protecting my idea

[drbecker]

What is the name of your state? NY/NJ

I have an idea for a wellness products store, to sell negotiated discount items to corporations from suppliers.

I have a contact with a large corporate benefits company, and relationships with suppliers with dealer pricing.

I would like to merge the two, without having them cut me out of the deal.

How do I protect myself from such.

Dr. Becker

 

[clueless3]

You can ASK them to sign a contract. But what if they don't want to sign? And how can you enforce it and/or take them to court if they sign and decide to cut you out anyway? If you're a small potato, you don't have much power to negotiate and/or to win in court.

The model of Manufacturer -> Distributor -> Wholesaler -> Retailer -> Consumer is shrinking. Many manufacturers now will sell directly to the consumers if they have a chance. The consumers want the pyramid flattened and want "manufacturer-direct" merchandise. The economic forces are against middlemen, like you.

If I were you, I would simply build good relationships with both of them and hope that they will honor the system and not cut you out.