Investigators alleged that Mr. Asti and others engaged in "candy" deals, where Symbol bribed resellers with a 1% fee to "buy" products from a distributor at the end of a quarter, which Symbol would later buy back. Symbol then allegedly would convince the distributor to order more products from the company to satisfy the newly created inventory void.
Sales made to wholesalers and distributors that are booked as final sales to customers. Typically done at the end of a quarter to lift sales and hit quarterly financial targets. Term describes last-minute stuffing of products into the distribution channel.
CANDY DEALS
A variation of channel stuffing. Products are sold to distributors, who have no customer orders for the goods. Symbol pledged to later buy back the goods and pay distributors an additional one percent for cooperating.
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"Ex-Executives At Symbol Are Indicted" By STEVE LOHR
New York Times, Friday, June 4, 2004