THE DIRECT STORE DELIVERY SOLUTION

84 Master Distributors & 422 DSD Routes

Strategically located throughout all of the 48 contiguous United States of America.

30 years of experience in Direct Store Delivery services.

Founder and CEO Marc Ceruto started his DSD journey nearly 3 decades ago when he bought his first distribution route.

Over the years, Marc has partnered with many of the largest CPG companies and led various independent DSD initiatives.

Today, Marc leads the Premier DSD® team to help new and emerging Food, Beverage, and other innovative brands develop their go-to-market strategies and increase sales through our vast DSD distributor network.

Marc Ceruto

Founder & CEO

The DSD Route Operators

Independent Distributor Responsibilities

Sales, Delivery & In-Store Operations

Introduce and sell products to existing and new retail customers.

Make orders for products based on sell-through and estimated upcoming product demands.

Upsell managers or owners on the secondary and tertiary placement of displays in the store's high traffic areas.

Coordinate retail pricing and temporary price reductions or promotions with the scanning coordinator at each store.

Unload the products from their trucks and check them in with the receiving clerk according to the retailers' requirements.

Unpack the products from their master cartons, rotate for freshness, stock the shelves and displays in the retail stores.

Apply or install point of sale material to help facilitate brand awareness and sales.

Promotional display set up and placement in stores.

Take great care of the products up until they are stocked on shelves and displays.

Perform back-room inventory control to make sure the retailers never run out of stock.

Issue credit for short-dated merchandise and damages that occur, even after delivery to the store.

The RETAILERS

25,000 INDEPENDENT MARKETS

Efficient Path to Critical Mass

The independent retailer is the ideal outlet to introduce new products to. They are typically easy to approach, sell to, and very eager to stock new products. They can use new products as a point of difference to attract and maintain loyal customers in the extremely competitive marketplace against big-box retailers.

The small to medium-sized independent retailer is often ignored early on in a product's life cycle; many years later, after a brand has plateaued, this "white space" is given any consideration. At Premier DSD®, we have the distribution platform to flip this approach and give brands a streamlined path to success.

Large corporate chains typically have many restrictions and costs that may be prohibitive to a new brand. There are also category reviews, timing, space planning, and numerous other challenges to overcome before reaching their shelves.

Launching and building a brand in the independent channel is often the most efficient way of achieving critical mass. Once your brand is established in this often overlooked channel, the larger retailers and specialty distributors will be much easier to negotiate with.

Retailers Prefer DSD

Most retailers prefer to work with brands that offer DSD distribution. Through DSD, the labor cost of ordering and stocking falls on the distributor, and the product sales and risk is ultimately that of the distributor and the brand. So, in exchange for shelf or floor space, the retailer gets a guaranteed return.

DSD Distribution allows retailers to receive products faster and more frequently, a good way to avoid running out of stock.

the process

Distributor Introduction

We introduce your brand through sell sheets and online presentations to our nationwide network of distributors. Our sales team works with each distributor to explore the potential opportunity for your products. You will be assigned a direct representative from Premier DSD so you have just one point of contact while we go through the sales outreach process.

Samples

The initial group of distributors that believe their is an opportunity in their territory for your products will request samples. We will provide you with a consolidated list of only those distributors that have expressed interest and are committed to exploring a distribution opportunity. You will decide to which distributors, territories and amount of samples you choose to send.

Retailer Pre-Authorizations

The distributors will evaluate the samples and show them to their customers; which are primarily independent retailers, medium size supermarkets, high end grocery, convenience and liquor stores. With positive feedback from these retailers, the distributors will be motivated to issue their first purchase order to fill this pipeline.

Orders, Shipping & Billing

Distributors will submit purchase orders to Premier DSD; we will consolidate and forward them on to you. We will assist you in obtaining any required credit applications, references, insurance and other forms you require. You decide the terms, distributors are typically expecting net 15 day terms but are willing to pre-pay for the initial order or two to establish the trade relationship. You will ship directly to the each distributor.

Margins & Minimum Order Quantities

Typically, it is best to work backwards from your suggested retail. Your Wholesale Cost should allow 30% margin for the retailer. Your Distributor Cost should be 25% off of your Wholesale Cost. The difference between your Wholesale Cost and FOB Cost will go towards shipping. Your Premier DSD representative will work with you to establish pricing, minimum order quantities and shipping options to ensure all costs and margins are sustainable.

Promotions, Programs & Other Costs

There are no required or mandated promotions, programs, slotting or advertising. There are also no surprise deductions or manufacturer charge-backs. Premier DSD© offers a completely transparent program with all costs known up front. We do recommend configuring your pricing to allow for healthy margins to promote your products and build brand awareness, we will help you navigate through this complex area.

Premier DSD ® works on a standard brokers commission with a one time nominal start up fee.

The Next Step

Are we a good match?

Answer a few questions about your brand and then schedule an appointment; you will immediately be directed to our online calendar upon submitting the form.

Get Started

Distributor Login