P23 Template Series · Sales & Channel
Your Brand Name
Distribution Agreement
Distributor vs Rep - the key difference
A distributor purchases your products, takes title and inventory risk, and resells to their retail network. They are your customer. A sales rep only solicits orders on your behalf and earns commission - they never own the inventory. This agreement governs the former.
Template Only - Requires Legal Review
This framework is designed for gift and lifestyle wholesale brands appointing domestic or international distributors. It is not legal advice. International distribution agreements require additional review for local law compliance - EU distribution law, exclusive dealing rules, and competition law vary significantly by jurisdiction. Have a qualified attorney review before execution.
Supplier
Your Brand Name
Entity: ________________
Country / State: ________________
Address: ________________
Contact: ________________
Country / State: ________________
Address: ________________
Contact: ________________
Distributor
Distributor Name
Entity: ________________
Country / State: ________________
Address: ________________
Contact: ________________
Country / State: ________________
Address: ________________
Contact: ________________
1
Appointment & Grant of Rights
1.1
Your Brand Name ("Supplier") hereby appoints Distributor ("Distributor") as a non-exclusive distributor for the purchase and resale of the Products (as defined in Section 3) within the Territory (as defined in Section 2).
1.2
During the term of this Agreement and subject to Distributor meeting the Minimum Purchase Requirements set out in Section 6, Supplier shall not appoint any other distributor for the Products within the Territory, and shall not sell the Products directly to retailers within the Territory except through Distributor or through Supplier's own branded DTC channels.
1.3
Distributor is appointed solely as an independent reseller. Nothing in this Agreement constitutes Distributor as an agent, partner, employee, or joint venturer of Supplier. Distributor has no authority to bind Supplier to any obligation.
Exclusivity and DTC carve-out
Always carve out your own DTC channels even in an exclusive agreement - your website, brand flagship store, and trade show sales should remain yours. "Exclusive" without this carve-out can expose you to claims if you sell directly to consumers in the territory. Also consider carving out named key accounts (museum stores, airport retail) that you manage directly.
2
Territory
2.1
The territory covered by this Agreement ("Territory") is: ________________. Distributor shall not actively market or solicit orders for the Products outside the Territory without Supplier's prior written consent.
2.2
Distributor may fulfil unsolicited ("passive") orders from outside the Territory at its discretion. Distributor shall promptly notify Supplier of significant passive order activity that may indicate demand for Products in unallocated territories.
2.3
Supplier reserves the right to adjust the Territory upon 90 days' written notice, provided that any reduction in Territory size that materially impacts Distributor's business will be subject to good-faith renegotiation of the Minimum Purchase Requirements.
3
Products
3.1
The products covered by this Agreement ("Products") are: all current wholesale product lines as set out in Supplier's then-current wholesale price list. Supplier may add new products to the line by written notice; Distributor may elect to carry new products within 30 days of notification.
3.2
Supplier may discontinue Products with 60 days' written notice. Supplier will use reasonable efforts to fulfil any open orders for discontinued Products and will discuss inventory implications with Distributor in good faith.
3.3
Distributor shall not modify, repackage, re-label, or alter the Products in any way without Supplier's prior written consent. Products must be presented and sold in their original condition and packaging.
4
Pricing & Purchase Terms
4.1
Supplier shall sell Products to Distributor at the Distributor Price, which is as set out in the Distributor Price List attached as Exhibit B. Supplier may update pricing with 60 days' written notice. Orders placed before the effective date of a price change will be fulfilled at the prior price.
4.2
Payment Terms: NET 30 from invoice date, unless otherwise agreed in writing. All invoices are denominated in USD. Overdue invoices accrue interest at 1.5% per month.
4.3
Minimum Order: Each purchase order must meet a minimum order value of $500. Supplier may decline orders below this threshold.
4.4
Distributor is responsible for all import duties, taxes, customs clearance, and freight costs unless Supplier has agreed in writing to specific Incoterms (e.g. DDP, DAP). Default shipping terms are FOB Supplier's warehouse.
Incoterms for international distributors
For international distribution, defining Incoterms clearly is critical. FOB (Free On Board) means Distributor owns risk once goods leave your warehouse. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means you handle everything to their door - that's expensive and complex. Most gift brands use EXW or FOB for international distributors. Consult your freight forwarder before committing.
5
Resale Pricing & MAP
5.1
Distributor is free to set resale prices to its retail customers, subject to Supplier's Minimum Advertised Price ("MAP") policy. Distributor shall ensure that its retail customers comply with Supplier's MAP policy on all public-facing advertising channels.
5.2
Distributor shall not advertise, list, or sell Products below MAP on any public channel, including but not limited to: Distributor's own website, third-party marketplaces, trade catalogues, and promotional materials.
