Manufacturer FAQ — 20 questions before signing.
Most frequent questions received during the application phase. Direct answers. If your question isn't here, send it to partnerships@nelea.net.
On selection
My brand isn't yet registered. Can you sign?
No. We require prior registration in at least your home jurisdiction, and a commitment to EUIPO extension within six months of signing. Without legal protection, your brand is vulnerable at first commercial traction.
I have one reseller in Germany. Does it count?
Yes, it counts. We consider there's a European channel as soon as one sale is made via a structured intermediary in the EU. The channel must be terminated before signing with NELEA, or a transition model discussed.
I'm on Amazon Europe via FBA. Disqualifying?
Yes. Amazon EU is a European channel even if fulfilled from the US. We require a clean exit from the marketplace before the partnership opens.
How many brands do you take on per year?
One to two. Our operational capacity to carry a brand through European launch is limited. We prefer saying no to interesting brands rather than signing too many and executing poorly.
How long for a decision?
Six to ten weeks between qualified form and firm decision. Faster if the file is complete and well-documented, longer if we have to patch missing pieces.
On the contract
What's the minimum contract term?
36 firm months. Below, initial investment (compliance, translation, listings, trade shows) isn't amortized.
What distributor margin do you require?
Contractual distributor margin between 30% and 45% of pre-tax public price depending on category and volumes, structured in tiered decreases by annual volume threshold.
Who takes the customer credit risk?
NELEA fully. You are paid by us under short terms. European end-customer unpaid debts are absorbed on NELEA's side.
Can I terminate if you underperform?
Yes. Specific contractual clause: if NELEA fails to reach 75% of minimum volumes two consecutive years, you can exit without notice and with prorata refund of fees paid.
Do I retain brand and customer data ownership?
Yes. You keep the brand, product documentation, and ownership of end-customer data NELEA collects. These are passed to you quarterly in consolidated form, and fully at contract end.
On operations
Which hub ships my product?
Automatic routing to optimal hub (France or Poland) based on destination, available volume, logistics costs. US hub used if you produce in North America and want to serve US customers in the same flow.
Can I see stock in real time?
Yes. Dedicated portal with stock visualization, pending orders, active warranty cases, tender positions. Secure access, 15-minute refresh.
How do you manage warranty returns?
Processing within 7 business days. For recurring accounts, advance replacement before defective product return. Monthly quality analysis shared with brand to detect series defects.
What happens if I raise wholesale prices mid-contract?
Contractually framed. Annual review indexed on agreed index (typically EEC import or USD/EUR). One-off hikes possible with 90-day notice, passed to end price preserving contractual distributor margin.
How do you manage customer discounts and volume rebates?
Tiered pricing grid by end-customer purchase volume, jointly validated at contract start. Semi-annual update if market requires.
On marketing and relationship
Who pays for European trade shows?
NELEA funds booth, setup, on-site staff. Brand sends a technical representative and covers travel expenses. Annual trade show program jointly validated.
Can I have a dedicated account manager?
Yes. Each partner brand gets a single NELEA account manager, point of contact for all commercial and operational questions. Weekly meetings first three months, then rhythm adapted to volume.
Do you keep control of public prices?
Public prices set jointly by brand and NELEA at contract start, accounting for brand's international positioning and European specifics. Documented semi-annual reviews.
Are you on platforms like Amazon EU?
No. Brands we distribute are sold only through our channel and authorized resellers. Amazon, AliExpress, Cdiscount consumer, ManoMano intentionally excluded.
How does contract end go if we don't renew?
Documented 6-month transition: progressive stock liquidation, technical documentation transfer, customer data restitution, clean termination with authorities (WEEE notably). No blocked stock, no surprise.
Email us directly.
For any specific question not covered, contact the partnerships team. Response 24 to 48 business hours.