An importer(s) is a person or company that is involved in bringing products or goods from another country to sell them in the local market. The importer(s) handles all the necessary customs and logistics procedures to transport the products from the country of origin to the importing country.
A distributor, on the other hand, is an intermediary between the manufacturer or supplier and retailers or end consumers. The distributor purchases products from the manufacturer and is responsible for storing, promoting, and selling them to retailers, specialized stores, or directly to consumers. Distributors can operate at the local, regional, or national level and play a significant role in the supply chain and marketing of products.
An agent, in the commercial context, is a person or company that acts as a representative of a manufacturer or supplier in a specific market or territory. The agent is responsible for promoting and selling the products of their principal through agency contracts. Unlike a distributor, the agent does not acquire the products but facilitates the commercial transactions between the manufacturer and customers, receiving a commission on the sales made.
In summary, an importer focuses on importing products from other countries, a distributor focuses on distributing and selling products within a local market, and an agent acts as a representative of a manufacturer or supplier, facilitating commercial transactions without directly acquiring the products.
The main difference between an importer and a distributor lies in their roles and focus within the supply chain.
An importer(s) primarily focuses on acquiring and bringing products or goods from foreign countries to the local market. Their main activity is the importation of goods from other countries, which involves handling customs and logistics procedures to transport the products to the importing country. Once the products arrive, the importer may sell them directly to retailers, wholesalers, or other intermediaries, or even directly to end consumers.
On the other hand, a distributor concentrates on the distribution and marketing of products within a specific market. The distributor purchases products from manufacturers or suppliers and takes responsibility for storing, promoting, and selling them to retailers, specialized stores, or directly to consumers. Distributors act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers or end consumers, ensuring the products reach the market and are available at the appropriate points of sale.
In summary, the main difference is that an importer(s) focuses on the importation of products from other countries, while a distributor focuses on the distribution and marketing of products within a local market. The importer handles product acquisition and logistics, whereas the distributor takes charge of promotion, storage, and sales.