Is Becoming an AFFLINK Distributor Right for Your Business? Here's What You Should Know

In today’s competitive distribution landscape, value-added distributors face intense margin pressure, supply chain complexity, and growing competition from larger players. Leading with relationships and responsiveness isn’t enough when customers expect faster access, smarter pricing, and digital convenience. That’s where AFFLINK stands apart.

With 300+ distributors, 200+ manufacturers, and 1M+ products, plus proprietary technology and strategic market access, AFFLINK helps independent distributors compete more effectively and grow faster. Below, we break down what you get as an AFFLINK distributor, what it costs beyond membership, and how to decide if this model aligns with your goals.

What You Actually Get as an AFFLINK Distributor

Shopfront

Shopfront is AFFLINK’s managed eCommerce platform built to make online ordering easier for both distributors and their customers. It brings product content, ordering, and system integrations into one place, without requiring distributors to manage the infrastructure themselves.

Through Shopfront, distributors can offer customers access to a large, continuously maintained catalog of products from thousands of manufacturers, along with a secure, branded online ordering experience available 24/7. The platform integrates with existing backend systems to support real-time pricing, inventory visibility, and streamlined order processing, helping simplify day-to-day operations.

Exclusive Data and Market Intelligence

Data plays a critical role in how distributors price, position, and manage inventory. As an AFFLINK distributor, you gain access to detailed sales reporting that highlights customer purchasing patterns, along with brand and category trend alerts that help you spot opportunities earlier. Predictive inventory insights support better planning and fewer stockouts, while consumer behavior data helps inform more proactive sourcing and more strategic conversations with customers.

Market Access You Can't Get Alone

AFFLINK opens doors to strategic demand channels and contracting opportunities many independents can’t access on their own:

• Government contracting via TIPS partnership and AbilityOne
• Easier entry into healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and commercial verticals
• Strategic account opportunities with top national brands
• Private branding and co-marketing capabilities to differentiate your portfolio

What It Actually Costs (Beyond Membership Fees)

Progress always involves change, and knowing what that entails can help your company adjust to new processes. You’ll need to consider:

• Staff training on the Shopfront platform: Your team will need to learn new tools and workflows. The learning curve varies by role, but the payoff is faster quoting, better data insights, and stronger customer engagement.
• Integration with existing systems: Setting up your technical infrastructure with your current ERP, CRM, or inventory systems requires time and planning. AFFLINK provides support, but you’ll need to have some initial IT involvement.
• Onboarding participation: Active participation in AFFLINK onboarding ensures you maximize benefits faster, from setup to sales adoption.
• Commitment to collaboration: To benefit from shared best practices and strategic alignment, participating distributors are encouraged to engage in collaboration and continuous improvement.

What You Get in Return

While getting started does take time and effort, the long-term payoff makes the investment worthwhile. As part of AFFLINK, you gain access to buying power that’s typically out of reach for independent distributors, along with shared technology that would be difficult and expensive to build on your own. You also open the door to a broader range of manufacturers and strategic accounts, and can tap into additional business support, from marketing and sales tools to recruiting resources, as your business grows.

Who This Works Best For

You're a Strong Fit If

• You’re ready to leverage digital tools to scale sales
• Your team wants access to deeper data and forecasting insights
• You want expanded market access beyond traditional channels
• You value collaboration and shared success with partners

This Might Not Be Right If

• You’re unwilling to adopt new technology workflows
• You prefer to operate entirely independently
• Your business isn’t positioned for strategic growth investments

Next Steps: How to Evaluate AFFLINK for Your Business

Step-by-step list:

1. Schedule a personalized Shopfront demo to see the platform in action.
2. Conduct an ROI snapshot to estimate potential buying power and savings.
3. Talk with an AFFLINK distributor peer and hear real experiences.
4. Map your integration plan to align systems, teams, and timelines.
5. Define success metrics and set goals for savings, speed, and market expansion.

Build a Stronger, More Competitive Distribution Business

AFFLINK provides an infrastructure built for growth. With Fortune-level resources, proprietary technology, and expansive market access, distributors get the tools and support necessary to win business, protect margins, and enter new markets without sacrificing independence.

Distributors across industries are already saving money, winning bigger accounts, and operating more efficiently. AFFLINK works best for distributors ready to adopt technology, collaborate with peers, and sell based on value. If this is you, your company may be a great fit.

Ready to see how AFFLINK can transform your distribution business? Schedule your Shopfront demo today or call 1-800-222-5521.