A MAP Violation occurs when a retailer advertises a manufacturer’s product at a price below the Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) set by the manufacturer’s policy. This is a breach of the agreed-upon terms between the brand and its reseller network. Violations can happen intentionally by discounters looking to undercut the market, or unintentionally due to automated repricing software or human error. Common places for MAP violations include: the retailer’s website product page, search engine shopping ads, email promotions, and printed circulars. For brands, MAP violations are a serious issue because they: Erode Brand Value: Constant discounting trains consumers to wait for a sale and devalues the product. Punish Loyal Retailers: Authorized retailers who abide by the policy are unfairly undercut. Create Channel Conflict: strains relationships with retail partners. Reduce Margins: for everyone in the supply chain. Brands combat MAP violations through active monitoring (often using automated software to scan the web for infringements), clear communication of the policy, and a structured enforcement process that includes warnings and escalating penalties for repeat offenders.
Additional Resources
Guide to MAP Violations and EnforcementNavigating the Complexities of MAP Violations
