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Overview

Preferred reseller programs let you reward top-performing partners with exclusive benefits while maintaining quality control over who can access your services.

Why Create a Preferred Program?

Benefits for Providers

  • Quality control: Work with partners who meet your standards
  • Better margins: Reduce costs by working with efficient partners
  • Predictable volume: Build recurring business with known partners
  • Competitive advantage: Attract top resellers with exclusive offerings

Benefits for Resellers

  • Exclusive access: Services not available to general public
  • Better pricing: Improved margins on premium offers
  • Priority support: Faster response times, dedicated contacts
  • Early access: New services before broad launch

Setting Up Your Program

Step 1: Define Criteria

Decide what makes a reseller “preferred”: Quantitative metrics:
  • Minimum monthly order volume (e.g., 10+ orders/month)
  • Acceptance rate threshold (e.g., 90%+)
  • Completion rate (e.g., 95%+)
  • Customer satisfaction score (e.g., 4.5+ stars)
  • Tenure on platform (e.g., 3+ months)
Qualitative factors:
  • Industry expertise
  • Geographic coverage
  • Target customer segments
  • Brand alignment
  • Communication quality
Start with objective metrics first. Add subjective criteria only for strategic partnerships.

Step 2: Identify Candidates

Review existing resellers against your criteria:

Step 3: Add to Preferred List

Via API:
Via Dashboard:
  1. Navigate to PartnersPreferred Resellers
  2. Click Add Partner
  3. Search for reseller by name or ID
  4. Add notes about why they qualify
  5. Click Add to List

Step 4: Create Preferred Offers

Create offers visible only to preferred partners:

Program Tiers

Many providers use multi-tier programs:

Single Tier: Preferred

Simple approach: You’re either preferred or you’re not. Benefits:
  • Easy to understand
  • Simple to manage
  • Clear entry criteria
Example:
  • Standard: Public offers at regular pricing
  • Preferred: Exclusive offers with 10% better pricing

Multi-Tier: Bronze/Silver/Gold

Graduated approach: Multiple levels with increasing benefits. Benefits:
  • Motivates progression
  • Rewards top performers more
  • Flexibility in partnerships
Example tiers:

Managing the Program

Regular Reviews

Monthly:
  • Check for partners who now qualify
  • Identify partners falling below standards
  • Review program effectiveness
Quarterly:
  • Audit all preferred partners
  • Adjust criteria if needed
  • Send performance reports to partners

Adding Partners

Notify partners when adding them:

Removing Partners

If a partner falls below standards:
  1. Warning: Notify them they’re at risk
  2. Grace period: Give 30-60 days to improve
  3. Removal: Remove from list if no improvement
  4. Communication: Explain why and how to regain status

Exclusive Offers for Preferred Partners

Better Pricing

Offer same service at different price points:

Premium Services

Services only available to preferred partners:

Early Access

Launch new services to preferred partners first:

Program Communication

Partner Portal

Provide a partner portal or dashboard showing:
  • Current tier status
  • Performance metrics
  • Next tier requirements
  • Exclusive offers available

Regular Updates

Monthly newsletter:
  • New exclusive offers
  • Performance highlights
  • Tips for improving metrics
  • Industry insights
Quarterly reviews:
  • Formal performance scorecards
  • Future planning
  • Feedback sessions

Measuring Success

Track program impact:

Partner Metrics

  • Enrollment: # of partners in preferred tier
  • Retention: % of preferred partners retained quarter-over-quarter
  • Graduation rate: # of partners moving to preferred per month

Business Metrics

  • Order volume: Total orders from preferred vs. public partners
  • Quality: Acceptance and completion rates by tier
  • Revenue: Revenue per partner by tier
  • Efficiency: Fulfillment cost per order by tier

ROI Analysis

Compare costs vs. benefits: Costs:
  • Reduced pricing (margin loss)
  • Support resources
  • Program management time
Benefits:
  • Higher order volume
  • Better completion rates
  • Lower customer acquisition cost
  • Predictable revenue

Best Practices

Use measurable metrics (order volume, completion rate) as primary qualifiers. Minimize subjective decisions.
Make it clear what partners need to do to qualify. Transparency motivates improvement.
Audit partner status quarterly. Remove partners who no longer meet standards.
Ensure preferred status actually helps partners succeed. Better pricing, exclusive access, or priority support.
When adding, removing, or changing tier criteria, communicate clearly and early.
Launch with a small group of top performers. Expand as you refine the program.

Next Steps

Reseller Relationships

Managing partner relationships

Offer Visibility

Control who sees your offers

Creating Offers

Learn about creating offers

API Reference

View complete API documentation