All templates
Agreement

Distribution Agreement

Governs the distribution of products including territory rights, exclusivity, minimum orders, and marketing obligations.

Distribution Agreement

This Distribution Agreement (this "Agreement") is entered into as of effective_date (the "Effective Date") by and between:

supplier_name ("Supplier"); and

distributor_name ("Distributor").


1. Appointment

1.1 Appointment of Distributor

Supplier hereby appoints Distributor as its non-exclusive distributor of the Products (as defined below) within the Territory (as defined below), and Distributor accepts such appointment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

1.2 Products

"Products" means product_description, as may be updated by Supplier from time to time during the term of this Agreement upon written notice to Distributor. Supplier reserves the right to add or discontinue Products with reasonable notice.

1.3 Territory

"Territory" means territory. Distributor shall not actively market, sell, or distribute the Products outside the Territory without Supplier's prior written consent. Distributor shall not sell to customers who Distributor knows or has reason to believe intend to resell the Products outside the Territory.

1.4 Exclusivity

This appointment is non-exclusive unless otherwise specified in an addendum to this Agreement. Supplier reserves the right to appoint additional distributors within the Territory and to sell directly to customers within the Territory. If exclusivity is granted, it shall be contingent upon Distributor meeting the Minimum Order Commitment set forth in Section 3.2.

2. Distributor Obligations

2.1 Marketing and Promotion

Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to actively promote, market, and sell the Products within the Territory, including: (a) maintaining a qualified and trained sales team dedicated to the Products; (b) participating in relevant trade shows, conferences, and industry events; (c) distributing marketing materials provided or approved by Supplier; (d) maintaining an adequate online presence for the Products; and (e) implementing marketing campaigns as mutually agreed with Supplier.

2.2 Sales Targets

Distributor shall use its best efforts to meet or exceed any sales targets mutually agreed upon by the Parties. Distributor shall provide Supplier with quarterly sales forecasts at least thirty (30) days before the start of each quarter.

2.3 Inventory Management

Distributor shall maintain sufficient inventory of Products to meet anticipated customer demand and fulfill orders in a timely manner. Distributor shall store Products in facilities that meet reasonable standards for security, climate control, and product preservation as specified by Supplier.

2.4 Customer Support

Distributor shall provide first-level customer support for the Products within the Territory, including handling customer inquiries, providing product information, processing warranty claims, and managing returns in accordance with Supplier's policies. Distributor shall escalate complex technical issues to Supplier's support team.

2.5 Reporting

Distributor shall provide Supplier with: (a) monthly sales reports detailing units sold, revenue, and customer information; (b) quarterly inventory reports; (c) market intelligence including competitive activity, customer feedback, and market trends; and (d) any other reports reasonably requested by Supplier.

2.6 Compliance

Distributor shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the Territory, including import/export regulations, product safety requirements, labeling requirements, and anti-bribery laws. Distributor shall obtain and maintain all necessary licenses and permits for the distribution of the Products.

3. Orders, Pricing, and Payment

3.1 Purchase Orders

Distributor shall submit purchase orders to Supplier specifying the Products, quantities, requested delivery dates, and shipping instructions. Supplier shall use commercially reasonable efforts to accept and fulfill orders within fifteen (15) business days of receipt. Supplier may reject any order that it cannot reasonably fulfill, provided it notifies Distributor promptly.

3.2 Minimum Order Commitment

Distributor agrees to purchase a minimum of minimum_annual_order in Products during each contract year (the "Minimum Order Commitment"). If Distributor fails to meet the Minimum Order Commitment for any contract year, Supplier may, at its option: (a) convert the appointment to non-exclusive status (if exclusive); (b) reduce the Territory; (c) revise pricing terms; or (d) terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days written notice.

3.3 Pricing

Supplier shall sell Products to Distributor at Supplier's then-current list price less a discount of discount_percentage% (the "Distributor Discount"). Supplier may update list prices upon sixty (60) days' written notice to Distributor, provided that any price increase shall not affect previously accepted purchase orders.

3.4 Payment Terms

Payment terms are net thirty (30) days from invoice date. Supplier may require prepayment or letter of credit for initial orders or orders exceeding $[amount]. Late payments shall accrue interest at the rate of 1.5% per month. Supplier reserves the right to suspend shipments if Distributor's account is past due.

3.5 Taxes and Duties

All prices are exclusive of sales taxes, import duties, customs fees, and similar charges. Distributor shall be responsible for all taxes and duties applicable to the Products in the Territory.

4. Delivery and Shipping

4.1 Shipping Terms

All Products shall be shipped FOB Supplier's facility unless otherwise agreed in writing. Title to and risk of loss for the Products shall pass to Distributor upon delivery to the carrier.

4.2 Shipping Costs

Shipping costs shall be borne by Distributor unless otherwise agreed in writing. Supplier shall use commercially reasonable efforts to select cost-effective shipping methods. Distributor may specify a preferred carrier at Distributor's expense.

4.3 Inspection

Distributor shall inspect all shipments upon receipt and notify Supplier of any shortages, damage, or discrepancies within ten (10) business days of delivery. Claims not made within this period shall be deemed waived, except for latent defects.

5. Returns and Defective Products

5.1 Defective Products

Supplier shall accept returns of Products that are defective or do not conform to specifications. Distributor must obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before returning any Products. Supplier shall, at its option, repair, replace, or issue credit for defective Products within thirty (30) days of receipt.

5.2 Non-Defective Returns

Returns of non-defective Products require Supplier's prior written approval and may be subject to a restocking fee of [X]%. Products must be in original, unopened packaging and in resalable condition.

