---
title: Supplier FAQs
---

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Supplier FAQs

# Everything you need to *know before you start*

Common questions from suppliers about how PromoLink works, what makes it different, and how to get your data in front of distributors — automatically.

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Jump to

[Getting Started](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#getting-started) [PromoStandards](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#promostandards) [SAGE, ASI & DC](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#platforms) [Why It Matters](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#why-matters) [Pricing & Costs](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#pricing) [Trust & Support](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/faqs#trust)

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# PromoLink — Supplier FAQs

promolink.io — Everything you need to know before you start.

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## Getting Started

 What is PromoLink and how does it work?

PromoLink is a data integration platform built for promotional products suppliers. It connects directly to your existing data sources — your ERP, inventory system, or product database — and automatically publishes that data as live endpoints to PromoStandards, SAGE, ASI, and DistributorCentral.

The goal is simple: **one true source of data that you maintain naturally**, and have it trickle down everywhere automatically. Instead of updating multiple platforms separately — or being forced to push data somewhere you don't normally work — PromoLink meets you where your data already lives.

Products, images, and inventory may come from different systems — that's fine. What matters is that you're updating data in the place that makes sense for your business, and PromoLink takes care of getting it everywhere else.

No manual uploads, no middleware to manage, no stale data.

 Who is PromoLink built for?

PromoLink is built for promotional products suppliers who want to make their product, pricing, and inventory data available to distributors through industry-standard channels — without the burden of managing uploads, spreadsheets, or custom integrations themselves.

 How is PromoLink different from other integration services?

Most integration services expect you to push your data to them — through file uploads, FTP drops, or manual syncs. That puts the burden of integration, timing, and data freshness entirely on you. PromoLink works the other way around:

- We connect directly to your source data (your ERP, PIM, or inventory system)
- We transform and publish it as live PromoStandards-compliant endpoints
- Those endpoints feed SAGE, ASI, and DistributorCentral automatically
- Your data is always current because it comes straight from the source
- You never have to touch it once it's set up

 How long does the onboarding process take?

Most suppliers are live within a few weeks of kickoff. The timeline depends on:

- The complexity of your data sources
- Which endpoints and platforms you're enabling
- How quickly your team can provide access and sign off on data mapping

We'll give you a realistic timeline during your discovery call.

 What do I need to have ready before getting started?

You don't need everything perfect before reaching out, but it helps to have a general sense of:

- Where your product, pricing, and inventory data currently lives
- Which platforms you want to publish to (SAGE, ASI, DC, PromoStandards)
- Whether you want a phased rollout or a full launch
- Your approximate SKU count

We'll handle the technical heavy lifting from there.

Not sure where you stand? [Take the survey — only 5 minutes](https://www.promolink.io/supplier-form-submission?hsLang=en-us) and we'll help you figure out exactly what you need.

## PromoStandards & Integration

 What is PromoStandards and why does it matter?

PromoStandards is the industry standard for data exchange between suppliers and distributors in the promotional products space. It defines a common format and set of endpoints — product data, pricing, inventory, order status, and more — so distributors can connect to any compliant supplier the same way.

Being PromoStandards-compliant means distributors can find, price, and order your products directly through their own systems without any manual back-and-forth.

Major distributors strongly prefer doing all their business through PromoStandards because it saves them significant time and money. When you're PS-compliant, you become far easier to work with — and that directly impacts whether large distributors choose to carry your products.

Learn more at [PromoStandards.org](https://promostandards.org).

 Which PromoStandards endpoints does PromoLink support?

PromoLink's team is actively involved in shaping PromoStandards — Robert Guler serves as Chair of the Decorators Workgroup, and Mehmet Buber is a member of the Best Practices Committee. When new endpoints are created, we're already at the table.

We currently support all published PromoStandards service types, including:

- Inventory (v1.0.0, v1.2.1, v2.0.0)
- Invoice (v1.0.0)
- Media Content (v1.0.0, v1.1.0)
- Order Shipment Notification (v1.0.0, v2.0.0, v2.1.0)
- Order Status (v1.0.0, v2.0.0)
- Product Compliance (v1.0.0)
- Product Data (v1.0.0, v2.0.0)
- Product Pricing and Configuration (v1.0.0)
- Purchase Order (v1.0.0)
- Remittance Advice (v1.0.0)
- Company Data (v1.0.0)

The specific endpoints enabled for your account depend on your setup and data sources. And as the standard evolves and new endpoints are introduced, we'll be ready to support them — you won't have to chase the changes yourself.

 Do I need to be a PromoStandards member to use PromoLink?

You don't need a PromoStandards membership to use PromoLink. However, to be **listed on PromoStandards.org** and discoverable by distributors through the PS directory, you'll need at minimum an Associate membership.

