My previous blog spoke of the impact that in-cart pricing tactics have on MAP monitoring. In this blog I will delve into another driver that has an effect on how we monitor for MAP violations; the proliferation of shopping channels.
Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the number and use of shopping channels like marketplaces and comparison shopping engines.
Online retailers are now more inclined to use these marketplaces and comparison shopping engines as marketing channels. Here are some reasons why;
- They have more reach than any single retailer could achieve
- Consumers on these channels are more likely to convert to a sale, they are in fact ‘ready-to-buy’
- From a consumers point of view, they provide ease of browsing; access to multiple product categories and the ability to compare prices
Given the advantages these shopping channels present, most retailers seem to be expanding their reach by listing their products on a variety of marketplaces and comparison shopping engines.
So where is the problem, you may ask?
The advantages that these shopping channels afford to retailers, present a challenge to brands who want to ensure a consistent brand experience, by implementing a MAP policy. Some of the questions that brands are forced to address due to the proliferation of shopping channels include:
- Should I monitor both marketplaces and comparison shopping engines?
- How do I make a choice on which ones to monitor?
- What is the appropriate number that I should be monitoring?
- How frequently should I be tracking on these shopping channels?
- How do I ensure accuracy of the results given the feeds to shopping channels and retailers websites may be different?
- Are unauthorized retailers selling my products on these channels? How do I deal with them?
It is however safe to say that, given the reach of marketplaces and comparison shopping engines, a lot of brands are seriously considering including these shopping channels while addressing the problem of MAP monitoring. You should too!

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