Distribution Management
Overview
The Distributor Module enables three-tier partner relationships in Journeybee, allowing you to manage complex distribution networks with vendors, distributors, and resellers. This powerful feature streamlines partner management across multiple levels of your distribution chain.
What is the Distributor Module?
The Distributor Module introduces an intermediary layer between vendors and resellers, creating a hierarchical partner structure:
Vendor (You) → Distributor → Reseller
This allows distributors to manage their own network of resellers while maintaining visibility and control at the vendor level.
Key Benefits
Multi-tier Partner Management: Manage complex distribution networks with clear hierarchical relationships
Automated Lead Attribution: Leads flow through the distribution chain with proper attribution at each level
Distributor Autonomy: Distributors can manage their own reseller networks independently
Centralised Oversight: Maintain visibility across your entire distribution network
Streamlined Deal Management: Track deals through the entire distribution chain
Enabling the Distributor Module
Prerequisites
Before enabling the distributor module, ensure you have:
Admin access to your Journeybee account
Existing partner program setup
At least one partner with "Distributor" partnership type capability ready to go
Activation Steps
Navigate to Settings → Company Settings
Locate the Modules section
Find Distributor Module and toggle it ON
Click Save Changes
Once enabled, you'll see new distributor-specific options throughout your partner management interface.
Setting Up Distributors
Creating a Distributor Partnership
Navigate to Partners
Go to the Partners section from your main navigation
Add New Partner
Click Add Partner button
Fill in the partner's company information
Select Partnership Type
Choose "Distributor" as the partnership type
This designates them as a distributor rather than a direct reseller
Configure Distributor Settings
Set the appropriate tier level
Assign categories relevant to their distribution focus
Configure commission structures if applicable
Inviting Distributors
Send Partnership Invitation
Click Send Invitation after creating the distributor partnership
The distributor will receive an email invitation
Distributor Acceptance
Distributors accept the invitation through their email link
They'll gain access to their partner portal upon acceptance
Managing Distributor-Reseller Relationships
For Vendors
As a vendor, you can:
View Distributor Networks
Navigate to Partners → Distributors
Click on any distributor to see their reseller network
View all resellers connected through each distributor
Assign Resellers to Distributors
Go to a reseller's partnership page
Click Manage Distributors
Select which distributors can work with this reseller
Multiple distributors can be assigned to the same reseller
Monitor Performance
Track leads flowing through distributor channels
View deals attributed to specific distributor-reseller combinations
Access reports showing distribution chain performance
For Distributors
Distributors access their portal to:
View Assigned Resellers
See all resellers assigned to them by the vendor
Access reseller contact information and details
Monitor reseller performance
Submit Leads for Resellers
Click Add Lead in the distributor portal
Select the reseller the lead is for
Fill in lead information
The lead is attributed to both the distributor and reseller
Track Reseller Deals
View all deals from their reseller network
Monitor deal progression through stages
Track commissions and attributions
Lead Management Through Distributors
Lead Attribution Flow
When a lead enters through a distributor:
Distributor Submits Lead
Distributor creates a lead in their portal
Selects the associated reseller
Dual Attribution
Lead is attributed to the distributor
Lead is also attributed to the selected reseller
Vendor sees complete attribution chain
Lead Visibility
Vendor sees all lead details and attribution
Distributor can track their submitted leads
Reseller receives and can work the lead
Managing Distributor Leads
Viewing Distributor Leads:
Navigate to Leads section
Use the filter to show "Distributor Leads"
See complete attribution including distributor and reseller
Lead Assignment:
Assign leads to internal users as normal
Attribution chain remains intact
Both distributor and reseller maintain visibility
Deal Management
Creating Deals from Distributor Leads
Convert Lead to Deal
Select a distributor-attributed lead
Click Create Deal
Deal maintains distributor attribution
Deal Visibility
Vendor sees all deal details
Distributor can track deal progress
Reseller manages the deal directly
Commission Tracking
Commissions can be split between distributors and resellers
Configure commission rules in partnership settings
