'authorized' retailers

[markcranmer]

I run a new site selling branded fragrances and cosmetics and was wondering what the implications are of not being an 'authorized' retailer of certain products. For exampler there are some top end skin cream brands that will not officially distribute product throughout the UK unless you fulfill certain criteria.

I haven't yet pursued enquiries as I want to know where I stand with this first. If I'm not an 'authorized' retailer, does that mean I can still sell the product online so long as I can source the genuine article? I don't want to attempt to become authorized if it will expose my business to imminent problems should the vetting procedure fail.

Also, it's not prossible to include certain brand words in google ads. Some retailers seem to be allowed to and I pressume it is because they are officially sanctioned to do so. Ebay are also severely limiting listings in the hope of cracking down on counterfeiters and this is making if very difficult for those of us selling real product.

all help welcome.

mark

[Boxby]

This means you are "grey good retailing".

It depends on the company and how they want to play it. The biggest case of a supplier following this one through was Levi's & Tescos a few years back.