10 Reasons Microsoft Thinks You Might Divorce Your Dynamics GP Partner

Microsoft realizes that you might not stay with the same Dynamics GP partner forever. At CAL Business Solutions we encourage long term relationships but as we outlined in our post, How to Divorce Your Dynamics GP Partner, there are times when a change is in the best interests for your business.

Each year approximately a dozen companies, that are already using Microsoft Dynamics GP, choose to make CAL Business Solutions their new partner.

In our experience their main reason for making a change is that the original partner did not have the skills or resources to provide the level of assistance and support they need. Or the customer just did not feel they were important enough, and getting enough communication. We always encourage the company to try to resolve these issues with the original partner first. But if it turns out the CAL Business Solutions is a better match, we are happy to step into that partner role.

Very often, companies find that the right partner is even more important than the right software. As an example of this take a look at the experience of a Connecticut distribution company at www.calszone.com/moran.

When you submit a request to Microsoft to change your official Partner of Record (How to Change Your Dynamics GP Partner of Record) you will be asked to give a reason. Your partner will not see this information but it is my hope that Microsoft uses this information to improve their partner channel.

Microsoft asks companies to choose the reason(s) for submitting the Change of Channel Partner Request including:

1. Existing Reseller no longer Microsoft authorized
2. Additional Services provided by New Reseller
3. Consolidation of license purchases through New Reseller
4. Favorable pricing through New Reseller
5. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller order inaccuracies
6. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller slow response time
7. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller incorrect agreement information
8. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller account manager issues
9. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller overall poor performance
10. Prefer licensing purchase options through multiple resellers

You can also choose “Not Applicable/Other” which I suppose means the same as “No Comment”.

Let me add my personal comments to these 10 reasons.

1. Existing Reseller no longer Microsoft authorized
   Of course this is a very valid reason. If your existing partner has gone out of business or is no longer authorized by Microsoft then you are a Dynamics GP “orphan” you need a new partner of record as soon as possible.
2. Additional Services provided by New Reseller
   Perhaps you want a partner that sells hardware and IT services along with Dynamics GP. Or provides CPA services. A one stop shop is sometimes helpful, however, the same case can be made promoting the value of specialists.
3. Consolidation of license purchases through New Reseller
   To my knowledge you can not get better pricing for Dynamics GP just because you purchase any other products. I suppose this reason only makes sense if you feel the need to get fewer invoices from fewer vendors.
4. Favorable pricing through New Reseller
   The price of Dynamics GP is always the same, no matter who you purchase it from. You request an instant Dynamics GP Quick Quote to see the software list price, annual maintenance and estimated implementation cost at www.calszone.com/quick-quote.  But as we outline in our white paper, 30 Questions Every CFO Should Ask About the Cost of Accounting Software, the prices do vary for services and support depending on the Dynamics GP partner you choose to work with.
5. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller order inaccuracies
   If this is a constant issue, I can understand it would be frustrating. Hopefully a one time error could be resolved.
6. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller slow response time
   If a partner is not responsive to your needs, even after good communication of your frustration, this is valid reason to change.
7. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller incorrect agreement information My guess is that this refers to an implementation contract that was not followed. I feel this is a vague reason and would question what Microsoft had in mind.
8. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller account manager issues
   Sadly, sometimes personality clashes result in a poor fit. If you have discussed this with the management at your existing partner, and your account manager can not be changed, this is a valid reason.
9. Customer satisfaction – existing reseller overall poor performance
   This is self explanatory and can encompass several of the reasons above. If your reseller can’t do the job, you have the right to change.
10. Prefer licensing purchase options through multiple resellers
    You can compare prices as much as you like but you can only place orders via your one official Partner of Record. Perhaps you would use this reason as the opposite of Point #3. Right now you get all your licenses from one vendor, but you want to break off and get Dynamics GP licenses from someone new.

If you choose to change your Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner of Record you will no doubt have some very valid reasons.  And you can choose to share this information with Microsoft.

If you have reasons to look for a new Dynamics GP partner we can help you determine if CAL Business Solutions is a match for you and assist you with the process.  Contact CAL Business Solutions at 860-485-0910 x4 or sales@calszone.com

By Anya Ciecierski, CAL Business Solutions, Connecticut Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

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