Manufacturer > Distributor > Reseller relationship question

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So I was just curious if anyone could explain to me the dynamic between a drop ship retailer through a distributor and the manufacturer.

Let me explain what I mean cause I know that was confusing, I just don't know a better way to explain it.

If I dropship products through a distributor, who purchases them from a manufacturer, then I would never have an interaction with the manufacturer (except when I have enough money to buy inventory etc etc. I know.).

How do manufacturers control the quality of the online retail outlets that sell their products? Or do they control it? Do they rely on the distributor to manage the quality control on retail outlets?

I mostly want to make sure I don't HAVE to become a verified reseller of a brand in order to sell it from a distributor.

Thanks!
#> #distributor #manufacturer #question #relationship #reseller
  • Profile picture of the author violet0176
    Originally Posted by crediblezephyre View Post

    So I was just curious if anyone could explain to me the dynamic between a drop ship retailer through a distributor and the manufacturer.

    Let me explain what I mean cause I know that was confusing, I just don't know a better way to explain it.

    If I dropship products through a distributor, who purchases them from a manufacturer, then I would never have an interaction with the manufacturer (except when I have enough money to buy inventory etc etc. I know.).

    How do manufacturers control the quality of the online retail outlets that sell their products? Or do they control it? Do they rely on the distributor to manage the quality control on retail outlets?

    I mostly want to make sure I don't HAVE to become a verified reseller of a brand in order to sell it from a distributor.

    Thanks!

    It depends on the Brand and the product. If the distributor is legitimate it is an Authorized Dealer of the brand. You, will also have to become an authorized Reseller to sell certain brands under your business name. You will need to contact the brand and apply to become an authorized Reseller(Apple, Go-Pro, Microsoft, etc...)

    That said, Distributor's such as D&H (their margins suck) make it easier to apply to become an authorized Reseller for brands that require it --you can apply directly on their website(after your account is approved).

    The objective is to protect the customer. If your business is not licensed and authorized to sell a certain brand, that makes the product's warranty null & void for the customer and a quick way for your business to receive a 'cease & desist' when the customer contacts the brand to file a complaint.

    edit- an exception would be if you are not using blind drop shipping and the distributor's business name(not yours) is on the customer's invoice.
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    • Profile picture of the author williamiholman
      Well, what you said is right, but there are certain rules and laws which are applicable in every sector. Business must be licensed and authorized, so that the customer will trust the brand and their products would be purchased by them. If you want to know more about the system you can read it in convention collective commerce de gros pdf
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