When choosing a distributor for your brand, understanding the distributor's size, scope, and marketing capabilities is crucial. These aspects will significantly influence the reach of your products and their potential for success in the market.
Scale and Scope
The scale and scope of your potential distributor play a pivotal role depending on your brand's current size and ambitions. For instance, if you are a small or new brand aiming for gradual growth, a distributor with presence in multiple markets might be an optimal choice. Such a distributor could provide you with an excellent starting point, facilitating an easier entry into other markets.
Conversely, if you are an established brand looking to penetrate new markets, you might want a distributor that can provide focused time, attention, and resources. While the largest distributors may cover a wide range of accounts, they also have many vendors to accommodate. Consequently, your brand might not receive the greatest attention from their sales team.
Understanding the current state of your brand and its future objectives will help you decide the most appropriate distributor in terms of scale and scope.
Marketing Resources
Another crucial factor is the distributor's marketing capabilities. In the realm of wholesale distribution, this primarily translates to exposure to the sales team. The more you can engage with the sales team, the more your brand will be promoted to bars, restaurants, and retailers.
However, while the distributor can significantly enhance your brand's visibility, it's equally important for you to have your own marketing plans. Ideally, your plans should complement the distributor's marketing efforts, creating a synergy that boosts brand awareness and uptake.
You should also be prepared to leverage social media platforms and other marketing channels. In the current digital age, online presence can significantly affect your brand's visibility and acceptance. It's not a task for the distributor alone but a collaborative effort that yields the best results when both parties invest time and resources.
Choosing a distributor is an important decision that can significantly impact the trajectory of your brand. Assessing their scale, scope, and marketing resources helps ensure they align with your brand's needs and aspirations. The goal is to foster a partnership that propels your brand towards success, providing optimal exposure and growth opportunities.
In our next article, we will delve into the importance of the distributor's relationship with retailers and the services they can provide to assist in brand growth. Stay tuned!