The most reliable way to check if a distributor is authorized by a brand is to ask the brand. You can also look for an authorized retailer or distributor list on the brand’s website and ask the distributor for proof. Do this before you buy a strict brand for Amazon.
Quick answer: Check the brand’s website for an authorized distributor or “where to buy” list, ask the distributor for written proof, and email the brand to confirm. Only the brand can confirm authorization for certain.
Why It Matters for Amazon Sellers
For gated brands, Amazon may want invoices from the manufacturer or an authorized distributor. If a brand files a complaint, an authorized source is also easier to defend. The difference between supplier types is covered in authorized distributor vs wholesaler.
4 Ways to Check
- The brand’s website. Look for “authorized retailers,” “where to buy,” “distributors” or “wholesale” pages.
- Ask the distributor. A real authorized distributor can usually tell you how long it has carried the brand and may share a letter or certificate from the brand. Treat documents as a starting point, not final proof.
- Email the brand. Ask whether the distributor is authorized and whether it sells to Amazon sellers. Template below.
- Look at the details. Do the distributor’s invoices name the brand’s products correctly? Does the packaging match what the brand sells?
Email Template: Ask a Brand for Its Authorized Distributor List
Subject: Question about authorized distributors for [Brand]
Hi [Brand] team,
I run [Business Name], a [state] business that sells [category] products on Amazon. I would like to buy [Brand] products through an authorized source.
Could you tell me:
- whether [Distributor Name] is an authorized distributor of [Brand], and
- if not, which distributors you recommend for retailers who sell on Amazon?
We follow brand pricing and listing policies.
Thank you,
[Name] | [Business Name] | [Phone] | [Business email]
If the Brand Says No or Doesn’t Answer
Some brands don’t reply, and some don’t sell to Amazon sellers at all. If you can’t confirm authorization, either choose a different brand or buy only from a source you have fully vetted and keep every invoice. If a brand works with sellers directly, ask about a letter of authorization (LOA).
Before You Order
Ask the distributor about its Amazon policy, minimums and invoices too. Use our questions to ask a wholesale supplier, and work through the full checklist in how to vet wholesale suppliers.
Interested in buying from us? See the brands we supply and ask us about any brand before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a distributor lie about being authorized?
Yes, which is why you should confirm with the brand directly when it matters.
Do brands publish their distributor lists?
Some do on their websites. Many only share them on request.
Is a certificate from the distributor enough?
It helps, but a certificate can be old or fake. Confirm with the brand for strict brands.