You may already know whether you require a commission agent, or prefer a distributor who can stock products locally in the market. As the export of services from the UK has expanded rapidly in recent years and there is no tangible product to stock, so an agent is often all that is required.
However, it is worthwhile to examine the role and types of agents and distributors, as these terms are often used loosely. A distributor may refer to himself as an agent and vice versa, so it can be confusing.
The Agent
An agent does not have to buy the product or service from the supplier (or principal) and does not have title to (or own) the goods or service.
The role of the agent is to find customers for their principal in return for a commission payment on any sales they arrange.
Once the agent has effected an introduction, the supplier/principal will then sell the goods/services direct to the consumer.
An Agent does not accept financial liability.
The Distributor (or The Re-Seller)
Purchases products from a UK exporter/supplier and therefore has “title” to the goods purchased.
The distributor then sells the goods on to the final customers having added his profit to the price.
The selling prices and terms of sale are determined by the distributor.*
Buys/sells on own account in defined region