Authorized distributor
Also called franchised distributor
Reviewed by Dasha ShakovVP Marketing, Proton
Updated
What is authorized distributor?
An authorized distributor is a distributor that a manufacturer has formally approved to sell its products, under a written agreement. Being authorized brings direct buying from the manufacturer, factory support and full warranty coverage that an unauthorized seller can’t offer.
How it works
Products bought through unauthorized channels may be old, gray-market or counterfeit, and the manufacturer may refuse to honor the warranty. A distributor’s line card shows the lines it is authorized for.
Authorized distributor example
“I found this drive for less online,” a customer tells his rep. The site isn’t on the manufacturer’s list of authorized sellers, so she explains what that could mean for the warranty.
Related terms
- Line cardA line card is a distributor’s list of the manufacturers and brands it sells, typically shown as a page of logos.
- Manufacturer’s representativeA manufacturer’s representative is an independent salesperson or agency that sells a manufacturer’s products on commission, without buying or stocking any.
- SupplierA supplier is any business that provides products or services to another business.
- Channel conflictChannel conflict is the friction that arises when a manufacturer or distributor sells through several routes that end up competing for the same buyers.
