Canon sticks to specialists with first 18 large-format partners

Two specialist distributors and 16 resellers have become the first accredited partners in Canon’s new large format printer (LFP) sales push.

Distributors Art Systems and Velmex have been assessed and given the nod to on-sell Canon’s imagePROGRAF LFPs alongside 16 specialist AV resellers, Canon said.

Matthew Searle, channel director at Canon, said that reselling LFPs requires specialist knowledge so prospective partners are subjected to more stringent criteria than for general-use printers.

“Quality is a higher priority to LFP end users. You have to understand colour management and things like that,” Searle said.

The LFP partner programme is part of Canon’s overall partner programme. As such, all partners will be reviewed and reassessed annually, giving an opportunity for new partners to join the programme, Searle said.

Infosource figures suggest Canon achieved a 13 per cent share of the 17in to 60in water-based LFP market in the first half but expects 16 per cent by year-end.

The vendor launched LFPs in 2003.

See also:

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Printer vendors announce new sales directors on the same day  01 Oct 2008

CRN Special Report: Thinking big to sell bigger

Canon has called for reinforcements in its assault on the wide-format printing market. Nick Booth looks at how crack consumer and office printer teams can adapt to the terrain  25 Sep 2008

Midwich signs Canon LFP distribution deal

Distributor to take Canon large-format to vertical markets in expanded deal  19 Sep 2008

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Number two vendor nabs rival talent in 2008 expansion across entire print division  02 Sep 2008

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