Overseas Agent

[The Soup Dragon]

We have had a new start up company ask if they can represent us in Canada. They have offered me a shareholding in the company. Whilst I am interested, I am thinking that if this were to happen it should be the UK company that took a position rather than me personally. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Washington]

Hi

There are lots of variables here....

Does having a shareholding in the company give you any control or visibility ? Does your business have the scale to warrant getting involved in their business, as it could suck up your time when maybe your time could be better spent focussing on developing your core business

Depending on your level of commitment in Canada, having an involvement could educate you about what is needed in the region to be an agent/distributor which could help you with further expansion in the surrounding territories

The other question of course is what is it they need from you other than product and support ? Do they not have the finances to represent you properly and professionally ? Maybe the sales agents have the passion to sell, but they also need the budget to do it properly. Do you know their history, it may be worth drilling down to see why they need your help to make sure you do not end up doing their job for them