Understanding Partstack Supplier Stack Designations

On your search for electronic components and other vital parts for your projects, you’ll encounter a few different supplier distributor business models. We feature 3 types of component distributors on Partstack Marketplace: Authorized Stocking Distributors, Independent Distributors with in-stock availability, and Independent Distributors with brokering availability. It’s important to understand the difference between each supplier type. We’re here to connect you with outstanding distributors from around the world and help you find the right supplier for your needs. So– let’s dig deeper.

Authorized Stocking Distributors

Authorized Stocking Distributors will be listed under our Distributors (Authorized) Stack. These suppliers have direct agreements with manufacturers and purchase components directly from the source. Sourcing at this level is considered the “gold standard” and carries the lowest risk pre-and post sale.

Here's how they can assist you:

Their components always come directly from the manufacturer. Authenticity is guaranteed. Technical support is often available.
They typically keep a large inventory of popular components in stock which can mean shorter lead times and reduced risk of parts shortage.
Most pass down manufacturer warranties on the components they sell. Parts will meet industry standards and specifications.

These suppliers are always given prominent placement in the supplier stack for every part page.

Independent Distributors (Stocking)

Independent Distributors with In-Stock Availability will be listed under our Distributors (In-Stock) Stack. These suppliers specialize in stocking a wide range of electronic components acquired from various sources, including authorized sources or OEM excess. Sourcing at this level carries additional risk and requires due diligence pre-and post-sale.

Here's how they can assist you:

Their stocking flexibility and diversity can be beneficial when you're looking for hard-to-find or obsolete parts.
They are typically able to provide traceability records and offer competitive pricing due to their flexible sourcing methods.
With components already in stock, these distributors can often ship your orders quickly.

You’ll find these suppliers featured just below authorized suppliers in the supplier stack for every part page.

Independent Distributors (Non-stocking/Brokers)

Independent Non-Stocking Distributors, commonly known as brokers, will be listed under our Distributors (Availability) Stack. These distributors excel in sourcing components when others can’t. Sourcing at this level carries additional risk and requires due diligence pre-and post-sale.

Here's how they can assist you:

Brokers tend to have extensive sourcing networks and can locate components from various suppliers worldwide. This is invaluable when you're searching for rare or discontinued parts.
Brokers are adept at finding alternatives or equivalents for components that may no longer be readily available.
Many brokers offer testing services to verify product authenticity. Shipping and delivery times may be extended when parts are brokered.

You’ll find these suppliers featured on the tail end of the Stack just below independent stocking distributors for every part page.

At Partstack, we're committed to authentic purchasing experiences

Buying electronic components today comes with some risk. This risk increases as you move further away from direct manufacturer purchasing. Ordering from unscrupulous suppliers can lead to project slowdowns and production issues from faulty, low quality, mislabeled or even counterfeit components. At Partstack, we encourage you to test and verify representative samples of your orders when purchasing from suppliers who cannot provide product traceability back to the manufacturer. Additionally, request and review all supplier qualifications to understand the distributor’s quality and risk profile.

Partstack makes this supplier review simple by including key supplier details on distributor dashboard pages where available.

Learn more about mitigating your risk.

Reduce risk, source with confidence.

We’ve designed our supplier stack with risk mitigation in mind to ensure you always connect with the right distributors for your project requirements. Questions about our methodology or a specific distributor’s placement in our stack? Reach out to us today at [email protected].

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Understanding Partstack Supplier Stack Designations

Authorized Stocking Distributors

Here's how they can assist you:

Independent Distributors (Stocking)

Here's how they can assist you:

Independent Distributors (Non-stocking/Brokers)

Here's how they can assist you:

At Partstack, we're committed to authentic purchasing experiences

Reduce risk, source with confidence.

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