This document discusses managing distribution for hardware startups. It provides information about Global Sources Launchpad and their experience connecting suppliers to international buyers over 45 years. It also provides examples of startups like Nanoleaf, Makeblock, and Move-It that have found distribution success. The document emphasizes that 90% of consumer spending is within 3 feet of the shelf and offers tips for hardware startups to get their products in front of customers through effective communication, packaging, promotions, and marketing budgets. It also lists the key aspects of distribution that startups need to manage, such as procurement, manufacturing, quality control, and customer service.

1. MANAGING
DISTRIBUTION FOR
HARDWARE STARTUP
BEN WONG – HEAD OF GLOBAL SOURCES LAUNCHPAD

2. GLOBAL SOURCES
Creates, manages and delivers the information that trading partners need to meet and
do business. We provide the right information, at the right time, in the right format.
10+
THOUSAND
active suppliers daily
on online marketplace1+
MILLION
international buyers,
including the top 100
retailers
worldwide
15+
THOUSAND
booths annually in our
shows in Hong Kong
60+
THOUSAND
tradeshow
attendees annually 450+
STARTUPS
exhibited at
Startup Launchpad
event
45
YEARS
of experience
connecting suppliers
to international
buyers

3. 3
NANOLEAF
800 BEST BUY
STORES IN NORTH
AMERICA
100 APPLE STORES
WORLDWIDE

4. 4
MAKEBLOCK
NOW DISTRIBUTING
IN 46 COUNTRIES
WORLDWIDE
RECENTLY RAISED
$30M IN SERIES B

5. 5
MOVE-IT
NOW DISTRIBUTING
IN BEST BUY
CANADA
LAUNCHING ITS TEST
CAMPAIGN

6. Every hardware startup needs for success in distribution

7. 7
90% of consumer spending

8. 8
15
F.O.B. Distributor Retailer
x 2x 4x

9. Get to the 3-foot rule
1. Communication to
customers via display
2. Packaging
3. Holiday promotions
4. Marketing budget

10. 10
1. Materials Procurement
2. Manufacturing
3. Quality Control
4. Product Certificates
5. Packaging
6. Warehousing
7. Logistics
8. Returns and Inventory Management
9. Customer + Maintenance Service

11. 11

12. CONTACT ME AT:
benwong@globalsources.com
@Wonginit
www.launchpadhk.com