For many manufacturers, expanding production and distribution capabilities can seem like an obvious path to growth. However, this growth strategy comes with substantial costs and risks.
Establishing internal manufacturing and a distribution network requires major capital investments in facilities, equipment, and personnel. It also entails complex supply chain and logistics management, significant ongoing operational costs, and headaches. It can also distract focus from your company’s core competencies like product development and marketing.
That’s why partnering with an established distributor makes smart strategic sense for scaling quickly. Tapping into an existing distribution network provides instant access to new customers and markets without the heavy lifting required to build this infrastructure from scratch.
With decades of experience advising manufacturers on distribution strategy, the Maximum Possibilities team understands how to identify and evaluate potential distribution partners. They can provide industry expertise and objective perspective to determine the best fit for your unique business goals, risk tolerance, and product offering.
Let’s look at some challenges and tips for growing your business through distribution.
The Challenges of Building Your Own Manufacturing and Distribution
While bringing manufacturing and distribution in-house may seem like it gives you more control, this pathway to growth comes with substantial financial and operational burdens.
Here are some issues the Maximum Possibilities team will have you consider before deciding.
- Starting a distribution platform requires major upfront capital investments in facilities, equipment, and personnel. Have you considered these line items and budgeted properly?
- Overseeing procurement, production planning, inventory, and transportation/delivery involves significant coordination. Do you have the staff in place to build out a distribution platform?
- From managing overhead to unexpected hiccups, in-house distribution can become a major pain point. Are you prepared to handle this?
- Time spent on distribution logistics pulls resources away from critical branding and innovation efforts. How will you manage your core business while adding distribution into the mix?
The Power of Leveraging an Established Distribution Network
Partnering with an experienced distributor provides a faster, lower-risk avenue to expand your reach and scale your business.
The following are areas that must be considered and negotiated with any distribution partner. Maximum Possibilities can not only help in identifying the best partner for your company but also assist in negotiating a deal that benefits both parties.
- A distributor’s existing relationships provide quick entry into previously untapped channels. You must also consider what value you bring to the relationship.
- Distribution partners already have facilities, systems, and expertise in place to scale efficiently. This is a cost-saving to you; are there areas you can help them save money by partnering with you?
- Leaning on a partner’s platform and resources enables exponentially faster growth. Is your company prepared for that growth?
Tips for Business Owners Looking to Grow Through Distribution
If you decide distributing through a partner makes strategic sense, here are key considerations for selecting and working with the right distributor. These are also the areas where Maximum Possibilities excels in helping you reach your business goals by vetting and securing the optimal partner for you.
- Conduct market research to identify top distributors in your space. Evaluate distributors’ reach, capabilities, and expertise in your industry.
- Ensure a philosophical and strategic fit beyond logistics infrastructure.
- Prioritize distributors with infrastructure to support your growth goals. Seek partners positioned to scale in sync with your expansion roadmap.
The Power of Reaching Your Maximum Possibility
Whether you’re looking to expand domestically or globally, into retail or industrial channels, Maximum Possibilities will quarterback the process. From initial partner identification through contract negotiation and launch planning, we become a true extension of your team – ensuring your distribution partnership sets the stage for transformative sustainable growth.
Contact us today and let’s begin the dialog about your growth needs and goals as well as the best path to achieve those goals.