Distribution refers to the movement of goods from a manufacturer or supplier to a retailer or customer. It involves activities such as transportation, storage, and delivery. On the other hand, supply chain encompasses all activities involved in delivering a product from its raw materials stage to the final customer.
A supplier is typically an individual or company that provides products or services to other businesses. They may act as a middleman between the buyer and the seller, or they may provide their own products. A distributor, on the other hand, is someone who sells products directly to consumers.
Here are the steps to find and negotiate a distribution agreement: Step 1: Meet with the distributor. Step 2: Discuss the terms of distribution. Step 3: Review the details, such as marketing materials, catalogs, or product literature. Step 4: Hire a lawyer or an expert to draft the agreement.
The agreement outlines the details of each party's responsibilities and the terms of their collaboration. Generally, the supplier is responsible for manufacturing and selling products while the distributor is responsible for carrying and marketing the product to retailers or customers in their locality.
A vendor contract (otherwise known as a vendor agreement) is a business contract between two parties covering the exchange of goods or services in return for compensation. Vendor contracts establish the business relationship conditions and include details on each party's obligations under the contract.
The term for Distribution Agreements varies, with terms being anywhere from 5 to 15 years. I try to limit the term as much as possible—especially when there is no advance, or a meager one.