Automatic calculation based on deal value and attribution
Partner Portal Features for Distributors
Distributor Dashboard
Distributors access a specialised dashboard showing:
Their assigned resellers
Recent leads and deals
Performance metrics
Commission tracking
Available Actions
Distributors can:
View reseller partnerships
Submit leads for resellers
Track deal progression
Access resources and materials
Communicate through the messaging system
Distributors cannot:
Add new resellers independently
Modify partnership terms
Access other distributors' networks
Change commission structures
Reporting and Analytics
Distribution Network Reports
Access comprehensive reports showing:
Lead flow through distribution channels
Conversion rates by distributor
Reseller performance by distributor
Commission distributions
Accessing Reports
Navigate to Reports → Partner Reports
Select Distribution Network report type
Filter by:
Date range
Specific distributors
Reseller segments
Lead/deal status
Best Practices
Setting Up Your Distribution Network
Start Small
Begin with a few key distributors
Establish processes before scaling
Document workflows and expectations
Clear Communication
Define roles and responsibilities
Set clear attribution rules
Establish SLAs for lead handling
Regular Reviews
Monitor distributor performance monthly
Review reseller assignments quarterly
Adjust territories and assignments as needed
Managing Multiple Distributors
Avoid Conflicts: Clearly define territories or segments
Balanced Assignment: Distribute resellers evenly when possible
Performance Monitoring: Track each distributor's effectiveness
Regular Communication: Hold monthly distributor meetings
Common Use Cases
Regional Distribution
Scenario: You have distributors managing specific geographic regions
Setup:
Create distributor partnerships for each region
Assign resellers based on their location
Distributors manage local reseller relationships
Track regional performance separately
Product-Based Distribution
Scenario: Different distributors specialise in different product lines
Setup:
Create distributors by product category
Assign resellers based on product expertise
Route leads to appropriate distributor-reseller combinations
Monitor product line performance
Tiered Distribution
Scenario: Multiple levels of distributors (master distributors and regional distributors)
Setup:
Create master distributor partnerships
Set up regional distributors
Establish clear hierarchy and territories
Track performance at each level
Troubleshooting
Common Issues and Solutions
Distributor Can't See Resellers
Verify distributor partnership is active
Check reseller assignments in vendor portal
Ensure distributor has logged into portal
Leads Not Showing Attribution
Confirm distributor selected reseller when creating lead
Verify partnership connections are active
Check filter settings in leads view
Missing Commission Data
Review commission settings in partnership configuration
Ensure deals have progressed to commission-eligible stages
Verify attribution chain is complete
Getting Help
If you need assistance with the Distributor Module:
Check this documentation for guidance
Contact your account manager
Submit a support ticket through the help center or in app
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a reseller work with multiple distributors?
A: Yes, you can assign multiple distributors to a single reseller. This is useful when distributors have different territories or product focuses.
Q: Can distributors add their own resellers?
A: No, only vendors can create and assign reseller partnerships. This maintains control over your partner network.
Q: How are commissions split between distributors and resellers?
A: Commission splits are configured in the partnership settings. You can set different rates for distributors and resellers, and the system automatically calculates based on attribution.
Q: Can I convert existing partners to distributors?
A: Yes, you can change a partner's type to "Distributor" in their partnership settings. Historical data remains intact.
Q: What happens to existing leads when I enable the module?
A: Existing leads and deals remain unchanged. The distributor features only apply to new partnerships and leads going forward.
Q: Can distributors see other distributors' resellers?
A: No, distributors can only see and manage resellers specifically assigned to them by the vendor.
Q: Is there a limit to how many resellers a distributor can manage?
A: There's no system limit. The number of resellers per distributor depends on your business needs and the distributor's capacity.
Q: Can I remove a distributor's access to a reseller?
A: Yes, you can modify distributor-reseller assignments at any time through the vendor portal. Existing leads and deals maintain their original attribution.