Glossary
Distribution and channel glossary
Plain-English definitions of the distribution, channel, and partner terms that come up when suppliers manage independent dealer networks.
Market development funds (MDF)
Market development funds (MDF) are co-op dollars that suppliers give dealers to fund local marketing. Learn how MDF works, how to run a claim process, and where it fits in dealer programs.
Distributor
A distributor is a business that buys products from a manufacturer and resells them to retailers or dealers. Learn the distributor definition, how distributors differ from wholesalers, and where they fit in a supply chain.
Wholesaler
A wholesaler is a business that buys goods in bulk from suppliers and sells them to retailers or dealers at a markup. Learn the wholesaler definition, how wholesalers operate, and how they differ from distributors.
Channel partner
A channel partner is a company that sells or promotes a supplier's products as part of a channel partner program. Learn the channel partner definition, types of partners, and how supplier programs work.
Channel management
Channel management is how a supplier recruits, enables, and motivates its sales channel partners. Learn what a channel manager does, what strategies work, and how to improve channel performance.
Through-channel marketing automation (TCMA)
Through-channel marketing automation (TCMA) helps suppliers push co-branded content and campaigns to their dealer and partner networks at scale. Learn what TCMA does and how it fits dealer engagement.
Partner management
Partner management is how a company structures, enables, and tracks its relationships with resellers, dealers, and distributors. Learn what partner management software does and how it improves channel performance.
Supplier relationship management (SRM)
Supplier relationship management (SRM) is how a buying organization manages its relationships with the companies that supply it with goods and services. Learn the SRM definition, how it works, and how it differs from dealer engagement.
See dealer engagement in action.
ConduLoop is the platform that keeps independent dealers engaged between rep visits.