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  • 1.  Altec Doclink Cloud Version

    Posted 07-20-2023 19:25

    Here is an interesting observation.  Not sure how it will end.  A client has been using Doclink on prem version for five years.  Happy now, rocky start.  Client reaches out to Altec support around January this year to discuss upgrade options.  During the talks, Altec pitches its cloud product.  I get a heads-up in early February regarding the "high level discussions", but no follow up since then.  Fast forward to this week when client asks me to figure out why they are getting threatening emails from the Sage renewal team about nonpayment.  The Sage 100 subscription expired that day.  The client had in fact paid in June (another story that is familiar to many).  During these conversations, I find out that the client moved to the Doclink cloud.  The cloud product is not on the Sage price list so the client paid Altec directly.  No reseller commission!!!!

    Is this legit?  On prem you purchase through Sage, the cloud is direct to Altec and the reseller is SOL?

    Altec claims the simple solution is for Sage to put it on the price list but hasn't.

    Waiting to hear the rest of the story.......



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    Jeff Schwenk
    Bottomline Software, Inc.
    (540) 221-4444
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  • 2.  RE: Altec Doclink Cloud Version

    Posted 07-20-2023 20:10

    I noticed similar issues right at the start of the time my customer purchased Altec. 

    Similar thing with Avalara. There are only certain modules that qualify for commission. For example, the ISV consulting/implementation services generally are not commissionable (although I believe you can sign up somehow with Altec and be trained - probably for a fee - and do the implementations yourself). Some modules/add-ons weren't  commissioned. I think my customer spent about $80,000 and maybe I received a commission on $25,000.

    I believe Avalara has a very similar approach. They commission the base package. However any consulting or any advanced support ( which they really shame the customer into purchasing ) seemed like I didn't get a commission. (Similar to Altec, I believe Avalara has a training program where you can get trained and do some implementation work on your own).

    My .02/recommendation: Don't do onesies and twosies. I don't get trained to be a dealer only to sell one or maybe two deals and then get stuck paying some consultant renewal fee to yet another company...

    Ultimately I accepted that for most of these add-ons I was not going to make much money. I do charge more when it comes upgrade time and I won't sit in on a demo for free if my customer is not on my access plan.

    This is also a BIG reason why I ignore incoming emails from ISVs asking me to go through my customer list and provide them with some names that they can call and pitch their solutions to.

    I'm happy to work 1:1 with my customers (on plan with me) who ask about a particular solution but as far as being proactive and working with 3rd party ISVs  - "sell crazy somewhere else - we're all stocked up here"....



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    Wayne Schulz
    wayne@s-consult.com
    Schulz Consulting
    (860) 516-8990
    Moodus, CT
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  • 3.  RE: Altec Doclink Cloud Version

    Posted 07-20-2023 20:47

    Disturbing.  It seems like a lot of third parties purport to use the reseller channel, yet you have to be watching closely to be sure you're getting dealt with fairly.  90 Minds is a great platform for communication about these issues.  Of course, mistakes can be made.. ie "There was a system problem and we didn't pay you the commission we promised you for bringing us a new customer."  When the "mistakes" become regular occurrences then they may see a decrease in referrals.



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    Doug Higgs
    Midwest Commerce Solutions, Inc
    (312) 315-0960
    Chauffeur, Chef, and Personal Assistant to Sprinkles
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  • 4.  RE: Altec Doclink Cloud Version

    Posted 07-21-2023 08:36

    "There was a system problem and we didn't pay you the commission we promised you for bringing us a new customer."

    As an aside, I find unless the new customer buys within 30 days your role will be completely marginalized and the excuses begin as to why nothing - or only a nominal "tip" - is required as your compensation. Been There. Done That. Got the T-Shirt.



    ------------------------------
    Wayne Schulz
    wayne@s-consult.com
    Schulz Consulting
    (860) 516-8990
    Moodus, CT
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Altec Doclink Cloud Version

    Posted 07-21-2023 10:20

    Agree with all posts.  My point is that DocLink is claiming their Cloud product is not part of the price list (below).  So when user moves from On Prem to Cloud, Sage loses out.  Is this true or is Altec blowing smoke?  And if it is true, why hasn't Sage caught on and remedied it?



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    Jeff Schwenk
    Bottomline Software, Inc.
    (540) 221-4444
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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