Partner programmes are the backbone of how an organisation works with its partners in Zoho PRM. They set the rules of engagement: what partners need to do, and what they receive in return.
As a partner network grows, managing each partner individually becomes slow and inconsistent. A programme gives you one framework to manage many partners, so you can apply the same rules to similar partners, avoid ad-hoc decisions on commissions or access, set clear expectations, and judge performance objectively.
| Type | How it works | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Non-tiered | Every partner follows the same requirements and receives the same benefits, for example one sales target and one commission rate. | A small or early-stage network where partners contribute in a similar way and there is no need to differentiate by performance. |
| Tiered | Partners are grouped into levels based on performance, capability, or engagement, and can move between tiers against defined requirements and review cycles. Each tier has its own requirements and benefits. | A network where performance varies and you want to reward stronger partners while still supporting newer ones. Entry tiers might get standard commission; higher tiers might get higher commission, priority support, or exclusive access. |
Three connected components evaluate partner performance in a structured way:
Benefits are what partners receive for meeting the requirements, such as financial incentives, access to resources, or extra support. They link performance to reward in plain terms. In a tiered programme, benefits are set per tier, higher tiers typically get enhanced benefits, and a partner receives the benefits of the tier they currently sit in.