Meaning
Tiered pricing models accumulate operational markups and logistics allowances across intermediaries in a supply chain. Commercial managers structure a distributor margin stack to balance end-user price competitiveness with wholesale channel profitability. The structure maps the cumulative spread between factory gate price and final landed cost across primary and secondary distributors.
It governs commercial pricing terms without dictating final retail sales prices where resale price maintenance laws apply.
Layered Markup
Wholesale intermediaries incorporate freight costs, warehousing expenses and working capital financing into their baseline pricing. Building a distributor margin stack requires accounting for both fixed percentage markups and variable rebate incentives. Each layer expands the gap between manufacturer cost and wholesale selling price.
Channel Realization
Net realization drops when multiple channel partners extract margins from the same product line. Managing a distributor margin stack prevents price compounding from pushing the final shelf price beyond target market limits. Manufacturers adjust base wholesale discounts when extra distribution tiers join the chain.
Contract Structure
Master distribution agreements define strict margin allocations for territorial sales partners. Unplanned adjustments to a distributor margin stack alter distributor incentive structures and sales focus. Contracts lock discount percentages to specific order volumes and marketing commitments.