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Please help me find a US distributor

Old 03-28-17, 05:58 PM
  #1  
lox001
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Please help me find a US distributor

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping I can find some help on this forum. My company is launching a new cycling accessory into the US and we're hoping to find a small to medium sized distributor. I'm not trying to promote my product here, simply seeking some advice, guys

If someone can direct me to a US based distributor that carries not more than 25 brands (we prefer not to get lost amongst 100s of brands) I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!
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Old 03-28-17, 06:10 PM
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LMGTFY
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Old 03-28-17, 06:39 PM
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Have you considered doing FBA (Amazon)? That always seems like a viable marketplace for accessories. Are you looking to go mainstream retail or local shops across the us, etc?
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Old 03-28-17, 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by dedhed


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Old 03-28-17, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by dedhed
The OP is in South Africa. The link you posted is to search for US companies.
I'm guessing he wants Europe, Asia or worldwide distributors.
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Old 03-28-17, 07:02 PM
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Just had a thought, maybe the OP wants info from someone like a LBS owner or similar, who has had dealings with distributors....
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Old 03-28-17, 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by dedhed
As one who, on occasion, has to find new suppliers at work, I can undoubtedly say that such companies are not easily judged by their webpage. It is entirely possible the OP has Googled it, and is now looking for word of mouth recommendations from other folks who actually deal with distributors. Did you click any of the links that comes up with? Very generic info.

Heck, the folks I use to build test equipment are one of the larger such companies in the Metro Detroit area, and I can't get them to pop up in any phrasing of the words in Google. I'd never know they existed, if they weren't in place with my company when I started. It is a bit different than looking for someone who sells to the consumer.
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Old 03-28-17, 07:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Trevtassie
Just had a thought, maybe the OP wants info from someone like a LBS owner or similar, who has had dealings with distributors....
Or current/former industry types who might have a better idea on where to steer the OP than just telling him to Google it
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Old 03-28-17, 09:23 PM
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Make a Visit to the Taipei Bicycle trade show, It's scheduled to happen soon,

many brands use the companies in Taiwan, now. Including US brands..

Booth space may still be available,


Interbike, the big US trade show, is in the US in the Autumn.

not long after the European trade show , in Germany.

Real Business is done in these places.


....

Last edited by fietsbob; 03-28-17 at 09:33 PM.
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Old 03-29-17, 05:07 AM
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Thanks for all the input

And sorry for being absent while you had to figure out what I'm after - timezones

As I mentioned, we are looking for a smaller version of a QBP or JBI in the USA. It's not easy to get the attention and efforts of the sales rep if your product is one of a 1000 SKU's.

Yes, I've considered Amazon, Interbike and Taipei (which is just passed) but from what I understand, the best way to get into the bikeshops is via a wholesale distributor of bicycles or bike accessories.
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Old 03-29-17, 05:15 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by fietsbob
Make a Visit to the Taipei Bicycle trade show, It's scheduled to happen soon,

many brands use the companies in Taiwan, now. Including US brands..

Booth space may still be available,


Interbike, the big US trade show, is in the US in the Autumn.

not long after the European trade show , in Germany.

Real Business is done in these places.


....
Thanks @fietsbob, I did visit Interbike in Vegas and Eurobike in Friedrichshafen but was unable to meet the right guys for the US market. QBP and JBI were both there, but they are giants and I'd rather look for a smaller player.
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Old 03-29-17, 05:17 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by no1mad
Or current/former industry types who might have a better idea on where to steer the OP than just telling him to Google it
Correct in both instances If there are any LBS owners here, I'd really appreciate you sharing the info of a suitable distributor with me.
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Old 03-29-17, 05:20 AM
  #13  
lox001
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thanks for the input

Originally Posted by JBerman
Have you considered doing FBA (Amazon)? That always seems like a viable marketplace for accessories. Are you looking to go mainstream retail or local shops across the us, etc?
It would be easier for us as a small operator to partner with a distributor and run a traditional LBS retail type system at first. At some point in the future, we could probably justify a drop shipping type of setup, whilst being careful not to compete with the LBS's that got us to the riders in the first place.
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Old 03-29-17, 05:24 AM
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lox001
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Spot on!

Originally Posted by jefnvk
As one who, on occasion, has to find new suppliers at work, I can undoubtedly say that such companies are not easily judged by their webpage. It is entirely possible the OP has Googled it, and is now looking for word of mouth recommendations from other folks who actually deal with distributors. Did you click any of the links that comes up with? Very generic info.

Heck, the folks I use to build test equipment are one of the larger such companies in the Metro Detroit area, and I can't get them to pop up in any phrasing of the words in Google. I'd never know they existed, if they weren't in place with my company when I started. It is a bit different than looking for someone who sells to the consumer.
Absolutely! but I do appreciate the LMGTFY nevertheless...
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