Minimum Advertised Price Policy
Introduction
We recognize that our success is tied to the success of our network of select authorized dealers. We also know that many of our dealers invest significant time and resources to deliver an extraordinary customer experience. We want to protect their ability to do so, while at the same time discouraging price-based advertising that would be detrimental to our dealer’s service and support efforts. As a result, Dotchi, LLC dba Crescent Garden (“Dotchi”) has unilaterally established this Minimum Advertised Price Policy (“MAP Policy”). You are free to decide whether to follow this MAP Policy. This MAP Policy does not constitute an agreement between any reseller and Dotchi, and Dotchi is not seeking a response from any reseller.
Policy Statement
Dotchi, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to discontinue doing business with any reseller that Dotchi determines has advertised any product(s) covered by this MAP Policy (“MAP Products”) at a price lower than the applicable minimum advertised price of any MAP Products set and announced by Dotchi from time to time (the “MAP”). This MAP Policy is non-negotiable.
General Guidelines
1. The MAP Products and the applicable MAP are listed in the last section titled List of MAP Products. Dotchi may in its sole discretion modify this list from time to time.
2. Dotchi recognizes that dealers are free to make their own decisions to advertise and sell any Dotchi product at any price they choose, without consulting or advising Dotchi. Similarly, Dotchi will exercise its right to make its own decisions regarding the Dotchi Authorized Reseller Program (“DARP”), supplemental marketing materials, point-of-purchase displays, product allocation, new product availability, or future promotional, joint marketing, or sponsorship programs.
3. The MAP Policy applies to advertised prices, not the price at which MAP Products are actually sold or offered for sale to an individual in-store or over the telephone.
4. Dotchi believes in maintaining a well regulated and fair marketplace for all its authorized resellers.
Advertising Guidelines
1. The MAP Policy applies to all advertisements of MAP Products in any and all media, including but not limited to flyers, posters, coupons, mailers, inserts, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, television, radio, and public signage, as well as internet sites, social media sites, apps, or any other electronic media.
2. The MAP Policy does not apply to solely on-premise or in-store advertising that is not distributed to customers.
3. Website features such as “click for price,” automated “bounce-back” pricing e-mails, pre- formatted e-mail responses, forms, automatic price display for any items prior to being placed in a customer’s shopping cart and other similar features are considered to be communications initiated by the dealer (rather than by the customer) and thereby constitute “advertising” under this MAP Policy.
4. It shall not be a violation of this MAP Policy to advertise that a customer may “call for price” or “email for price,” or to use similar language, specifically with respect to Dotchi Products, so long as no price is listed.
5. This MAP Policy also applies to any activity which Dotchi determines, in its sole discretion, is designed or intended to circumvent the intent of this MAP Policy, such as solicitations for “group purchases” and the like.
6. It shall not be a violation of this MAP Policy to advertise in general that the reseller has “the lowest prices” or will match or beat its competitors’ prices, or to use similar phrases; so long as the reseller does not include any advertised price below MAP and otherwise complies with this MAP Policy.
7. From time to time, Dotchi may permit resellers to advertise MAP Products at prices lower than the MAP retail price. In such events, Dotchi reserves the right to modify or suspend the MAP retail price with respect to the affected products for a specified period of time by providing advance notice to all resellers of such changes.
8. From time to time, Dotchi may offer a direct manufacturer’s rebate to customers. In such events, it shall not be a violation of this MAP Policy to advertise the availability of the manufacturer’s rebate, provided that:
i. the advertisement includes a MAP-compliant price, the rebate amount, and the net price after manufacturer’s rebate in the same type size and style;
ii. an asterisk is placed next to the net price after manufacturer’s rebate; and
iii. “after manufacturer’s rebate” appears in the same area of the advertisement as the advertised product.
Policy Enforcement
1. If a dealer with multiple store locations violates this MAP Policy at any one store location, or on any associated website, then Dotchi will consider this to be a violation by the dealer.
2. Dotchi reserves the right to cancel any pending orders, restrict future orders, or suspend dealers’ account if Dotchi reasonably believes:
i. a dealer has violated the provisions of this MAP Policy; or
ii. a dealer intends to violate this MAP Policy.
3. Dotchi’s MAP Policy Administrator is solely responsible for determining whether a violation of the MAP Policy has occurred, as well as determining appropriate sanctions.
4. Waivers to this MAP Policy may be granted in Dotchi’s sole discretion by the MAP Policy Administrator in writing. Dotchi Sales, Marketing, or other personnel are not authorized to modify or grant exceptions to the MAP Policy. In the event that the MAP Policy Administrator authorizes a waiver to the MAP Policy, dealers must strictly adhere to the terms of the waiver letter. Deviation from the terms of a waiver letter is a violation of the MAP Policy.
5. Dotchi monitors the advertised prices of dealers, either directly or via the use of third- party agencies or tools. Dealers are expected to provide reasonable cooperation in any Dotchi investigations regarding possible MAP Policy violations. Hindering, obstructing, delaying, or otherwise failing to cooperate with a Dotchi MAP Policy investigation is a violation of this MAP Policy.
6. The MAP Policy will be enforced by Dotchi in its sole discretion and without notice. Dealers, distributors, and resellers have no right to enforce the MAP Policy. Violations of this MAP Policy may result in any of the aforementioned sanctions up to and including termination of our business relationship, as well as any available remedies at law. All questions related to this MAP Policy should be directed in email to: customerservice@crescentgarden.com.
List of MAP Products
For a list of current MAP prices, please visit: