The updated programme features requirements relating to original supplies sold online, including ensuring consumers are “not confused by advertising or information about alternative products”.
OPI (subscription) reported on the “next stage” of the Qualified Supplies Partner programme, the latest iteration of HP’s two-year revamp of its partner service. First announced in November 2013, the company stated that its distribution system would switch from “open” to “authorised”, adding that “we’re basically asking all of our reseller partners just to register with HP so we can know who they are”.
Major distributors have to be authorised by the OEM, and are required to apply for authorisation online with “pretty standard business information”. The main issue was that an authorised partner would invalidate its agreement with HP if it decides to resell HP products to a non-authorised reseller instead of the end-user – a big issue in terms of cartridge supply.
This was followed in April 2014 by the “Qualified” status update, where supplies partners were required to comply with new regulations and obtain “Qualified” status, or they would not be allowed to sell HP consumables. All “Authorised” resellers had to comply with “a compulsory set of new requirements”, which would give them “Qualified” partner status.
Any reseller that did not register by 1 November 2014 would “no longer be able to sell original HP ink and toner supplies”, with potential issues stemming from the authorisation of distributors in terms of who they can and can’t sell to under the terms of the authorisation. In addition to this, those who do not sign up and obtain “Qualified” status are unable to sell HP consumables.
The new update to the “Qualified” programme has reportedly been sent to US supplies resellers this week, with “Qualified Supplies 2.0” effective as of 1 November 2015. The next “phase” is said to contain the “same five fundamental criteria”, but there are reportedly “some new requirements relating to how HP Original supplies are sold online”.
The OEM stated that the update is “intended to significantly improve the HP supplies shopping experience online by ensuring customers are getting the most accurate product information when they search online and are not confused by advertising or information about alternative products. This is becoming critical because 75 percent of toner and 50 percent of ink shoppers begin their search online”.
In October 2014, HP said it would collect end user information via distributors and partners, who will have to provide this when placing orders, such as customer names and addresses. HP argued this would help support improvements in support and shipments, but reseller numbers have almost halved since the reforms were announced.
Finally, in March earlier this year, the OEM adjusted the programme again, stating that the updates are “designed to help partners capture immediate opportunities and position them for future growth”.