Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

My fiance and I recently launched a successful global product manufacturing company from the ground up. We are in the process of finalizing the PPA within a week. We have found a unique niche in which the markup is approximately 130% to 300% & sales actuals up vs. prior month consistently. Therefore, we are planning a strong growth strategy for 3-4Q`08.

We already have prospective dealers lined up that have requested to sell our product. At this critical phase, we want to ensure we are cognizant of the options available to us. Is there a good resource/book/site/advice that a seasoned business owner can recommend on setting up distributors, the legal ramifications, etc.

* Also, along those lines, we are going to seek out an injection of cash flow in our initial seeding months -- where is the first place a business can start to seek out vc`s and angels? We have a proven track record & want to be able to sustain the growth that is coming our way.

Thanks. That was very helpful. We are planning to work with these dealers on a distributorship level. Therefore, they will purchase/stock and resell the product & we will work out a profit split. This type of relationship is new to our business & we want to ensure we cross all t`s and dot all i`s.  Also we are currently researching/seeking solutions to things such as:

• What type of attorney to seek out to set up the distributor/manufacturer relationship contractually?
• What are key elements of the relationship in general and contractual terms?
• How to ensure quality assurance and that the brand is being marketed/sold according to our brand equity and standards?
• What to look for in a distributor & what information they should provide us?
• A strategic guide path for growing your business with distributors-- starting from ground zero.

Our first full fiscal year of `08 -- our projected sales are around $60k -- that is with minimal grassroots advertising/pr/wom. Our first four months in business we brought in approximately $20k with little overhead costs since we keep expense low (and the product is not costly to build). We want to hit our six figure mark this year -- but realize we need to be strategic about our distribution methods. We are a newbie business & want to get it right.

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Randy
Inventor-Strategies

The cost of international shipping can kill your business.  I work with many start-up companies and small companies that export their product.  If you are shipping parcels (boxes under 150 pounds) you should be able to save 30% - 50% off the list rate with DHL, UPS or FedEx if you find the right third party shipping partner.  A number of heavy freight ocean and air decisions need to made if you are shipping weights over 150 pounds per destination.  A consultant that knows what they are doing should be happy to spend the time to meet with you to evaluate your needs and explaine the process.  The problem is that consultants are fighting over the companies that spend lots of dollars on shipping.  But there are a few that will work with you now and help you grow your business. 

PJBuisson, I think you posted to the wrong posting. Not really discussing shipping on this one. Thanks though.