Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

OK, a product line that I carry only has 1 distributor, and 1 more signed up.
This is am emerging product that is highly marketable to an already large
and growing population. I have the opportunity to become a distributor for
them but I have no idea how to start. I`m looking for any advice, inspiration,
ideas etc that might help!

Tell me more about the product and may be I can help I am in the same deal a large market industry !!!

See you and have a good day!!!

Well, it`s Organic--which is the growing and already large market-- basically
it`s a pesticide and fertilizer for plants. This company has a product line of
about 10-15 different types for different situations, all are certified organic
and completely safe. They only have 1 distributor (a big hort company with
not so great service) and 1 more signed up to start at the first of the year. I
believe in the product and the people behind it and think that it could be a
very hot product.

Hi ! Like when you say pesticide and fertilizer they are many laws again certain product to make sure you invest your time at the right place I would call insurance compagny to make sure those product are approve because certain product can contaminate the water and there is no chance to take on at the find are very expensive take a assurance to cover you.

Me I would do a good website to explain your product ,target the best area to start and make some publicity flyer to start.Go where they are a need of that product from your evaluation.Do business card with your phone number ,and the easy way to reach you, and the reason is simple when the customer call you ! You are in control because he need you to reach your product ,but if you dont anwser your phone right a way you loose control of the sale because the time you calling back your customer is gone or he find a other compagny  or change  is mind.

And one question why only one saler may be there is a reason go make a real evaluation of those product ! Have a good day!!!

Good luck!

It is fully approved and documented. the science is solid, the certifications
are in place. Only one supplier is operational, one more is signed up to start
Jan 1. They have a new line available after Jan 1. the Dist. they already have
is one of the biggest guns in the industry- so that`s a real testament to the
product.

This is great if everyting is fine just go for it good luck.

Is it for farmers or for the everyday gardener?

You say distributorship so I assume you would be developing ou own dealer program and sell to your dealers (retailer`s)??

Brian, the product line is for everyone! They do have concentrates and large
drums available for growers and farmers, but the end-user is essentially at
the retail level. I would be selling to retailers- a middleman between the
manufacturer and the retailers.

Two things I think are integral:

industry contacts, and distributorship experience.  Don`t worry if you don`t have both, or either!  However, I would suggest familiarizing myself intimately with the industry and market and start finding partners to assist.  Get a mentor, get out and meet some farmers. 

I hope you won;t get impatient with my insessant questions...I Believe the right questions can not only open any door, but walk a person through there own thoughts and help them developtheir own ideas.

Do you have experience with chemicals, pesticides, agriculture?

If so what kind?

Have you any experience in shipping and recieveing?

I`ve got to go for the day, but there`s a ton of people here who`ll help. 

I`m happy to get a little research done to drag up some useful resources for you.  I`ll be back tomorrow!

I own a nursery and sell plants mail-order through eBay (I`m a powerseller)
and my own web site will be launching in the coming weeks. I do know
plants and plant people--what they want--and I think they will want these
products.


As for traditional chemicals and such, I don`t have much experience as I
don`t use them myself, too many scary ingredients and names and such.

Shipping areciving I`ve got down, my eBay biz keeps me hopping with 200+
orders going out the door each week, I have good negotiated rates from DHL
because of it.