5.3 Product Recalls

In the event of a product recall, Distributor shall cooperate fully with Supplier in executing the recall, including notifying affected customers, collecting recalled Products, and maintaining records. Supplier shall bear the costs of any recall attributable to product defects.

6. Intellectual Property and Trademarks

6.1 Trademark License

Supplier grants Distributor a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to use Supplier's trademarks, trade names, and logos (the "Marks") solely in connection with the marketing and distribution of the Products during the term of this Agreement.

6.2 Brand Guidelines

Distributor shall use the Marks in accordance with Supplier's brand guidelines, which may be updated from time to time. All marketing materials using the Marks must be approved by Supplier prior to use. Distributor shall not alter, modify, or create derivative works based on the Marks.

6.3 Ownership

All goodwill generated by Distributor's use of the Marks shall inure to the benefit of Supplier. Distributor acknowledges Supplier's exclusive ownership of the Marks and shall not challenge Supplier's rights therein. Distributor shall not register or attempt to register any of the Marks or any confusingly similar marks in any jurisdiction.

6.4 Cessation of Use

Upon termination of this Agreement, Distributor shall immediately cease all use of the Marks and return or destroy all materials bearing the Marks.

7. Supplier Obligations

Supplier shall: (a) provide Distributor with current marketing materials, product information, and sales tools; (b) offer product training to Distributor's sales and support teams as reasonably requested; (c) provide reasonable technical support for product-related issues; (d) notify Distributor promptly of any product recalls, safety issues, or material changes to the Products; (e) maintain product liability insurance with coverage of at least $[amount] per occurrence; and (f) supply Products that meet applicable quality standards and regulatory requirements.

8. Warranties

8.1 Product Warranty

Supplier warrants that the Products shall conform to Supplier's published specifications and be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of delivery to the end customer (the "Warranty Period"). Supplier shall accept returns of Products that fail within the Warranty Period and, at Supplier's option, repair, replace, or issue credit for such Products.

8.2 Warranty Disclaimer

EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE, SUPPLIER DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. SUPPLIER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY WARRANTY CLAIMS RESULTING FROM DISTRIBUTOR'S IMPROPER HANDLING, STORAGE, OR MODIFICATION OF THE PRODUCTS.

9. Indemnification

9.1 Supplier Indemnification

Supplier shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Distributor from any third-party claims, damages, and expenses arising from: (a) defects in the Products; (b) infringement of third-party intellectual property rights by the Products; or (c) Supplier's negligence or willful misconduct.

9.2 Distributor Indemnification

Distributor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Supplier from any third-party claims, damages, and expenses arising from: (a) Distributor's breach of this Agreement; (b) Distributor's negligence or willful misconduct; (c) unauthorized modifications to the Products; or (d) Distributor's violation of applicable laws.

10. Confidentiality

Each Party shall maintain the confidentiality of the other Party's proprietary and confidential information, including but not limited to pricing, customer lists, business plans, technical specifications, and marketing strategies. Confidential information shall not be disclosed to third parties without prior written consent. This obligation shall survive termination of this Agreement for a period of three (3) years.

11. Non-Compete

During the term of this Agreement and for twelve (12) months following termination, Distributor shall not distribute, market, or sell products that directly compete with the Products within the Territory without Supplier's prior written consent. This restriction does not apply to products that Distributor was distributing prior to the Effective Date, provided such products are disclosed to Supplier in writing.

12. Limitation of Liability

NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT. SUPPLIER'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNTS PAID BY DISTRIBUTOR TO SUPPLIER DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

13. Term and Termination

13.1 Term

This Agreement shall be effective for a period of term_years years from the Effective Date and shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods unless either Party provides written notice of non-renewal at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the then-current term.

13.2 Termination for Convenience

Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days' written notice for any reason.

13.3 Termination for Cause

Either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice if the other Party: (a) commits a material breach that remains uncured for thirty (30) days after written notice; (b) becomes insolvent or files for bankruptcy; (c) assigns this Agreement without consent; or (d) engages in conduct that materially damages the other Party's reputation.

13.4 Effect of Termination

Upon termination: (a) Distributor shall cease all marketing and sales of the Products; (b) Distributor may sell remaining inventory for a period of sixty (60) days at prices not lower than Supplier's then-current suggested retail price; (c) Distributor shall immediately cease use of Supplier's trademarks and return all marketing materials; (d) all outstanding invoices shall become immediately due and payable; and (e) Supplier may repurchase Distributor's remaining inventory at Distributor's cost.

14. Force Majeure

Neither Party shall be liable for delays or failure to perform caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, war, government actions, labor disputes, or supply chain disruptions. The affected Party shall notify the other Party promptly and use reasonable efforts to mitigate the impact. If a force majeure event continues for more than ninety (90) days, either Party may terminate this Agreement.

15. General Provisions

(a) Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of governing_state, without regard to conflict of law principles.

(b) Dispute Resolution: Any dispute shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation, followed by binding arbitration in governing_state if necessary.

(c) Independent Contractors: The Parties are independent contractors. Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, agency, or employment relationship.

(d) Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements regarding the subject matter hereof.

(e) Amendments: This Agreement may only be amended in writing signed by both Parties.

(f) Assignment: Neither Party may assign this Agreement without the other Party's prior written consent, except in connection with a merger or acquisition.

(g) Severability: If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

(h) Notices: All notices shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below.

(i) Waiver: No waiver of any provision shall constitute a waiver of any other provision or a continuing waiver.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Distribution Agreement as of the Effective Date.

Supplier

supplier_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]

Address: ____________________________

Distributor

distributor_name

[Electronic signature will be collected via zsign]

[Date will be recorded automatically]

Address: ____________________________

Ready to use this template?

Sign up free, customize it, and send for e-signature in minutes.