Routes To Market
Our commercial specialists advise on the issues that arise when a supplier puts its goods or services on the market via an agent, distributor or reseller. This note considers the different routes to market available to a supplier. Opal Legal is a Top 200 UK Law Firm
Our Routes to Market Approach
A business that wants to put its goods or services on the market through the appointment of a third party has a range of options. We can advise on the models available and the practical issues to consider for a business looking to appoint, or be appointed as, an agent, distributor or reseller.
Our commercial specialists provide a full range of services regarding agency, distribution and reseller arrangements, from advising experienced organisations participating in complex international arrangements to providing guidance to businesses considering entering agency or distribution arrangements for the first time.
You can learn more about our approach to advising on the main models of agency, distribution and reselling, or read our introductory guide to the different routes to market on this page.
By working closely with our clients, we can ensure we meet their expectations, business operations and costs whilst providing clear, concise and constructive advice and assistance. We are easy to deal with, clear in our advice, and understand that a common-sense approach is often required.
Route To Market Options
A business that wants to supply goods or services into a new territory or through a new channel may decide to appoint a third party to participate in the sale of those products. This route is appealing where the supplier does not want to establish a ‘bricks and mortar’ or online trading presence in the new territory, or because the third party can offer the possibility of sales growth through its profile, experience and connections in the territory. The two main options are:
-
appointing a distributor, who will trade with customers in the territory on its own account; or
-
appointing an agent, who will have limited rights to promote sales of the products while acting on behalf of the supplier.
We discuss some of the relative advantages and disadvantages of these models in the FAQs. Each of the main models has a range of variants, and we also discuss some of the terminology commonly used to describe these variants in the FAQs.
Routes to market legal considerations
The laws that apply to distribution and agency are complex, particularly where cross-border trade is involved. Before entering into such an arrangement, or making significant changes to existing arrangements, legal advice should be taken. You can view more information on the services we provide in respect of international trade here.
As well as considering general legal principles of international trade, the local laws of the country where the activity takes place will affect the parties’ respective obligations, particularly in respect of product liability, consumer rights and data protection. Follow the link for more information on our data protection services.
Distribution and agency arrangements can give rise to competition law issues, and a further issue of particular importance to agency appointments is the application of the Commercial Agents Regulations (and the EU Directive on which those Regulations are based), and the rights that these Regulations give to agents.
If you want to discuss any legal considerations arising from distribution or agency arrangements, our specialists would be happy to answer your questions. We have also set out introductory comments in response to some commonly asked questions below.
Why Work With Our Commercial Team
-
We provide a partner-led service to ensure you receive the best commercial legal advice and support.
-
We have a large and proactive commercial team which can meet your deadlines.
-
You will receive city-quality commercial legal advice and commercial services at regional prices.
-
As part of a full-service commercial law firm, our commercial solicitors work closely with our Dispute Resolution, Employment, and Commercial Property departments to provide our clients with a seamless service.
-
We have been ranked as a Top Tier law firm by the Legal 500 for the last seven years and recognised as a Top 200 Law Firm in 2022.
-
Our commercial solicitors are easy to deal with and understand that a common-sense approach is often required.
-
We give our clients an estimate of the costs involved in undertaking any work at the outset and provide cost updates regularly.
-
We understand that each matter is unique to your circumstances and that you need support from a commercial lawyer experienced in dealing with various clients and types of work.
-
We are a full-service law firm operating from a one-site office, which means our teams communicate effectively and efficiently.
-
Our commercial team use the latest technology to ensure that we are working as efficiently as possible and that geographical distance does not prevent us from providing excellent legal advice and client service.
Testimonials
"Opal Legal Services has been a lifesaver for me. Their team of experts helped me navigate through a complex legal issue with ease. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Opal Legal Services!"
John Smith
Our Costs
We will provide you with a flexible menu of fee options rooted in our promise of complete transparency over our charges. We assess the value of each project, task, or advice based on its commercial value to you and then provide you with fee options scoped against the type of service and advice you require.
Fee options can include, where appropriate, fixed fees, a retainer, hourly or day rates, or a blend of such options.
We provide you with regular cost updates and will not incur any additional charges without your agreement.
To find out more about the services we can provide, including our retainer service, please give us a call.
Contact Opal Legal Solicitors
If you have any more questions or would like more information, you can contact our Family Law Solicitors on: