Solutions by goal
Get new products stocked, recommended and sold
A channel product launch succeeds when distributors stock the new product, retailers display it, tradespeople recommend it and buyers try it. IMAST 360 coordinates all four — focus-SKU schemes, QR scan-and-earn, field-rep pushes and suggested orders — and shows you where the launch is stalling.
- Focus-SKU schemes from day one
- QR scan-and-earn on the new pack
- Suggested orders that include the new SKU
The problem
Why good products stall in the channel
A new product competes for shelf space, working capital and attention with everything partners already sell. Without a reason to try it, distributors stock a token quantity, retailers keep it at the back and tradespeople stick with what they know.
Launch plans often cover the brand's side — pricing, packaging, advertising — but not the channel's side: what each partner gets for stocking, displaying and recommending the product in its first months.
The first weeks decide a lot. If you can see early where the product is moving and where it isn't, you can redirect field effort and scheme budget before the launch loses momentum.
How it works
A channel launch on IMAST 360
Each stage of the channel gets a reason to act.
- 1Stock
Distributors
Focus-SKU schemes reward the new product in orders; Distribution+ shows stock by distributor.
- 2Display
Retailers
Reward displays and repeat orders; reps check and push the new SKU on every visit in Sales Track.
- 3Recommend
Tradespeople
QR scan-and-earn on the new pack, with double points or scratch cards for the launch period.
- 4Track
Launch dashboard
See enrolment, scans, orders and stock for the new SKU by region.
Launch scheme ideas
Schemes that help a launch
Examples you can set up in the LoyaltyBoard scheme engine.
| Scheme | Who it's for | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Launch double points | Tradespeople and retailers | Encourages trial in the first weeks |
| Stocking bonus | Distributors and dealers | Gets the product into the channel |
| Display reward | Retailers | Puts the product where buyers see it |
| Scratch card per scan | Tradespeople and consumers | Makes the new pack worth scanning |
In practice
Running the first 90 days
Launch in a few regions first. A focused launch lets you see what works — which scheme, which message, which partner type — before committing budget nationally.
Brief the field team with a clear ask for every visit: place the new SKU, set up the display, enrol the retailer's tradespeople. Track it in Sales Track so you know it happened.
Review weekly, not quarterly. Where stock is in place but scans are low, push recommendation schemes; where scans are high but stock runs short, increase supply.
- Start with a few regions
- Give every stage of the channel a reason to act
- Brief reps with one clear ask per visit
- Review stock, scans and orders weekly
Knoxy · AI Chief of Staff
Knoxy keeps the launch on track
Knoxy, the AI Chief of Staff in IMAST 360, watches the launch across orders, scans and visits.
Meet Knoxy- Suggests schemes to push the new SKU
- Forecasts demand by distributor
- Alerts managers where reps are behind on the launch
- Suggests schemes where uptake is slow
Getting started
A 90-day plan for a channel product launch
Before launch, set up a focus-SKU scheme in the LoyaltyBoard scheme engine — extra points on the new product for a fixed period — and decide which partners and regions it applies to. Brief field reps so they can explain the product and the scheme during visits.
In the first month, push trial. Announce the scheme on WhatsApp in partners' languages, add QR codes to the new packs so tradespeople earn on every scan, and pair early scans with a scratch card or spin to reward the first movers.
In the second month, watch where the product is and isn't moving. Purchase data from Distribution+ and scan data from LoyaltyBoard show which regions are picking it up. Knoxy suggests schemes for regions that are lagging and alerts managers to gaps in field coverage.
In the third month, decide what happens after the launch scheme ends. Fold the product into regular tier earning so partners keep buying it once the bonus stops.
- Focus-SKU scheme set up before launch
- QR codes on new packs from day one
- Watch regional uptake in purchase and scan data
- Move the product into regular earning after launch
FAQs
Product launch FAQs
How long should a launch scheme run?
Long enough for partners to try the product and reorder — then fold it into regular earning so sales don't drop when the bonus ends.
Can different partner types get different launch rewards?
Yes. Each member type, region or product can have its own earning rules in the scheme engine.
How do you launch a new product through distributors and dealers?
Give each stage of the channel a reason to act — stocking bonuses for distributors, display rewards for retailers, scan-and-earn for tradespeople — and track stock, scans and orders weekly by region.
What is a focus-SKU scheme?
A scheme that gives extra points or rewards on chosen products, such as a new launch, for a set period.
Can tradespeople earn on the new product only?
Yes. Earning rules can be set by product, so the new SKU can carry double points or games during the launch.
How do field reps support a launch?
Reps place the new SKU, check displays and enrol partners during visits, with activity tracked in Sales Track.
How quickly can we see results?
Scans, enrolment and orders appear on dashboards as they happen, so you can review the launch weekly.
What does Knoxy do in a launch?
Knoxy forecasts demand, suggests orders and schemes where uptake is slow and alerts managers to field performance gaps.
Should we launch nationally from day one?
Many brands start with a few regions to learn what works, then roll out with the schemes and messages that performed best.
Plan your next launch on IMAST 360
We'll map your launch schemes onto LoyaltyBoard in the demo.