Each year, SAGE presents industry suppliers with A+ and A rating awards based on distributor ratings collected in SAGE Online, SAGE Web and SAGE Mobile. This year, 1,067 suppliers received the top A+ rating, while another 282 suppliers received an A rating. A total of 32 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.

“Each year, we recognize our award-winning suppliers for setting the standard of quality and integrity in the promotional products industry,” says SAGE President David Natinsky, MAS. “We are proud to offer this award, which 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, but 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.

In a statement, SAGE notes that distributors using its research and business management tools can make more informed decisions about suppliers by accessing suppliers’ current, real-time ratings, including peer distributor comments and full award information, including any additional industry awards, for each supplier. Supplier award winners 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.