What marketing support can you ask a supplier for?
Hello from MAKENOV. Marketing support is a negotiation item, not a favor. There is a set list of what you can request, and a right time to request each item.
Why would a supplier support your marketing?
Because unsold products hurt the supplier too: a partner stuck with inventory never reorders, and without reorders that market closes. Support is closer to joint investment than charity — frame it as "let\u2019s open this market together", not "please help".
What materials can you get?
| Item | Best time to ask |
|---|---|
| Original product photos and videos | First discussions |
| Catalog and detail-image source files | First discussions |
| Local-language materials | Contract negotiation |
| Initial ad-cost sharing | Contract negotiation |
| Promo items and samples | First order |
| Product training | After the first order |
| Trade-show support | After sales results |
Ask for source files: text baked into images must be rebuilt for localization, at your cost.
How far can cost sharing go?
Initial ad-cost sharing succeeds most often when requested together with an exclusivity contract. Show a plan before naming a number — channels, budget, what you will measure. A request with a plan gets reviewed; one without gets refused.
Training and technical support
Innovative products need explaining; if the sales floor cannot explain it, it will not sell. Ask for training materials, online staff training and a technical contact point — without a defined contact, every field question stops a sale.
When to ask
Before signing is strongest — the supplier wants to secure you as a partner, and items written into the contract need no renegotiation. After signing, ask with results: organized sales data makes additional support reviewable.
FAQ
Do small companies provide support?
Materials and training almost always; cost sharing depends on their situation.
Will asking raise my supply price?
It can — negotiate supply price and support together and calculate total cost.
Must it be in the contract?
Preferably. When the contact person changes, verbal promises are hard to verify.
Closing
MAKENOV connects you with suppliers and supports early discussions on exclusivity, MOQ, licensing and marketing support. Unconfirmed terms are marked as negotiable, never asserted. See the products currently looking for a Vietnam distribution partner.
