Common issues facing channel members today: Issue #2 , Managing Vendor Relationships
Many vendors today end up becoming your competition. We see it happen all the time. You begin working for them, you hand over your database, and before you know it, they’re selling directly to your channel….without you. Suddenly you have to compete against the big guys.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding to work with a vendor to make sure you avoid becoming their competition:
- Does the vendor have a committed channel program?
- Does the vendor’s services integrate with your tools?
- Does the vendor have a clear platform for receiving feedback and input on their products?
- Does the vendor have an API for the product?
- Is there a good return on investment (ROI)?
I’m very happy to report that Wildix can answer “Yes” to all of these questions.
Does the vendor have a committed channel program?
Wildix has an excellent partner program that offers technical and sales training, marketing assistance, and 24/7 support. You name it, we work to provide it for you.
Does the vendor’s services integrate with your tools?
We also have a long list of integrations with other products and services; doorphones, CRM, ERP, hotel management systems…Chances are, if it’s out there, we can integrate it. See the full list of integrations here.
Does the vendor have a clear platform for receiving feedback and input on their products?
Wildix places high value on partner feedback. We have a partner portal where you can submit tickets for any issues you may have. However, we also offer something very unique – Wildix Tech Wizards. We utilize the power of social media, and invite all of our partners to join this group. It’s an excellent community of Wildix employees and partners, creating a platform of endless support and questions and news.
Learn about new releases, suggest an improvement, report an issue, brag about an installation you did, work with others in the Wildix community to solve problems, and so much more.
Wildix is not going to abandon you once you’ve signed on to be a partner. We have a very approachable community that wants to help you succeed, by listening and learning about what you have to say.
Does the vendor have an API for the product?
APIs from a technical standpoint, allow the capabilities of one computer program to be used by another. They are a means by which two different programs are able to communicate. For a lot of partners, this is huge, because it allows for them to integrate the product with other software.
So, does Wildix have and API? We sure do. Read about it here:
https://www.wildix.com/us/tapi-integrations/
Is there a good return on investment (ROI)?
It is important for a MSP-Vendor relationship to have a good ROI. As MSPAlliance says, “Yes the technology works, yes the market is in need of this service, but how do we all make a reasonable return on our investment without damaging or taking advantage of the important business needs of both parties. At the end of the day, it is about being able to provide end-customers with viable solutions at reasonable prices, while ensuring that vendors not only make a reasonable return on their products, but also that they will have the revenue necessary to properly support and enhance their products well into the future.”
Because Wildix sells only through the channel, you do not have to worry about suddenly becoming competition. As we like to say, “Stop being an agent for someone else’s solution.” We offer our products at affordable rates, and because we do not sell through distribution, you are in control of your margins. It’s a win-win for both us as a vendor, and you as a service provider. Your success, is our success.
Interested in hearing more about how to protect yourself from competing against your vendors? Contact us a request a demo.