UK specific reseller question

re starting up as a distributer

[bateman_ap]

Hope this is the most suitable forum!

Anyway, on one of my sites I want to start selling a product. Now I don't want to do it thorugh an afflinate prog (once cos there isn't one for the product anyway!) but would ideally want to become a on-line shop. Now are there any criteria that have to be met to be eligable for trade prices from the manufacturer or is it as simple as mailing them and saying i have a online shop and want to stock your products? I'm UK based so anyone with UK experience please reply!

[IanTurner]

We tend to talk to the manufacturers and get trade prices. Sometimes you will find that the company uses channel distribution in which case you may be directed to a UK or European distributor.

The problem you may get in a lot of cases is that they will want you to be large quantities of stock to get discount prices.

[highman]

You may find, as I have, that the manufacturer will supply you but with a reduced 'trade' discount until you prove you can sell quantity. A few manufacturers have become very wary of supplying 'web only' shops and the effect it may have on their network of retail outlets, so may only supply you if you have a 'bricks and morter' outlet.
Do some research before you approach the manufacturer, try and find a hole in their distribution which you can fill.