What is a SSI Channel Partner?
SofSURFACES Inc.'s products are not sold directly to the end user/consumer due to it's unique features and specified nature. SofTILE KrosLOCK is supplied to the end user through a team of Channel Partners that operate throughout North America.

Who Should Become a SSI Channel Partner?
SofSURFACES Inc., has already established a substantial and stable family of Channel Partners throughout North America. However, there are some locations that may not have a formally assigned Channel Partner and SSI is continually looking for top quality organizations to represent our SofTILE product in all states/provinces throughout North America. In these territories, SSI seeks to strategically align ourselves with Channel Partners that have the same quality standards (in both service and products), ethics and goals as SSI. Because SSI's premier product, SofTILE KrosLOCK, serves the mid to high end range of the safety tile market, the ideal Channel Partners are normally those that represent a nationally recognized leader in recreational equipment and/or related products.

When Is It Best to Become a Channel Partner?
The recreational industry is large and is growing at greater than 15% per year. The safety surfacing portion of this industry appears to be growing at a sustained rate of 20% (doubling every 3.5yrs) each year. SofSURFACES Inc. is a market leader in this growing industry. Obviously, those Channel Partners who have been with SofSURFACES Inc. for at least 5 years have enjoyed a major surge in sales and profitability. The sooner a Potential Partner is screened and/or accepted as a Formal Channel Partner, the better.

Where Does a Channel Partner Locate?
In many cases, the most profitable Channel Partners are those who have taken on a territory in their existing home base area. However, due to SofSURFACES non exclusive marketing approach, specific territories are not assigned and most Channel Partners simply operate (by choice) in those territories outlined in their existing contracts with their current playground equipment supplier. In addition to this, many SSI CP’s have representation in several states allowing them to effectively service a much larger area.

How is a Channel Partner Established?
A Channel Partner is secured through a simple 2 step process:

1. Fill Out the Channel Partner Application
The purpose of this application is to determine the suitability of the Potential Channel Partner (PCP).
A sample of the questions contained in this application are as follows...

a. Does the Recreational Equipment supplied by the PCP align in quality and value with SofTILE KrosLOCK?
b. Is the PCP well established in sales and reputation?
c. What portion of the PCP's current sales, if any, are Synthetic Rubber Surfaces?
d. Do PCP installations occur with direct or subcontract labor?
e. How does the PCP intend to add SSI representation to its current product mix?
f. Etc?

If/when the application is received and the PCP passes the initial CP criteria then proceed to step 2.

2. Finalize CP Agreement
The key items covered in an agreement are.

a. Territories which will be served by the CP on a non exclusive basis.
b. Theoretical volume potential based on population and market share goals.
c. Discount structure based on CP status and overall projected annual sales volumes.
d. Promotional activity requirements.

Channel Partner Summary
SSI and its team of Channel Partners will not secure a dominant market position with the best product only. It is essential that our entire offering to each client offer the best value. This makes our selection of Channel Partners a critical piece of our strategic plan. The entire sales channel must be aligned and focused on a single, strategic and clearly articulated marketing goal. Therefore, SSI and it's existing Channel Partners are only looking for the top "players" in our category. Are you there? Do you have what it takes to get there? If so, call us today or apply online!