Business Resources
MAP Pricing Guide
MAP stands for Minimum Advertised Price: the lowest price a supplier permits a reseller to advertise publicly for a product. It is a policy about advertising, not a general statement about every aspect of a transaction.
This page explains the concept in general business terms. The terms that actually apply to you are in the specific MAP policy of the supplier whose products you sell — always read that document.
Definition
What MAP Means.
A MAP policy sets a floor for publicly advertised pricing. Advertising generally includes anything a member of the public can see without contacting you: a website product page, a marketplace listing, a paid advertisement, an email campaign, printed material and, in many policies, social posts.
MAP policies are typically issued unilaterally by the supplier and apply to resellers of that supplier's products. Enforcement mechanisms vary by policy.
Comparison
MAP vs MSRP.
| Dimension | MAP | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The lowest price you may advertise publicly. | A suggested price at which to sell. |
| What it governs | Advertising and public price presentation. | Nothing — it is a suggestion. |
| Typical purpose | Consistency of advertised pricing across resellers. | A reference point for customers and resellers. |
| Is it binding? | Governed by the supplier's written policy and your agreement. | Generally not binding. |
| Common misconception | That it dictates every element of a sale. | That it must be matched exactly. |
Rationale
Why Suppliers Use MAP.
Scope
What It Controls — and What It Does Not.
Commonly addressed
- Prices shown on your website and product listings.
- Prices in paid advertising, email campaigns and printed material.
- Displayed strike-through and "sale" pricing.
- Marketplace listings where the price is publicly visible.
Frequently misunderstood
- MAP is about advertised price; policies differ on how they treat the final transaction price.
- MAP does not set your cost, and it does not guarantee a margin.
- MAP does not remove your responsibility for your own advertising claims.
- Policies change — the current version is the one that applies.
This is general business education, not legal advice. For anything binding, read the supplier's written policy and take your own professional advice.
Promotions
Running Promotions Under a MAP Policy.
Most policies are concerned with what the public sees advertised. Promotional approaches that businesses commonly review against a policy include bundles, loyalty credit, gift-with-purchase and in-person quotes. Whether each is permitted depends entirely on the wording of the policy you operate under.
Practical approach: plan your promotion, then check it against the current policy before publishing it, and keep a record of the version you relied on.
InstaMed Wholesale MAP Policy
The current published policy that applies to InstaMed Wholesale products is available on the site.
Read the current MAP PolicyWritten and reviewed by the InstaMed Wholesale business team. Last reviewed September 2026. This is general business education, not legal, tax or financial advice.
FAQ
Common Questions.
What does MAP stand for?
Minimum Advertised Price. It is the lowest price a supplier permits a reseller to advertise publicly for a product.
Is MAP the same as MSRP?
No. MSRP is a suggested retail selling price. MAP governs the price that may be advertised. A product can carry both, and they are frequently different numbers.
Does MAP control the price I sell at?
A MAP policy addresses advertised pricing. Suppliers differ in how their policies treat the final transaction price, so read the specific policy that applies to your account rather than assuming.
Can I still run promotions under MAP?
Usually yes, within the terms of the specific policy. Policies commonly address how discounts may be presented publicly. Check the supplier's current policy before publishing a promotion.
Why do suppliers use MAP policies?
To keep a brand's advertised pricing consistent across resellers, protect the viability of partners who invest in service and presentation, and avoid a race to the bottom that erodes everyone's margin.
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