November 17, 2016

For decades, Rinnai has been fiercely committed to delivering nothing less than our absolute best and enhancing lives by changing the way water is heated. Through TEAMWORK, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, Rinnai has become one of the world’s largest gas appliance manufacturers, specializing in high-efficiency residential and commercial TANKLESS WATER HEATERS and HOME HEATING SOLUTIONS. As a result, consumers have come to expect a best-in-class experience from Rinnai, regardless of whether they visit a wholesaler, retailer or dealer.

Our customers trust that they will receive an exceptional interaction with Rinnai across all channels, and the internet is no exception. As such, Rinnai America Corporation (RAC) is pleased to launch a new eCommerce Program – which will include, among other things, an Authorized E-Tailer Agreement and an Internet Minimum Advertised Price (IMAP) Policy.

Demonstrating RAC’s commitment to quality, this initiative will establish a formal “Authorized E-Tailer Program”. To qualify, E-Tailers must demonstrate the willingness and ability to provide an exceptional Rinnai-branded online experience. Authorized E-Tailers will (a) provide a platform for digital merchandising, (b) support consumers with product research & selection assistance, and (c) deliver superior customer service. All Authorized E-Tailers will be required to sign agreements with RAC that govern the terms of their on-going participation in the program. Authorized E-Tailers will be exclusively permitted to source products through Rinnai’s distribution partners and use Rinnai digital assets to sell Rinnai products online.

In conjunction with the Authorized E-Tailer Program, RAC will implement a new Internet Minimum Advertised Price (IMAP) Policy, covering select Rinnai products. An IMAP Policy will ensure a consistent and consumer-friendly experience while preserving the equity of the Rinnai brand across the internet.

As you are aware, RAC’s distributor agreement does not normally allow distributors to sell to customers who resell Rinnai Products through the internet. Following the launch of our new eCommerce program, all of our distributors will be permitted to sell products to Authorized E-Tailers for the purpose of online consumer sales. In the coming weeks we will communicate complete program details including our new E-Tailer Distribution Policy. The current list of Authorized E-Tailers, IMAP Policy, and IMAP model level detail will be available at partners.rinnai.us/etailer after 12/15/16.