How to Find Companies Looking for Distributors

One of the things that prevent many distributors from finding suppliers to work with is simply that they are not proactive enough in seeking them out.

In most cases, companies that need distributors don’t advertise or publicize it. That means that it’s entirely your responsibility to uncover them through your research, and then make the first move.

How to find companies that need distributors

1. Have a clear definition of the products you’re looking to distribute

The first step is to have a clear definition and understanding of the products you intend to deal with. Know every little detail, including the specifications and measurements.

For example, if you want to become a spare parts distributor, is it for vehicles or motorcycles? What brands? Interior or exterior parts?

Having such a clear understanding of your products makes it so much easier to find a relevant manufacturer. Ideally, you’d want to work with a company that produces those specific products, serves your geographic region, has prices that make sense to you, and is reliable.

2. Set Up Google Alerts

Google Alerts enables you to keep track of things happening on the internet. You can set up alerts for phrases such as ‘become a distributor’, ‘distributors needed’, and ‘looking for distributors’. Such keywords are often used by companies that publish ads targeting distributors.

Google usually scans the web to find new information that it can show in its results pages. Every time it finds a page with the keywords you set alerts for, it will immediately notify you.

3. Do a very specific Google search

The goal here is to come up with an extensive list of potential companies that have some affiliation with your products. Many of them probably need a distributor without necessarily having published it anywhere. When you have such a list, you’ll be able to reach out to them to inquire.

Nearly every reputable company nowadays has an online presence, whether it’s via their own website, an online directory, a B2B marketplace, or even social media. Doing a specific Google search will help you find them.

You can start the search by typing in the product that you’re looking to sell, followed by keywords such as ‘manufacturer’, ‘supplier’ and ‘dealer’. You can also search for phrases such as ‘companies that produce xxxx (insert your product)’. Be very specific in your search by typing in the product names, model numbers, and brand names.

Create an excel sheet where you can note down the details of every company that meets your criteria, along with their contact information. If you’re looking to deal with generic products then you’ll likely have a long list with dozens of companies.

Whether or not those companies mention that they need a distributor, take the initiative to reach out via email or phone to inquire.

4. Use B2B marketplaces to find suppliers and manufacturers

There are numerous B2B marketplaces where suppliers and manufactures can be found. Some include:

Global Sources
Getdistributors.com
Alibaba
Trade India
Export Hub
eWorldTrade
Trade Key

You can create an account in such online marketplaces, and then search for companies that supply your products. Whenever you find one that’s relevant, save their info in your excel sheet, and then reach out to them later. Check out this article on how to easily find B2B clients online.

5. Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are one of the best ways to find companies that need distributors. Although they usually don’t happen that often, it may be worth driving for hours or taking a flight to a hosting city.

6. Join Industry Groups and Forums

You can find industry groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and dedicated forum platforms. Such groups allow you to network with like-minded people while keeping tabs on the latest trends in the market, product launches, companies looking for distributors, etc.

7. Subscribe to Your Industry’s Trade Publications

Similar to forums, subscribing to newsletters is a great way to stay up to date with the latest news in the market. Most blogs and magazines have newsletters that you can subscribe to.