kinsey or directly via brand representatives such as Nightstick) will notify you when a violation occurs. Once you receive a violation notice, follow these steps using Flxpoint:

Step 1: Review the MAP Violation Notice

• Notification Received Outside Flxpoint:
  The manufacturer or their representative will reach out with a notice detailing the violation. This notice should include relevant details such as the date, product name, UPC, SKU, current advertised price, and the required MAP price.

Step 2: Analyze the Violation Details

• Examine the Notice:
  Review the provided information carefully to understand which product listing is affected and the discrepancy between the current advertised price and the required MAP.
• Identify the Cause:
  Determine whether the issue stems from outdated pricing information, manual errors, or other causes.

Step 3: Use Flxpoint to Update Product Listings

• Update Pricing:
  If the violation is due to outdated or incorrect pricing, log into Flxpoint and use the listing module to adjust the advertised price to meet the MAP.
• Consult Distributor Information:
  If you suspect that the issue originates from outdated distributor data, reach out directly to your distributor for an updated price list and then update your listings accordingly.

Step 4: Follow Up Internally if Needed

• Escalation:
  For repeated or unresolved violations, involve your internal compliance or brand protection team to address the systemic issues.

Note: Since Flxpoint does not provide real-time monitoring or automated notifications for MAP violations, all updates must be manually initiated after receiving a notice from the manufacturer.

Good Ecommerce Practices for MAP Compliance

Even after receiving a violation notice, following best practices will help maintain reseller confidence and protect your brand’s reputation:

Regular Price Auditing:
Routinely review all your product listings across channels. While Flxpoint does not flag violations automatically, maintaining a regular audit schedule can help prevent discrepancies.

Clear Communication:

• Keep your distributors and resellers informed of any pricing changes.
• Ensure all partners have the latest price lists and MAP policy updates.

Timely Corrections:

• Upon receiving a violation notice, update your listings promptly.
• Quick corrections help minimize negative consumer perception and avoid conflicts with manufacturers.

Data Analysis:
Use historical data and manual audits to identify trends in pricing discrepancies. This analysis can help adjust your MAP strategy and reduce future violations.

Support and Training:
Provide regular training to your team and resellers regarding MAP policies and the procedures to follow when a violation notice is received. An informed team is better equipped to act swiftly and correctly.

For further reading on best practices in MAP enforcement, consider resources from industry leaders such as 42Signals and Brand Alignment.

Sample MAP Violation Notice Template

Below is an adapted template for notifying a reseller about a MAP violation. This notice serves as both a reminder and a guide for corrective action:

Subject: MAP Policy Violation Notice – Immediate Action Required

Dear [Retailer Name],

Our records indicate that your listing for [Product Name] (UPC: [UPC], SKU: [SKU]) is currently advertised at $[Advertised Price], which is below our established Minimum Advertised Price of $[Policy Price].

Violation Details:

To maintain our brand integrity and ensure fair competition across our network, please update your advertised price immediately to comply with our MAP Policy.

If you have received updated pricing information from your distributor, adjust your listing accordingly. Should you require further clarification or assistance, please contact our support team at [Support Email] or call [Support Phone Number].

Thank you for your prompt cooperation.

Sincerely,
[Your Brand Protection/Compliance Team]

Conclusion

Once you receive a MAP violation notice from the manufacturer, Flxpoint can be used to quickly update your product listings and correct the advertised pricing. By integrating manual updates through Flxpoint with proactive ecommerce best practices, you can protect your brand’s reputation and support your reseller network effectively.

For any further assistance, please consult the Flxpoint Help Center or contact our support team.