Epson Unveils Industry-Unique VAR Program; Comprehensive Program Supports Strategic Partnerships in the POS Industry

Business Wire, Jan 18, 1999

TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 18, 1999--Epson, a leading supplier of value-added POS solutions, Monday unveiled details of the new EPSON Acclaim program for strategic Value-Added Resellers (VARs) at the National Retail Federation Conference and Expo in New York.

Implemented through a dedicated, VAR-only Web site, the Acclaim program features comprehensive marketing and technical support, as well as a unique leasing/finance program.

"We believe that Epson Acclaim is unrivaled in the retail POS industry," said Bud Weist, director of sales and marketing, Epson. "The extensive research and thought that went into the development of Acclaim resulted in a dynamic partnering program that further demonstrates Epson's commitment to the importance of channel relationships."

Smart Technology, Smart Business

The Acclaim program offers direct, online instant access, via its private Web site, to a wide range of joint marketing options and tools 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Acclaim's exclusive Web site plays a primary role in communications between Epson and its resellers, providing secure and immediate access to up-to-date program and product information, marketing materials, bulletins and publications.

Acclaim marketing program elements include: a cooperative marketing program, electronic marketing toolkit, public relations support and national sales assistance. Technical support programs include 24x7 phone support, technical applications assistance, Web-based training and education, and revenue-generating service offerings.

"We understand that today's VARs must be technically savvy and have the best combination of product and service solutions to offer their customers," said Weist. "The Acclaim program provides Epson resellers the most advanced products, sales assistance, service options and marketing support available today."

Cooperative Marketing Program

The Acclaim co-op marketing program is designed to help resellers develop targeted marketing promotions for Epson-based solutions. For example, co-op funds can be used to fund development of advertising, direct marketing campaigns, tradeshow promotions and seminars. Unique to the Acclaim program, VARs can get up-to-date, Web-based information on co-op advertising approvals, expenditures and remaining allocations.

Complimentary Marketing Materials

Acclaim resellers also have no-charge access to a full range of high-quality sales tools. A comprehensive electronic marketing toolkit is available providing resellers with brochures, data sheets, launch kits, application success stories and news releases to assist VARs in compiling needs-specific proposals.

National Sales Support

A key element of the Acclaim program is national sales assistance. Acclaim resellers automatically have access to Epson's national sales force for assistance on joint sales calls, strategic account planning and executive representation in strategic opportunities.

In essence, Acclaim resellers have an "instant" national network of sales and technical assistance. This collaboration ensures the best possible level of service and support for the reseller's customer regardless of the customer's geographic location. Resellers may also take advantage of Epson corporate facilities for key product demos and meetings.

Innovative Lease/Financing Program

Epson provides its Acclaim resellers with innovative and unique financing alternatives unmatched in the industry. Resellers can now offer flexible leasing and/or financing programs to their customers. The customizable program allows customers to include software, hardware (Epson and non-Epson), professional services, training and service contracts plus capital improvements including refinancing and mid-term upgrades.

"Our financial program is designed as an important tool to allow our resellers to expand their services and offer their customers something that is unique in this industry," said Weist.

Responsive Technical Support

Understanding that responsive support and integration services are key to a reseller's success, the Acclaim program provides immediate access to Epson technical support when and where a reseller needs it. Technical assistance through the Advanced Product Support Center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Technical applications engineers are also available to provide hands-on advisory support for technical sales calls, pre-sales configurations, evaluations and product installations. To help reseller technical staff stay up to date, detailed documentation of all Epson POS products is available through online technical publications and bulletins.

Additionally, because documentation is available online, resellers can efficiently and cost-effectively create customized manuals for their customers.

Web-Based Education

Epson Knoware University provides self-paced, interactive education and training modules to allow resellers to "take classes" whenever and wherever they like, minimizing expense and interruption of business. The courseware provides detailed, up-to-date product information for the sales force and enables technical staff to create, install and troubleshoot systems faster and more efficiently.