[Apply for PromoStandards membership →](https://promostandards.org/membership-application/)

 What URL do I get with PromoStandards?

Your PromoStandards endpoints are published under a subdomain tied to your company. Typically it looks like **promostandards.yourcompany.com**, but this can be customized to match your branding or domain preferences.

We'll confirm the URL structure during onboarding.

 What if my data isn't all in one place?

That's more common than you'd think — and we can help. PromoLink is built to read from multiple sources simultaneously, so you don't need to consolidate everything before getting started.

We can connect to:

- Databases
- Google Sheets
- ERPs
- PIM platforms
- Inventory systems
- Any other system with API connectivity

The two things we need: API access to your systems, and data that's structured consistently enough to map. If you're not sure whether your setup qualifies, bring it up on your discovery call and we'll take a look.

 What ERP or inventory systems does PromoLink connect with?

PromoLink is built to connect with a wide range of systems including common ERPs, PIMs, and inventory platforms used in the promotional products industry. During onboarding we'll assess your current stack and confirm compatibility.

If you're running a custom or less common system, we'll work with you to find the right connection method.

## SAGE, ASI & DistributorCentral

 Do I need PromoStandards to have my data updated on SAGE, ASI, and DC?

No — PromoLink can publish your data to SAGE, ASI, and DistributorCentral without PromoStandards. You do not need a PS setup to get started.

PromoStandards is an add-on, not a requirement. Each platform has its own data connection that PromoLink manages independently:

- **SAGE** — connected and updated directly through PromoLink
- **ASI** — can also read PromoStandards data if you have it, but PromoLink handles the connection either way
- **DistributorCentral** — uses a format closely aligned with PromoStandards, making it easy to support with or without a full PS setup

That said, adding PromoStandards opens the door to a much broader distributor audience and is worth considering as you grow. Learn more at [PromoStandards.org](https://promostandards.org).

 Does PromoLink publish my data to SAGE, ASI, and DistributorCentral?

Yes. Once your PromoStandards endpoints are live, PromoLink pushes your data to:

- **SAGE** — one of the largest distributor platforms in the industry
- **ASI** — the Advertising Specialty Institute's distributor network
- **DistributorCentral (DC)** — a widely used supplier and distributor marketplace

Your product data, pricing, and inventory become visible and actionable across all three without any additional work on your end.

 Do I need separate accounts or memberships with SAGE, ASI, or DC?

You'll need to have (or create) supplier accounts with each platform you want to publish to. PromoLink handles the data connection and publishing — the platform relationships are yours to own.

If you're not sure where you stand with any of them, we can help you figure that out during onboarding.

 How does my data stay current across SAGE, ASI, and DC?

Because PromoLink connects directly to your source data, updates flow through automatically based on your sync frequency. When your inventory changes, your pricing updates, or you add new products, that information propagates to all connected platforms without you having to do anything.

No re-uploads, no manual refreshes.

 What product data fields are published to each platform?

The exact fields vary by platform and endpoint, but typically include:

- Product name, description, and categories
- SKUs and variants (sizes, colors, quantities)
- Pricing tiers and configuration options
- Inventory levels and availability
- Decoration options and lead times
- Product images and media

We'll map your specific data fields during onboarding to make sure everything publishes correctly.

## Why It Matters

 Why does it matter that PromoLink connects directly to my source data?

When your integration is connected at the source, everything downstream stays accurate automatically. You're not managing a separate copy of your data or remembering to push updates. The moment something changes in your system, it's reflected everywhere PromoLink publishes.

- Distributors always see accurate inventory
- Pricing is never out of date
- You don't get orders based on wrong information
- Your team spends zero time on data maintenance

 Other services ask me to upload data — why is that a problem?

Upload-based integrations put the burden entirely on you — and over time, that burden compounds.

- Someone on your team has to remember to export and upload on a schedule
- Any delay means distributors are working with stale data
- Errors in the export or upload process can break your listings
- As your catalog grows, the process gets harder to manage
- You end up with multiple versions of your data that slowly drift apart

PromoLink eliminates all of that by going straight to the source.

 What does "data freshness" mean and why should I care?

Data freshness refers to how current and accurate the information distributors see actually is. Stale data causes real problems:

- Distributors quote inventory you don't have
- Orders come in at wrong prices
- Products that have been discontinued are still being sold
- Your brand looks unreliable when the data doesn't match reality

With PromoLink, your data is as fresh as your source system — because that's exactly where we pull from.

## Pricing & Costs

 What does the setup cost include?

Setup covers the full onboarding process including:

- Discovery and scoping
- Source system connection and data mapping
- PromoStandards endpoint configuration and testing
- Publishing setup for SAGE, ASI, and/or DistributorCentral
- QA and go-live support

Pricing is based on your SKU count, the number of endpoints enabled, and the complexity of your data sources. We'll give you a detailed estimate after your discovery call.

