SAM/KAM Minicases

The Frustration of a “Basic” Relationship – A Mini-Case on Transactional Accounts

Not all customers are strategic — and not all accounts should be treated like key accounts. In this SAM/KAM…

Surviving Market Testing – A Mini-Case on Reverse Auctions and Value Defence

Even the strongest supplier relationships can be tested by procurement policy. In this SAM/KAM mini-case, Components GmbH — sole…

Pride Comes Before a Fall – A Mini-Case on Complacency and Competitive Wake-Up Calls

In this SAM/KAM mini-case, we’re introduced to 234 Services Europe — a market leader in office services that considers…

Practice What You Preach – A Mini-Case on Empowerment, Retention & Reputation

When internal values don’t match external messaging, even the best key account strategies can collapse. In this SAM/KAM mini-case,…

Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth – A Mini-Case on Strategic Fit vs. Opportunity

Not all opportunities are worth chasing. In this SAM/KAM mini-case, Jo Young — key account manager at Punch Financial…

Parochial Pains – A Mini-Case on Global Account Integration

Strategic account management isn’t just about building client trust — it’s also about overcoming internal resistance. This SAM/KAM mini-case…

Jealous Partners – A Mini-Case on Competition, Confidentiality & Customer Control

Strategic customers often want exclusivity — but in today’s competitive and legally regulated world, that’s not always realistic. In…

Healing Wounds – A Mini-Case on Trust Recovery and Change Resistance

Strategic account relationships don’t just face commercial risks — they’re also vulnerable to breakdowns in trust, training, and internal…

Going Global – A Mini-Case on Global Key Account Coordination

As global customers consolidate their supplier bases, the pressure on vendors to coordinate internationally has never been higher. In…

A Family Feud – A Mini-Case on Internal Alignment and Strategic Risk

Some of the biggest risks to key account relationships come not from the customer — but from internal misalignment.…

Taking a Key Account for Granted – A Mini-Case on Relationship Risk

Long-standing customer relationships often lull organisations into a false sense of security. This SAM/KAM mini-case explores how one company,…

Diversification Dilemma – A Key Account Mini-Case

Strategic account relationships often involve tough choices — especially when your customer’s needs evolve beyond your core capabilities. In…