Value Added Reseller (VAR) Code of Ethics

“With what appears to be a rise in unscrupulous behavior in the channel, some solution providers say the time has come for an industry wide code of ethics that would set clear guidelines for what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.” (CRN, August 2010)

With that in mind, CRN asked solution providers what specific principles should make up a code of ethics that VAR CEOs and their employees would sign and agree to abide by.

thinkASG agrees to abide by these terms as defined in CRN’s August 2010 publication.  As our customer, you can rest assured you are working with a VAR that voluntarily adheres to a high standard of business ethics.

Sales Principles

• I agree that I will not spread rumor or innuendo related to my competitors’ financial health, business practices or employee conduct.
• I agree that I will compete on my own merits rather than demeaning the competition.
• I agree to act in the best interests of my employer and not to share confidential information on my company’s business strategy, financial health or status of accounts with competitors.

Customer Service

• I agree not to promise my customer’s service levels or pricing that I know cannot be met without compromising the solution or services that I am providing to that customer.
• I agree not to pass off any used or refurbished equipment as new.
• I agree not to misrepresent what a product can do-including its performance and capabilities.
• I agree not to substitute components in products without informing my customer of the additions and what impact they will have on the price and performance of the product.
• I agree not to sell or service pirated software and to alert my customers of the implications and penalties for using pirated software.
• I agree to pay all taxes on any sales of computer product or services in accordance with federal, state and local tax laws.

Representation of Myself and My Company

• I agree to not misrepresent myself either online or in the field in order to obtain proprietary information on my competition’s business strategy, pricing and solution provider methodology.
• I agree to answer all questions on my business practices, financial health, account base, employee base, technical skills and expertise truthfully even when it may not put my company in the best light.
• I agree to behave with the highest professional, legal and ethical standards when representing my company.