 Are there ongoing monthly fees after setup?

Yes. After the initial setup there is a modest monthly platform fee — designed to be accessible for suppliers of all sizes, not just enterprise accounts.

It covers everything needed to keep your integration running smoothly:

- Hosting and infrastructure for your live endpoints
- Continuous data syncing from your source systems
- Proactive monitoring so issues are caught before they affect your listings
- Publishing maintenance across SAGE, ASI, DistributorCentral, and PromoStandards
- Ongoing support for questions and minor changes

Think of it as the cost of having a dedicated integration running 24/7 — without needing to hire anyone to manage it.

 Can I add more endpoints or platforms later?

Absolutely. Many suppliers start with a core set of endpoints and expand over time. Adding new endpoints or connecting to additional platforms is scoped separately and can be done at any point after your initial launch.

## Trust, Support & Security

 Who can see my pricing and inventory data?

Your data is published to the platforms and channels you explicitly authorize during setup. Pricing and inventory visibility follows the access controls of each platform (SAGE, ASI, DC) and your PromoStandards configuration.

You stay in control of what gets published and where.

 What kind of support do I get after launch?

After go-live you have access to our support team for questions, issues, and changes. We monitor your endpoints and connections proactively, so if something breaks on the integration side we're typically aware before you are.

For larger changes to your data structure or new endpoint additions, those are handled as scoped requests.

 Can I do a phased rollout instead of launching everything at once?

Yes, and many suppliers prefer it. A common approach is to start with product data and pricing, validate that everything looks right across platforms, then layer in inventory and order endpoints.

We'll help you sequence the rollout in a way that makes sense for your team and your data readiness.

## Still have questions? *Let's talk.*

Book a 30-minute discovery call and we'll walk through your setup, answer your questions, and align on a plan.

[Book a Discovery Call](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers/supplier-main-form)

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Modular when you need it.

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##### Distributors

[Overview](https://www.promolink.io/distributors) [Solutions](https://www.promolink.io/distributor-solutions) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)

[Sales Team Suite](https://www.promolink.io/sales-team-suite-distributor) [Storefront Suite](https://www.promolink.io/storefront-suite-distributor) [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry)

[Pricing](https://www.promolink.io/distributor-pricing)

##### Decorators

[Overview](https://www.promolink.io/decorators) [Solutions](https://www.promolink.io/decorator-solutions) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)

[Sales Team Suite](https://www.promolink.io/sales-team-suite-decorator) [Storefront Suite](https://www.promolink.io/storefront-suite-decorator) [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry)

[Pricing](https://www.promolink.io/decorator-pricing)

##### Suppliers

[Overview](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)

[Supplier Product Manager](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers-product-manager) [EPO Solution](https://www.promolink.io/electronic-purchase-order) [SAGE Integration](https://www.promolink.io/sage-integration) [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry)

[Pricing](https://www.promolink.io/supplier-pricing)

##### Modules

For distributors & decorators

[ShowCase](https://www.promolink.io/showcase) [Sales Order](https://www.promolink.io/sales-order) [Storefront](https://www.promolink.io/storefront) [Purchase Order](https://www.promolink.io/purchase-orders)

[Supplier Index](https://www.promolink.io/supplier-index)

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- [Distributors](https://www.promolink.io/distributors)
  
  [Overview](https://www.promolink.io/distributors) [Solutions](https://www.promolink.io/distributor-solutions) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)
- [Decorators](https://www.promolink.io/decorators)
  
  [Overview](https://www.promolink.io/decorators) [Solutions](https://www.promolink.io/decorator-solutions) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)
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  [Overview](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers) [Solutions](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers-solutions) [Integrations](https://www.promolink.io/integrations)
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  [Sales Team Suite](https://www.promolink.io/sales-team-suite-distributor) [Storefront Suite](https://www.promolink.io/storefront-suite-distributor) [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry)
  
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  [All distributor solutions](https://www.promolink.io/distributor-solutions)

  Supplier Solutions
  
  [Supplier Product Manager](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers-product-manager) [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry) [Electronic Purchase Order](https://www.promolink.io/electronic-purchase-order) [Sage Integration](https://www.promolink.io/sage-integration)

  [All supplier solutions](https://www.promolink.io/suppliers-solutions)

  Enterprise
  
  [AI PDF Order Entry](https://www.promolink.io/ai-pdf-order-entry) [Sales Team Suite](https://www.promolink.io/sales-team-suite-decorator) [Storefront Suite](https://www.promolink.io/storefront-suite-decorator)
  
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