Scale your business through partners who already have access to your target market.
Partners··6 min read
Key takeaways
45% of B2B revenue in Europe goes through indirect distribution channels. If you don't have partners, you're missing nearly half the market
Finding the right distributors requires precise business data by industry and area — not random connections
With MapiLeads you can search for distributors, resellers, and potential partners in 120+ countries
The market
Why do you need distributors and commercial partners?
Finding distributors and commercial partners is one of the fastest ways to scale a B2B business. Instead of reaching each customer one by one, you leverage companies that already have access to your market. According to Eurostat, 45% of B2B revenue in Europe goes through indirect distribution channels.
The challenge is finding the right partners. Not just any distributor will do. You need companies that operate in your industry, in your target geography, and that are the right size. That requires precisely filtered business data. guide on channel and distribution strategies shows that companies with well-structured distribution networks reach new markets up to 3 times faster than those selling only directly.
Whether you're looking for distributors to internationalize your business or expand your domestic network, the first step is identifying candidates with verified data and contacting them with a clear value proposition.
45%
of B2B revenue in Europe goes through indirect distribution channels
-- Eurostat Business Statistics 2025
2.8x
faster growth for companies with an active distributor network
45%
of European B2B revenue goes through indirect channel
120+
countries where you can search for distributors with MapiLeads
Types
What types of commercial partners can you look for?
A commercial partner is any company that helps you sell your product or service without being your employee. The main types are: analysis of strategic B2B alliances confirms that the most successful partnerships are built on aligned objectives and metric transparency, not just commercial agreements.
Distributors
Buy your product and resell it. Ideal for physical products.
Efficiency70%
Resellers / VARs
Sell your service with margin. Common in SaaS and tech.
Efficiency65%
Referral partners
Send you leads for a commission. Low risk.
Efficiency50%
Recommended
Find partners with verified data
Search companies in your industry by area, verify their profile, and contact with a partnership proposal. With MapiLeads you find potential partners in 120+ countries.
Efficiency92%
Find distributors and partners in any country
Search by industry and location. Get verified data from potential partners in 120+ countries.
What type of company should distribute your product? Define industry, size, geography, and end-client type. Same as you would when segmenting a customer database.
2
Search for candidate companies with data
Use the MapiLeads Business Finder to find companies operating in your target industry and area. Get email, phone, and social media for each one. This report on expansion through commercial partners details how to identify and evaluate potential commercial partners using objective criteria for compatibility and market reach.
3
Contact with a partnership proposal
Don't send a generic email. Explain why their company fits as a distributor, what margin you'd offer, and how you help them scale their business.
4
Establish a channel program
Define margins, territories, goals, and support. A good channel sales plan includes training, sales materials, and a shared CRM.
The best distributors aren't looking for another product to sell — they're looking for a solution for their existing customers. When you contact a potential partner, frame your proposal as "a way to serve your current customers better," not as "something else to sell."
A good distributor doesn't multiply your sales. It multiplies your reach
🤝
Is your company ready to work with partners?
1. Do you have a product/service that can be distributed by third parties?
Yes, clearlyCould be adaptedI haven't considered it
2. Have you defined your ideal distributor profile?
Yes, with clear criteriaSomewhatNo
3. Do you have sales materials and training for partners?
Yes, completeBasicI have nothing
If you selected any red option, you need to prepare your channel program before looking for partners. And when you're ready, generate a list of potential distributors with MapiLeads.
Checklist: Do you have everything to find distributors?
45% of B2B revenue in Europe goes through indirect channel: without distributors, you're missing nearly half the market
Finding the right partners requires precise data: industry, area, company size, and verified contact information
MapiLeads lets you search for potential distributors in 120+ countries filtering by industry and location with verified data
Find distributors and partners in any market
MapiLeads gives you access to verified business data in 120+ countries. Ideal for finding distributors, resellers, and commercial partners. See plans or contact us.
The most effective method is to search for companies already operating in your target industry and area, verify they match your ideal partner profile, and contact them directly with a distribution proposal. MapiLeads lets you search for these companies in 120+ countries with verified contact data.
What margin should I offer a distributor?
It depends on the industry, but typical B2B distributor margins range from 15% to 40%. The important thing is that the margin is sufficient to motivate the distributor while your final price remains competitive. Define a clear structure before contacting potential partners.
Is it better to have few large distributors or many small ones?
It depends on your strategy. Few large ones offer volume but less control. Many small ones offer coverage and risk diversification. Most successful B2B companies combine both: 2-3 main distributors and a network of smaller partners.