DISTRIBUTION BUSINESS — STARTUP CHECKLIST
============================================
Use alongside: https://distributionbusiness.org/how-to-start-a-distribution-business

LEGAL & ADMIN
[ ] Choose entity type (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
[ ] Register business name and obtain EIN
[ ] Open dedicated business bank account
[ ] Register for state sales tax / reseller certificate
[ ] Identify category-specific permits (food, alcohol, FDA, etc.)
[ ] Secure general liability + product liability insurance

MARKET & PLAN
[ ] Define product niche and target buyer segments
[ ] Draft 12-month cash-flow forecast and break-even volume
[ ] Document supplier strategy and territory plan
[ ] Complete business plan outline (see plan template)

SUPPLIERS
[ ] Build shortlist of 5–10 manufacturers or importers
[ ] Request MOQ, payment terms, MAP, and co-op policies in writing
[ ] Obtain trade references or prepare personal guarantee if required
[ ] Place first purchase order with clear Incoterms and freight terms

OPERATIONS
[ ] Select warehouse (self-operate vs 3PL) and define pick-pack-ship process
[ ] Set reorder points and safety stock by SKU
[ ] Implement inventory + accounting software (not spreadsheets-only)
[ ] Define receiving, cycle count, and returns SOPs

SALES & LAUNCH
[ ] Build list of 25+ target accounts in territory
[ ] Prepare one-page category story and fill-rate commitment
[ ] Set initial price list with landed cost and margin by SKU
[ ] Schedule first 10 sales calls or outreach sequences

SOFTWARE
[ ] Accounting / ERP with inventory module live before scale
[ ] Evaluate WMS if multi-bin or high SKU count
[ ] CRM or pipeline tracker for B2B accounts

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