DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS PLAN — OUTLINE
=====================================
Use alongside: https://distributionbusiness.org/distribution-business-plan

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
   - Company name, entity, location, and founding team
   - Product categories and target geography
   - Mission: what value you add vs. manufacturers and retailers
   - Funding ask (if any) and use of funds

2. MARKET ANALYSIS
   - TAM / SAM for your category and territory
   - Target segments (retail chains, independents, institutional, e-commerce resellers)
   - Competitive landscape: incumbent distributors, direct-from-manufacturer trends
   - Regulatory or category risks (perishables, medical, hazmat)

3. PRODUCTS & SUPPLIERS
   - SKU strategy at launch vs. year-two expansion
   - Supplier shortlist and authorization status
   - MOQ, lead times, payment terms, MAP, co-op marketing
   - Exclusive vs. non-exclusive territory rights

4. OPERATIONS & LOGISTICS
   - Warehouse model: owned, leased, or 3PL
   - Inbound freight, pick-pack-ship, delivery radius
   - Inventory policies: reorder points, safety stock, lot/expiry tracking
   - Key metrics: inventory turns, fill rate, OTIF

5. SALES & MARKETING
   - Go-to-market: inside sales, field reps, digital catalog
   - Pricing strategy: cost-plus, market-based, volume tiers
   - Key account plan and new-logo pipeline targets

6. FINANCIAL PLAN
   - Startup costs: inventory, warehouse, vehicles, software, insurance
   - 12-month P&L and cash-flow forecast
   - Break-even volume and gross margin assumptions by category
   - Working capital: DSO, DPO, inventory days

7. RISKS & MITIGATION
   - Supplier concentration, credit limits, shrinkage
   - Freight and fuel volatility
   - Customer concentration

8. MILESTONES (12 MONTHS)
   - Month 1–3: legal setup, first PO, first shipments
   - Month 4–6: first 10 paying accounts, ERP live
   - Month 7–12: second supplier line, hire sales or ops

---
© Distribution Business — https://distributionbusiness.org
Free for personal and commercial use. No warranty; not legal or financial advice.