5.3
MAP prices are as set out in Supplier's current MAP price list, updated from time to time with 30 days' notice. Consistent MAP violations by Distributor or its sub-accounts constitute material breach of this Agreement and grounds for termination under Section 11.3.
Controlling your brand through a distributor
Once your product is in a distributor's hands, enforcement becomes harder. The MAP clause here binds the distributor directly, but you'll also need them to pass MAP obligations down to their retail accounts. Ask distributors how they monitor and enforce MAP with their buyers - this is a red flag question. A distributor who doesn't take MAP seriously will erode your pricing architecture quickly.
6
Minimum Purchase Requirements
6.1
To maintain its rights under this Agreement (including exclusivity, if applicable), Distributor must meet the following Minimum Purchase Requirements ("MPR"):
| Period | Minimum Net Purchase Value | Consequence of Shortfall |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ________________ | Supplier may convert exclusivity to non-exclusive after 30-day cure notice |
| Year 2+ | ________________ | Supplier may terminate Agreement after 30-day cure notice |
6.2
MPR is calculated on net invoiced value of Products purchased and paid for during each 12-month period. Returns, credits, and cancellations are deducted. Supplier will provide Distributor with a written MPR summary within 30 days of each annual anniversary.
6.3
If Distributor fails to meet the MPR in any year, Supplier may, at its option: (a) reduce the Territory; (b) convert an exclusive appointment to non-exclusive; or (c) terminate this Agreement, in each case upon 30 days' written notice and opportunity to cure.
Set realistic MPRs - then hold them
MPRs are your primary protection against a distributor who sits on your brand and blocks other routes to market. Set Year 1 conservatively (you're both building the relationship) and escalate in Year 2+. A distributor who won't agree to any MPR is a red flag - you're effectively handing them an exclusive with no performance obligation. Use the cure-to-non-exclusive path before termination; it preserves the relationship while restoring your options.
7
Duties of Distributor
7.1
Distributor agrees to: (a) actively market and distribute the Products within the Territory; (b) maintain adequate inventory to service its accounts without unreasonable delay; (c) employ sufficient qualified staff to effectively represent the Products; (d) provide Supplier with quarterly sales reports in a format reasonably requested by Supplier; (e) comply with all applicable laws, including import regulations, labelling requirements, and consumer protection laws in the Territory.
7.2
Distributor shall maintain the Products in appropriate storage conditions and handle them in a manner that preserves their quality and packaging integrity. Distributor is responsible for product liability arising from its own handling, storage, or misrepresentation of the Products.
7.3
Distributor shall use Supplier's brand assets, marketing materials, and product descriptions accurately and in accordance with Supplier's brand guidelines. Distributor shall not create any advertising or promotional materials featuring the Products without Supplier's prior written approval.
7.4
Distributor shall promptly notify Supplier of any: (a) product safety issues or customer complaints; (b) counterfeit or grey-market Products encountered in the Territory; (c) changes in ownership or control of Distributor's business; or (d) financial difficulties that may affect Distributor's ability to meet its obligations.
8
Duties of Supplier
8.1
Supplier agrees to: (a) supply Products ordered by Distributor in accordance with confirmed lead times; (b) maintain reasonable product availability and keep Distributor informed of stock constraints; (c) provide current marketing materials, imagery, and product information; (d) notify Distributor of new products, price changes, and discontinuations with reasonable advance notice; and (e) cooperate with Distributor's reasonable marketing initiatives.
8.2
Supplier shall provide Distributor with a sample set per season at cost to support sales and marketing activities. Supplier is not obligated to contribute to Distributor's marketing or trade show expenses unless separately agreed in writing.
9
Intellectual Property & Brand Standards
9.1
Supplier grants Distributor a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use Supplier's trademarks, trade names, and brand assets solely for the purpose of marketing and selling the Products within the Territory during the term of this Agreement.
9.2
Distributor shall not register or attempt to register any trademark, domain name, or social media handle that incorporates Supplier's brand name or any confusingly similar variation in any jurisdiction. Any such registration shall be held in trust for Supplier and immediately transferred upon request at no cost.
9.3
All intellectual property remains Supplier's property. The licence granted herein terminates immediately upon expiry or termination of this Agreement. Distributor shall cease all use of Supplier's brand assets upon termination and destroy or return all marketing materials at Supplier's election.
Trademark registration by distributors
This is a significant real-world risk, especially in markets like China, parts of Southeast Asia, and some European countries where a local party can register your trademark before you do. The clause above requires transfer of any such registration. In high-risk markets, register your trademark in the Territory yourself before appointing a distributor - do not rely on contractual protection alone.
10
Confidentiality
10.1
Each party agrees to keep confidential all non-public information of the other party received in connection with this Agreement, including pricing, customer lists, business strategies, and product roadmaps. This obligation survives termination for 3 years.
