Each year, SAGE presents industry suppliers with A+ and A rating awards based on distributor ratings collected in its product research and business management solution, SAGE Online, SAGE Web and SAGE Mobile. This year, 1,008 suppliers received the top A+ rating, while another 259 suppliers received an A rating. A total of 30 percent of all active suppliers in the SAGE database received an award this year. As part of the Power of Two relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry’s annual PPAI Pyramid Supplier Star Awards Competition.

“We are proud to offer this award to outstanding suppliers who set the standard of quality and integrity in the promotional products industry,” says SAGE President David Natinsky, MAS. “This is a testament to each supplier’s dedication to customer service and product safety.”

Awards are based solely on the distributor rating system that is part of SAGE Online, SAGE Web and SAGE Mobile. Distributors can rate suppliers at any time through the SAGE suite or via a “Rate us now” link provided by suppliers. They can only rate each supplier once, however, they may update their ratings at any time, providing the most accurate representation of their experiences with each supplier. Rating awards are given each year based on the aggregate of distributor ratings, and suppliers with an A+ or A aggregate rating are given an award.

According to SAGE, distributors using SAGE’s research and business management tools can make more informed decisions about suppliers by accessing suppliers’ current, real-time ratings, including peer distributor comments as well as full award information, including any additional industry awards, for each supplier. Award-winning suppliers will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites and email signatures.