Melanin Magic Authorized Retailer Standards Guide

Introduction

This guide defines the full standards required for any business approved as an Authorized Retailer or Authorized Salon Partner of Melanin Magic. It establishes expectations for pricing, presentation, professionalism, customer education, storage, and alignment with the brand’s identity.

This document is internal and confidential. It outlines the complete framework for evaluating partners, enforcing quality, and protecting brand integrity across all reseller environments.

Purpose of This Guide

The purpose is to ensure that every retailer:

  • Represents the brand accurately.
  • Maintains consistent pricing.
  • Delivers a professional customer experience.
  • Protects the value of the products.
  • Supports the long-term reputation of Melanin Magic.

Core Standards Summary

Authorized Retailers must meet the following baseline:

  • Uphold Minimum Advertised Pricing rules.
  • Maintain proper merchandising.
  • Store products safely and professionally.
  • Practice ethical customer education.
  • Order only through approved wholesale channels.
  • Follow all brand communication guidelines.

Section 1: Eligibility Requirements

Authorized Retailers must be:

  • A registered salon, barbershop, boutique, spa, or beauty-based retailer.
  • Able to place and maintain the minimum quarterly wholesale order volume.
  • Operating a clean, professional storefront or service location.
  • Committed to selling authentic Melanin Magic products only.

Section 2: Application & Approval

All retailers must:

  • Submit a wholesale application with accurate business information.
  • Provide images of retail space, shelves, or styling stations.
  • Agree to all terms and conditions of the wholesale program.
  • Pass internal review by CrownThrive LLC.

Approval is not guaranteed. Melanin Magic reserves the right to decline any applicant not aligned with brand standards.

Section 3: Mandatory Pricing Compliance (MAP)

To protect retailer profits and brand value, the following pricing rules apply:

  • No product may be sold below the established MSRP.
  • Temporary promotions must be approved.
  • Bundle discounts must not undercut individual item MAP.
  • Online pricing must match in-store pricing.

Anyone violating MAP:

  • Receives one written warning.
  • Must correct pricing within 24 hours.
  • Faces suspension or termination of wholesale privileges upon repeated violations.

Section 4: Merchandising Standards

Retailers must merchandise Melanin Magic products in a manner that reflects premium quality.

Requirements:

  • Products must be shelved cleanly and consistently.
  • Bottles should face forward, clean, and dust-free.
  • Retailers must avoid placing products next to damaged or low-quality brands.
  • Marketing materials must be displayed if provided.
  • Scented candles, heat sources, or direct sunlight must be kept away from inventory.

Section 5: Storage & Backbar Handling

Proper storage protects product stability.

Retailers must:

  • Keep inventory in cool, dry, temperature-stable areas.
  • Avoid exposure to heat, freezing, or direct sunlight.
  • Rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out).
  • Keep gallons sealed until ready to dispense.
  • Use clean, labeled backbar bottles only.

Section 6: Customer Education Standards

Retailers must provide customers with accurate, brand-consistent information.

Educators must:

  • Recommend products based on actual hair needs.
  • Avoid medical claims.
  • Use approved product descriptions and benefits.
  • Provide correct usage instructions.
  • Represent benefits honestly and clearly.

Section 7: Online Selling Requirements

If a retailer sells online, they must:

  • Use only approved product images.
  • Maintain MAP at all times.
  • Provide accurate product descriptions.
  • Remove listings immediately upon request if misaligned.
  • Never list on prohibited third-party marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, eBay, etc.).

Violations result in immediate suspension.

Section 8: Salon-Only Sizes & Professional Exclusivity

Certain products are available in:

  • Liter sizes
  • Gallons
  • Professional backbar-only SKUs

Retailers must:

  • Keep professional-only sizes behind the counter or in the backbar.
  • Never resell gallons or liters directly to consumers.
  • Use professional SKUs strictly for service use.

Section 9: Quarterly Order Minimums

Retailers must maintain consistent ordering to keep their authorized status.

Minimums:

  • $500 initial order
  • $250 restock minimum
  • Quarterly minimum: $750 total volume

Failure to meet volume requirements may result in account review.

Section 10: Brand Alignment & Conduct

Retailers must:

  • Represent the brand respectfully.
  • Avoid any discriminatory or harmful behavior in professional spaces.
  • Maintain a clean, welcoming environment.
  • Follow all CrownThrive ecosystem policies.

Section 11: Social Media & Brand Representation

If a retailer posts Melanin Magic content, they must:

  • Use accurate product information.
  • Avoid false claims.
  • Tag Melanin Magic when appropriate.
  • Maintain a professional brand tone.

Influencers, affiliates, and ambassadors must follow additional program guidelines.

Section 12: Counterfeit & Unauthorized Resale Prevention

Strict rules are in place:

  • No resale of products to unauthorized third parties.
  • No wholesale redistribution.
  • No relabeling or repackaging.
  • Any suspected diversion results in immediate termination.

Section 13: Education, Training & Support

Retailers gain access to:

  • Training videos
  • Product knowledge guides
  • Seasonal marketing toolkits
  • Authorized Retailer Directory listing

Education is mandatory for salons and stylists selling the products.

Section 14: Compliance Monitoring

Melanin Magic and CrownThrive LLC reserve the right to:

  • Conduct anonymous spot checks
  • Request photos of displays
  • Monitor online listings
  • Audit quarterly activity

Section 15: Violations & Enforcement

Consequences include:

  • Warning and correction period
  • Temporary account freeze
  • Removal from Authorized Retailer Directory
  • Permanent termination of wholesale privileges

Section 16: Termination of Status

We may revoke Authorized Retailer status if a retailer:

  • Violates MAP repeatedly
  • Engages in diversion
  • Fails to meet order minimums
  • Damages brand reputation
  • Refuses compliance with written requests

Section 17: Reinstatement Policy

Retailers seeking reinstatement must:

  • Submit a reinstatement request
  • Complete required education modules
  • Agree to corrective measures
  • Pay any outstanding balances

Reinstatement is not guaranteed.

Section 18: Confidentiality

All terms, pricing, support materials, and standards are confidential. Sharing them externally is prohibited.

Closing Summary

Melanin Magic Authorized Retailer standards protect:

  • Brand integrity
  • Retail profitability
  • Customer trust
  • Long-term business growth

Following these standards ensures a strong and reputable network of partners who uphold the excellence of Melanin Magic across all professional spaces.

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