10.2
Distributor shall not disclose Supplier's wholesale pricing or distributor pricing to any third party. Supplier shall not disclose Distributor's customer lists or sales data to any third party, including other distributors in adjacent territories.
11
Term & Termination
11.1
This Agreement commences on the Effective Date and continues for an initial term of two (2) years, automatically renewing for successive one-year periods unless either party provides written notice of non-renewal at least 90 days before expiry.
11.2
Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause upon 90 days' written notice.
11.3
Supplier may terminate this Agreement immediately upon: (a) Distributor's material breach not cured within 21 days of written notice; (b) Distributor's insolvency, liquidation, or bankruptcy; (c) change of control of Distributor without Supplier's prior written consent; (d) repeated MAP violations; (e) Distributor's failure to meet MPR for two consecutive periods; or (f) fraudulent conduct.
11.4
Upon termination, all outstanding invoices become immediately due. Supplier will fulfil orders already placed and confirmed prior to the termination notice date.
12
Post-Termination & Inventory
12.1
Following termination, Distributor may sell through existing inventory of the Products for a period of 90 days, subject to continued compliance with MAP and brand standards.
Optional Clause - Inventory Buyback
12.2
Inventory Buyback: Upon termination (other than termination for Distributor's material breach), Supplier shall repurchase Distributor's remaining undamaged, saleable inventory of the Products at the original Distributor Price less 15%, provided that Distributor notifies Supplier of its remaining inventory within 30 days of termination notice and the inventory is in its original, undamaged condition.
12.3
Upon expiry of the sell-through period, Distributor shall cease all use of Supplier's brand assets, return or destroy all marketing materials at Supplier's election, and cease representing itself as an authorised distributor of Supplier's Products.
Inventory buyback - protect both sides
A buyback clause is fair when you're terminating without cause - the distributor took inventory risk in good faith. It's not appropriate when they've breached the agreement. The 15% deduction covers your restocking and inspection costs. Without a buyback clause, a terminated distributor may dump stock below MAP to clear it, damaging your pricing and brand in the territory. The sell-through period with continued MAP compliance is the minimum protection.
13
Representations & Warranties
13.1
Each party represents that it: (a) is duly organised and in good standing; (b) has full authority to enter into this Agreement; (c) is not subject to any agreement that would conflict with this Agreement; and (d) will comply with all applicable laws in the performance of its obligations.
13.2
Supplier warrants that the Products will conform to their specifications at time of shipment and will be free from material defects. Supplier's liability for defective Products is limited to replacement or refund of the Distributor Price for the affected units.
13.3
Supplier does not warrant that the Products comply with the regulations of the Territory. Distributor is solely responsible for ensuring the Products meet all labelling, safety, import, and consumer protection requirements applicable in the Territory.
Compliance in territory - distributor's responsibility
For international distribution especially, you cannot guarantee compliance with every market's regulations. This clause shifts that responsibility to the distributor who knows their local law. However, you should still provide full product specifications, material declarations, and testing certificates - distributors need this to do their job. Packaging compliance (EU EPR, UK Plastic Tax, AU labelling) is worth a separate compliance checklist.
14
Limitation of Liability
14.1
IN NO EVENT SHALL EITHER PARTY BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF PROFITS OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
14.2
Each party's total aggregate liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the total net value of Products purchased by Distributor in the twelve months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
15
General Provisions
15.1
Governing Law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of ________________. The parties acknowledge that local competition and distribution laws in the Territory may impose additional obligations; such laws are incorporated by reference to the extent required.
15.2
Dispute Resolution. Disputes shall first be subject to senior management negotiation for 30 days. If unresolved, disputes shall be referred to binding arbitration under ICC Rules seated in ________________, conducted in the English language.
15.3
Assignment. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the other's prior written consent, except that Supplier may assign to a successor entity in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of substantially all assets.
15.4
Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with all Exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and understandings. Amendments must be in writing signed by both parties.
15.5
Severability & Waiver. Invalid provisions shall be severed without affecting remaining provisions. Failure to enforce any provision on any occasion does not constitute a waiver.
Exhibit A - Territory Detail
Attach a precise geographic description of the Territory, including any excluded sub-regions, named accounts, or channel restrictions. For international agreements, list specific countries.
Exhibit B - Distributor Price List & MPR
Attach the current Distributor Price List showing wholesale prices, any volume tier pricing, and the agreed Minimum Purchase Requirements by year. Update by written amendment signed by both parties.
✦
Execution
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Distribution Agreement as of the Effective Date first written above.
Your Brand Name ("Supplier")
Authorized Signature & Date
Printed Name & Title
Distributor ("Distributor")
Authorized Signature & Date
Printed Name & Title
P23-EDU
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Distributor Agreement · v1.0