Thinking about selling to top promo distributors like HALO, Geiger, or Proforma? Wondering what buying groups or franchise networks expect from suppliers?

In this must-listen episode of Supplier Promo Playbook, hosts Lisa Fosdick and Adrienne Barker, along with guest Kim, break down what it really takes to work with national distributor groups, buying networks, franchise systems, and enablement platforms in the promotional products industry.

✅ You’ll learn the key differences between buying groups, franchises, affiliate networks, and platforms like CommonSkew and Facilis. ✅ Understand what these organizations look for in suppliers—from rebates and compliance to marketing support and sample programs. ✅ Get expert insight on why starting small with local or mid-size distributors is often the smartest move before pitching the big players. ✅ Discover the exact operational requirements (yes, accounting matters!) to get approved and stay in good standing. ✅ Learn where to find vendor relations contacts and how LinkedIn can be your best outreach tool.

This episode is packed with practical, strategic guidance for suppliers who want to grow and scale in the promo space.

📌 Key SEO Takeaways

• Understand the 5 main types of promo distributor models: buying groups, franchises, national accounts, affiliate networks, and enablement platforms.
• Learn why internal readiness—especially accounting, decoration, and customer service—is critical before you pitch a major distributor.
• Explore how vendor relations, rebate programs, and back-end content portals really work.
• Build relationships with small-to-midsize distributors first to gain proof of performance.
• Use LinkedIn to identify and connect with supplier/vendor relations contacts.
• Plan your marketing, compliance, and fulfillment strategy before approaching major players.
• Regional promo associations can be the best entry point for visibility and partnership opportunities.

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If you're a promo supplier ready to grow, this episode is for you.

📥 Subscribe to Supplier Promo Playbook on your favorite podcast app ⭐ Leave us a review if you found value 🔗 Share this episode with your supplier network or team 💬 Connect with Lisa Fosdick and Adrienne Barker on LinkedIn — let us know your biggest takeaway!

🎧 Supplier Promo Playbook: Because success in promo doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design.