A Closer Look at Distributor Claim Management Process With Bob Meinhard.
Computer Market Research (CMR) sat down with former Cisco Global Sales Operations Manager, current expert channel sales financial consultant and coach, Bob Meinhard, for a quick Q & A discussion regarding the current infrastructure of the modern-day “Ship and Debit” or distributor claim management process.
Before we jump into the interview, let’s take a brief look at what exactly the distributor claim management process entails…
Why do price adjustment programs exist?
The ultra-competitive, multifaceted, and unpredictable landscape of today’s marketplace presents manufacturers, distributors, and resellers all with a unique conundrum: .
As competition grows, opportunities lessen, and consumer demand exceeds production. Therefore, pricing has to be modified in order to appease (and maintain) the interest of end-users. Without implementing price adjustment programs, such as “Ship and Debit,” the B2B channel infrastructure will inevitably ignite into corporate-anarchy. This capitalist society, without a two-way communication between its channel partners, assures more problems than one would care to imagine.
What is a “Ship and Debit” agreement?
A “Ship and Debit” agreement is a process that addresses the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding certain regulations channel distributor(s)
must follow in order to retain “debited” compensation via rebated claims.
A “Ship and Debit” program exists because, in many situations, a channel distributor is required to sell the manufacturer’s product to resellers at a lower price. Such situations usually occur due to changing market conditions such as increased market competition or modification in customer demand.
What does a ‘general’ distributor claim management process look like?
Below is the actual Q & A interview/discussion between CMR and Bob Meinhard:
1.) CMR: “Almost every B2B transaction comes with some sort of pricing adjustment attached to it. However, not all companies seem to be tracking sales data via automation software.”
“What issues have auditors run into as a result of managing their distributor claim management process through more traditional methods?”
Meinhard: “Proper analysis of back-end discounts is complex. Using traditional methods, like Excel spreadsheets, to determine an accurate calculation of what’s to be credited to channel distributors is usually a recipe for disaster.”
“Many auditors are simply naïve to the infrastructure and function of the marketplace. For example, an auditor might ask, ‘Why don’t we sell products so that they’re sold at net end price?’ And for various reasons, companies simply don’t want to do that; they want the flexibility to change, modify or eliminate a program at any given time.”
2.) “What risks do companies face when estimating accruals without a robust system in place?”
Meinhard: “Companies have an obligation to their channel distributors. Without a comprehensive system to analyze the state of a business’s finances, there is little to no validity in accrual estimation.”
“In past experiences, I’ve learned that deploying a ‘best-guess’ strategy into accrual estimation could be potentially 100% wrong. Implementing a robust system allows you seamlessly [and properly] state your revenue and liability with channel partners.”
3.) CMR: “Do you believe managing relationships with indirect sales personnel is more complex when compared to managing price adjustments with direct channel distributors?”
Meinhard: “Definitely. The indirect model certainly doesn’t seem to alleviate any ambiguity commonly associated with today’s “Ship and Debit” module. But even though indirect channel management requires additional flexibility for a price adjustment and program modification, direct channel relationships are no less immune to experiencing some of the same types of complications.”
“Even on a direct basis, channel distributors still mandate rebate incentives in order to maximize the relationship they share with your company. Managing indirect rebate programs simply makes these adjustments just a bit more complex.”
5.)CMR: “Would you agree the less structured program is hurting the business paying the claim more than the business submitting the claim?”
Meinhard: “I would. In fact, I’ve seen deliberate attempts made by the personnel submitting the claim to take advantage of the ‘gray areas’; in the hope that the business paying the claim doesn’t have the resources to identify any misconduct.”
“For some companies, it’s a tactic to approach unstructured claims as a monetary opportunity for possible exploitation.”
“Ultimately, there should be a very high level of definition. The program should be defined so well that there is zero room to question or potential to manipulate a claim.”
About Bob Meinhard
Bob Meinhard maintains a revered reputation within the sales analysis community. With over 19 years in global sales operations management, international business, sales reporting, and channel sales consulting Meinhard continues to serve as an instrumental resource to corporate professionals and executives looking to broaden their expertise.
Meinhard has provided guidance, management, leadership, and support to several of the world’s most prominent computer networking enterprises and software development firms including Cisco (Linksys), Conexant Systems, Inc., and Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
Meinhard received his master’s degree (MBA) from the University of Dallas, with a focus on International Business and Management Information Systems. Outside the channel-sales universe, Meinhard regularly enjoys practicing photography, something he has been doing since the ‘70s. He produces the portrait, event, sport, fine art, and landscape imagery.
About Computer Market Research, Ltd.
Computer Market Research (CMR) delivers cost-effective, SaaS applications to channel organizations across the globe. CMR aims to assist these organizations in managing channel data, optimizing trade promotions, and building effective distribution channels. Founded in 1984, CMR’s innovative solutions convert data into intelligence.