Tips & Tactics for Improving Your Co-Op/MDF Programs

According to a recent poll, when asked about their attitudes toward manufacturer MDF/Co-op programs, most partners stated that they either had no knowledge of the programs or did not see the value in participating. Of those channel partners who do participate, most expressed the need for more user friendly co-op programs that also fit the way they do business. They stated that the hangups with most co-op/MDF programs are long delays in getting claims processed, approved, and paid in cash. Below are a few tips on how to improve the impact of your co-op/mdf programs:

1. User-friendly Programs

Ensure that the program process for approvals and qualifying for funds are clearly documented. If a partner has questions, be sure there are FAQ's readily available and provide a list of POP options for partners to review.

  

2. Show Them the Money

Integrating an electronic funds processing solution can reduce time to payout by as much as 65%. It also provides an audit trail and makes it easy to measure funds disbursement for reporting metrics and remediation.

3. Seamless Processes

There should never be gray areas when a partner inquires about a claim request or payment information. Keep your partners happy by automating the process where partners can have a dashboad view of each claim.

4. Automate, Automate, Automate!

Making Co-op/MDF available to partners via the web will simplify submitting claim requests.  With a system that provides a step-by-step process, auto-populated information, funding validations, and internal reports, you will wonder how you ever managed without it!

Here are some things to consider when searching for the right Co-op/MDF solution:

1. Timeframe - A co-op/MDF application can take anywhere from six weeks to two years to deploy. Not  to mention the internal resources it will take to customize a solution and the time it will take to implement.

2. Budget & Cost -  Most Co-op solutions require a set-up fee and possibly back-end integration. One important thing you want to consider is if the solution supports the entire Co-op/MDF process from fund disbursement to metrics and reporting. Also, who will handle any customer support issues if they arise.

3. Scalabilty - Does the solution allow for growth or changes? Can the solution be deployed internationally and does the system support multiple languages and currencies?

CMR Co-op/MDF™

CMR's Co-op/MDF module automates traditional administrative processes and manual reporting functions to improve efficiency, accuracy and return on investment from trade promotion funds. The entire process can be completed in less than 5 minutes.

Features and Benefits

• CMR Accelerates Co-op/MDF Fund Approval Process
• Simplifies Processing
• Saves Time
• Reduces Labor Costs
• Helps Monitor ROI
• Improves Planning and Development of Marketing Programs
• Generates Custom Analytics
• Secured Data
• Allows Instant and Secure Access, 24/7