How To Become A Distributor
This page discusses how to become a distributor in general. Even though it is slanted toward Polish products, the principles are the same.
A distributor is someone who sells merchandise. The term is general. You must be more specific in your ideas because there are different kinds of distributors.
Some distributors buy large quantities directly from the factory and sell at wholesale to other merchants. This distributor is often called a wholesaler or jobber.
Some distributors sell directly to end users at retail. They are called retailers.
The first decision that you make is what type business you intend to run; wholesale or retail.
Get Personal Help In The Process
There is no need to run in circles trying to find the right product or service. We can cut down on your research time by making some suggestions.
Being in constant touch with the factories and companies selling products, we have a good feel for what sells well and we have information about what is available.
Just give us as many details about what you would like to do and we will get back to you with information.
Go here and use our free service. Polish Product Information Center.
But before we get into details, here are two video tutorials that take you into a lot more than we can in a web page. You are invited to watch each of these videos on distribution.
How To Start A Distribution Business
Added Information About How To Become A Distributor
The prices that you pay for products that you distribute depend on how much you buy at any one time.
If you intend to buy directly from the factory, either as a jobber or a retailer, you must meet the factory minimum order requirements.
If you intend to buy from a jobber, you must meet that jobbers requirements and order minimums.
Some factories have exclusive distribution agreements with certain jobbers who cover designated territories. You must buy through those jobbers.
You become a distributor by buying product and distributing it.
Tips
You should take some basic steps to establish with the entity from which you are buying that you are not a third world teenager playing on the internet.
In asking for price lists, give background about your company and experience.
Pick up the phone and call the contact number on the web page or catalog at which you are looking. This establishes that you are serious. It also saves a lot of time. That is not expensive. Just use the free Skype telephone system and use the Skype out option. (If you are going to run a business, we recommend strongly that you use Skype. See Why you should use Skype in Business )
Give an estimate of how much you will buy at any one time. If you are going to invest in inventory, you should know if you are going to invest $500 or $5000 or more. DO NOT say that how much you buy depends on the price you get. The factories will ignore you. Why? 1) You are being evasive. 2) A factory selling high quality products sells its products based on quality and reputation and not price. They expect the same of you.
If you have a specific product in mind, you can request a quotation for that product at Requests For Polish Products.
