International Playthings Enlists Channel IQ for MAP Policy Enforcement

Quality toy supplier chooses Channel IQ for external online monitoring and channel pricing integrity across its entire product line.

via MarketWatch

A MAP policy is an integral component of a manufacturer's strategic dealer program covering the sales of a product line where advertising guidelines are used to help maintain a brand's positioning and value in the marketplace. While many manufacturers collect price monitoring information internally or from third parties, the data is often delayed, depriving manufacturers of necessary online pricing visibility. This visibility is required in order to spot unauthorized discounting in advertisements, grey market sales and even counterfeiting.

"The vast majority of online sellers stay in compliance," said Michael Varda, President of International Playthings, LLC. "We originally had an internal monitoring program in place, but it wasn't sufficient. By adding Channel IQ's automated services across our entire product line, we are trying to create an even playing field and support our retail partners while ensuring our products maintain the value they deserve."

Channel IQ gives manufacturers and retailers like International Playthings, LLC unprecedented visibility into who is selling their products online and at what price, providing actionable intelligence for them to manage optimal advertising and promotional programs for their sales channels, and most importantly its customers.

"Making sure a product is only being sold through authorized retailers and proper channels is a huge task for manufacturers, so our automated solution is a great resource saver," said CEO of Channel IQ, Wes Shepherd. "By working with International Playthings, we are expanding our service in an area that really helps protect consumers of all ages, in addition to this high quality manufacturer."

Channel IQ's expansion of International Playthings, LLC's product line ensures all channel partners can benefit from this tighter compliance. For more information on Channel IQ and its solutions, please visit www.channeliq.com

About International Playthings, LLC

Since its inception in 1967, International Playthings, LLC has excelled in the delivery of innovative and entertaining products with integrity, superior play value and child developmental qualities to consumers. Over the course of its 40-year existence, International Playthings, LLC has grown to become one of the largest and most respected suppliers of quality products to the North American specialty industry.

A subsidiary of Epoch Company Ltd., affiliate company International Playthings, LLC offers a comprehensive range of proprietary and distributed brands comprising a wide variety of award winning play things including games, infant toys, preschool toys, dolls, educational toys and activity toys. Additional information on International Playthings, LLC, its brands and individual products can be found at www.intplay.com .

About Channel IQ

Channel IQ is the leading provider of online retail intelligence solutions to manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Channel IQ provides real-time, online promotion and pricing information, empowering major manufacturers and retailers like Crutchfield, Olympus, and Denon & Marantz to quickly and profitably handle channel issues and competitive situations. Only Channel IQ combines integrated reporting, interactive applications and services to enable manufacturers and retailers to automatically act on real-time data. Channel IQ solutions are the result of cutting edge technology combined with decades of industry experience in channel management, distribution, online retail and manufacturing. For more information, visit www.channeliq.com.