Becoming distributor for USA company

[ClassicVolks]

Hi,

Newbie here. I run a UK based website for VW enthusiasts and we have strong links with a company in the USA who would like us to become a distributor for their clothing, of which they have a very wide range. To start with we would probably be looking at mostly t-shirts and possibly some sweatshirts.

I have never done anything like this before so would appreciate any advice anybody has on here regarding how to go about it, what sort of commissions we should be looking at. Would it be better to get things printer here rather than there and shipped over? And any other advice you can think of.

As much or as little advice as you have would be extremely well received!

Many thanks

Kate

 

[TotallySport]

did the company contact you? if so say your interested but would like more information, they should have an idea of how they want to run it, and what they are offering.

I very much doubt they will let you print it, but you have to find out what they are offering first.

Normally distributors hold a fair amount of stock so setup costs can be large and turnover and running costs can build up very quickly.

 

[ClassicVolks]

did the company contact you? if so say your interested but would like more information, they should have an idea of how they want to run it, and what they are offering.

I very much doubt they will let you print it, but you have to find out what they are offering first.

Normally distributors hold a fair amount of stock so setup costs can be large and turnover and running costs can build up very quickly.

We are in contact with the company on a daily (if not hourly basis) - they are friends of ours in business. Both parties (us and them) are trying to work out the logistics of it all.

Thanks

Kate

 

[TotallySport]

so were not talking major brand here, that changes things, why not replicate their business in the UK and rebrand it?

Without knowing alot more information its impossible to say very much else.

 

[ClassicVolks]

so were not talking major brand here, that changes things, why not replicate their business in the UK and rebrand it?

Without knowing alot more information its impossible to say very much else.

The VW world is very large, but quite small in that everyone knows everyone - both UK and abroad. We wouldn't want to rebrand as they are very well known in the Classic VW world but like you say they are not a major brand.

What more would you like to know and I'll try and give you more information in order that you can advise...it's a difficult one.

Kate

 

[TotallySport]

you have to define "very large" market carefully, just becuase lots of people you see are involved doesn't make it a mass market, and by everyone knowing everyone proves its simply not that big in the massive world of business.

then you also have to break it down, lots of people might like VW's but how many of them will want to buy one of your T-shirts? I guarantee it won't be everyone, which massively reduces your very large market.

The things I would want to know, are the things you shouldn't tell me, or at the very least shouldn't put on a public forum, things like the company your talking about, what are the shipping quanitities, shipping costs delivered to the door and etc etc.

One other options would be not being a distributor but being a licensee, where you have a license to use their name and branding etc, and you product the goods and pay them a commision.

 

[Barnie]

This a company beginning with k, there is another I spotted for not vw which is a smaller brand but do more accessories could be wrong on both counts

If its just vw branded then its not a huge market, it may look it but its not, purchasing the designs and having them printed here may be a cheaper option