MAP Policy FAQ's
Q: What are examples of communications to which the MAP Policy applies?
A: The MAP Policy applies to all catalogs, coupons, coupon codes, promo codes, flyers, inserts, magazines, mail order catalogs, mailers, postcards, newsletters, newspapers, posters, billboards, television and radio advertising, internet-based advertising including without limitation, newsletters, e-mail solicitations, call for newsgroups, Internet “lists,” website advertising, Internet auctions, and electronic billboards.
Q: Do Resellers need to sign the MAP Policy indicating that they agree with its provisions?
A: No. The MAP Policy is not an agreement between RNMP and the Reseller. It is a policy that RNMP is unilaterally implementing for all members of the RNMP distribution network in order to maintain the integrity of RNMP products. The purpose of this document is to inform all members of the RNMP distribution network that there are certain consequences for deviating from the published MAPs of Covered Products.
Q: Does the MAP Policy affect selling prices?
A: No. The Distributor/Reseller is free to resell Covered Products at any price of their choice. The MAP Policy only provides requirements relating to advertised prices for Covered Products.
Q: Where can I obtain information on suspensions or modifications to the MAPs, or for updates to this MAP Policy?
A: Any temporary suspensions or modifications of the MAPs, as well as any modifications to the MAP Policy, will be posted on the designated RNMP website: https://popuppeepad.com/pages/map-policy. Any member of the RNMP distribution network may also contact their RNMP sales representative. No individual notices will be sent with respect to MAP suspensions or modifications, or changes to the MAP Policy.
Q: How are “drop in cart” or “call for pricing” advertisements treated by the MAP Policy?
A: Advertisements and offers to sell that do not include a particular price, but require further action that implies a price that is lower than the MAP price violate the MAP Policy. Examples of such unauthorized advertisements include “drop in cart” pricing, “add to cart” pricing, “click to see” pricing, and “call for” pricing. Also prohibited are advertisements that indicate that discounts may be available when a customer takes specific action that goes beyond buying the product, such as “special price option” or “name your price.”
Q: What are examples of advertising that does not violate the MAP Policy:
A: Examples include:
- Advertising discounts where the resulting price is at least as high as the MAP for the Covered Product.
- Advertising that does not state a price directly or by reasonable implication.
- Advertising that promises to “meet or beat” a competitor’s price.
- Advertising that offers free shipping for a Covered Product, provided that the advertisement does not subtract the value of the offer or free service from the advertised price of the Covered Product.
- Advertising that includes an offer of a gift card when a Covered Product is purchased and that provides for a future discount on subsequent purchases from the Distributor/Reseller.
- Advertising of a blanket price reduction, applicable store-wide, so long as no Covered Product is shown in the advertisement with the discounted price.