Distributors Sought - Worldwide

[Your Risk Adviser]

Hi,
We are an Australian based company that has spent considerable time and effort in developing our own brand of scroll saws. We did have a US/UK distributor lined up but with the GFC that company folded and we have been unable to find an alternate partner to move forwrd with.

A little back ground, basically scroll saw are like miniture band saws and used in the jewellery, signwritting and woodworking fields. The blades are generally extremly small and delicate and can't be sharpened etc. with only a short life span (don't worry they come in packs of 144).

The worldwide market is currently dominated by Olsen for cheap end blades ($24 a pack), whilst the top end market is held by around 5 companies such as Flying Dutchman, Pegassus etc ($35 - $60 a pack).

We have been able to establish a relationship with a reputable manufacturer who using our die's/cutters can produce any quality/design blade we need at a competiive cost.

We are looking for distributors worldwide who have have the ability to market our product both on and offline to retailers and direct to the public. The profit margins and demand are excellent and we have an exceptional marketing co contribution arrangement to assist grow brand awareness.

This is not a get quick rich scheme, also should anyone know a better site to link in with distributors please let me know.

[Will]

Hi

I would say your best bet is to target distributors who already distribute hardware products and supply to hardware stores etc (they will have the right connections set up). This is because they will have expertise in the area and know a bit about the product, and will not just be in it to make a quick bit of money (which would not work).

[Will]

Also, a little trick I have used before to easily find distributors. Go to a shop and find products similar or in the same general category as yours, and see if the distributors name is on the packaging somewhere. You may find some tools or hardware from overseas in one of the countries you are looking for, and can easily then find their contact details on the internet, if not on the packaging.

[Your Risk Adviser]

Will, Thanks for the comment.

Unfortunately as their are only a hand full of brands currently distributed (all direct via the manufacturer) their is very little opportunity.

The other issue is that the product is used across 3 industries (wood working, sign writing & jewellery making) so can't even really look at existing general distributor as would still leave a huge gap in the market.

Also would prefer to deal with an individual or smaller company that would be active in the brand promotion, rather than a larger distributor who will just add to their catalogue.

As I think I may have mentioned, we have already assigned a marketing budget that would be approx. 30 - 50% of the stock value for marketing co-contribution for the short and medium term to assit our distributor in establishing the brand.