Ricoh takes gold partner position in Snap franchise

Unfettered access to Snap’s entire franchise network has been awarded to Ricoh, as it officially becomes a member of the exclusive gold partner program from 1 July.

Following 12 months of negotiations, Ricoh will become an approved supplier, endorsed and supported throughout the Snap franchise group over a two-year relationship.

Snap franchises will gain access to Ricoh’s range of innovative production hardware and software products through this new partnership, with franchisees able to call upon Ricoh’s national service and maintenance team of over 500 manufacturer-trained technicians.

Kathy Wilson (pictured), general manager business solutions and production at Ricoh Australia, says this is a natural progression of the partnership between both companies, “whose business directives are strategically attuned with one another.”

“This year alone we have seen Ricoh’s production and solutions range expand significantly, combine this with Ricoh’s extensive national service and support and Ricoh will be an invaluable resource for Snap franchises across the country.

“We believe we offer a really nice addition to the technology portfolio available to Snap, we have a proven production service team and reliable service is obviously valuable to businesses like Snap,” she said.

New technology available to Snap franchisees include Ricoh’s new Pro C751 series, and its soon to be launched light colour device.

Stephen Edwards, chief operating officer of Snap says it does not bring on gold partner organisations lightly, as the gold partner program involves major organisations that have “great technology, compatible cultures, excellent service and the reach to deal with our 147 centres, which are far and wide.

“We actually have four existing long-standing gold partners and Ricoh is the latest to be added to this exclusive program. We are not actively seeking gold partners, but Ricoh’s offering of new technologies, price points and service level, was too compelling not to have them be part of the program.”

As one of Australia’s leading print, design and e-product suppliers, Snap franchise group provides a significant opportunity for these gold partner companies to deal with over 400,000 clients from SME all the way through to many of Australia’s leading organisations.