Entering the DACH market is more complex than most international brands anticipate. Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have distinct buyer expectations, established distribution networks built on long-term relationships, and formal business communication norms that differ significantly from English-language markets. Common challenges brands face include identifying the right distribution partners and knowing how to reach decision-makers, adapting value propositions and sales materials for German business culture, understanding pricing architecture and channel margins in DACH, and — for food, supplement, and regulated product brands — navigating EU compliance requirements that distribution partners require before any commercial discussion can begin. Without local expertise and networks, the market entry process tends to be slow, costly, and difficult to execute from abroad.
We provide structured support across three phases of DACH market entry: strategic positioning, partner outreach, and partnership activation. Each phase is a standalone scope option, so you can engage at the level that fits your current readiness — and add further phases as you progress. Our German-speaking project leads handle market research, create professional German sales assets adapted for DACH business culture, and manage outreach campaigns on your behalf. Rather than providing reports for you to execute independently, we stay involved through the process — coordinating prospect research, managing outreach, and supporting you through partner conversations.
Designed for international brands entering DACH for the first time, or those looking to build more structure into an existing but informal market presence. Most applicable where distribution partnerships are the primary go-to-market channel — including consumer goods, food & beverage, health & wellness, and B2B products or services. Particularly relevant for brands that have confirmed EU regulatory status (or are actively working toward it) and are ready to invest in a structured, multi-week engagement. Less suited for brands still at early product or compliance stages, or those seeking immediate results without a defined go-to-market foundation.
What This Service Does — and What It Doesn't
DACH market entry takes time. Distribution partnerships in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are relationship-driven, and building trust with new partners typically unfolds over months, not weeks. This service gives you the right foundation — market intelligence, professional materials, and structured outreach — but outcomes depend on your product-market fit, pricing competitiveness, and the commercial interest of prospects you engage.
We focus on execution quality: thorough research, well-crafted materials, and a professionally managed outreach process. We do not guarantee signed agreements, but we ensure you go to market with the right tools and the right conversations started.
How the Engagement Is Structured
The service is built around three sequential scope options, each of which can be engaged independently or combined:
Scope Option 1 — Strategy (4-6 weeks)
Market intelligence and DACH positioning. Suitable for brands validating feasibility or preparing for internal approval before committing to execution. Includes competitive research, channel analysis, DACH brand positioning, go-to-market roadmap, and a 2-hour virtual strategy workshop.
Scope Option 2 — Outreach (6-10 weeks)
Partner identification and outreach campaign. Builds on the strategic foundation with a profiled prospect database, full German sales material suite, and a managed 6-8 week outreach campaign. Suitable for brands ready to initiate partner conversations.
Scope Option 3 — Activation (6-8 weeks)
Partnership negotiation and launch support. Supports active deal progression with negotiation guidance, contract review input, partner onboarding materials, and e-commerce setup guidance. Suitable for brands with active partner conversations to convert.
Flexible Engagement Options
| Option | Scopes Included | Indicative Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| A — Strategy Only | Scope 1 | ~6 weeks |
| B — Strategy + Outreach | Scopes 1 + 2 | ~16 weeks |
| D — Outreach + Activation | Scopes 2 + 3 | ~14 weeks |
| C — Full Market Entry | Scopes 1 + 2 + 3 | 18-24 weeks |
Payment Models
Phase-based (pay per scope) | Monthly Retainer | Hybrid (reduced upfront + success fee)
All deliverables, databases, and materials produced during the engagement are retained by the client.
To discuss which scope is right for your stage, contact us at sales@impactmaker.co or request a custom proposal — discovery call within 2 business days.
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Service Packages
PACKAGE 1: DISCOVER — Market Strategy & Positioning
Investment: €8,950
Delivery Time: 4-6 weeks
Revisions: 1 revision round included
Description: A structured market intelligence assessment and strategic roadmap for DACH entry. Suited for brands at the planning stage — exploring feasibility, mapping the landscape, and building the internal case to proceed. The output is a well-documented strategic foundation, not an execution plan you implement on your own.
What's Included:
Initial discovery call (60 min)
Competitive landscape analysis — key players mapped with pricing, channels, and positioning
Distribution channel overview — distributor landscape, retail, and e-commerce options assessed
DACH positioning framework — value proposition and messaging adapted for German business culture
Pricing & margin guidance — wholesale/retail structure benchmarked for your category
Go-to-market roadmap (12-24 months) — geographic sequencing, channel priorities, milestone planning
Strategy workshop (2 hours, virtual) — stakeholder alignment and Go/No-Go decision framework
Market Entry Strategy Report (PDF) — comprehensive documentation of findings and recommendations
1 revision round
Email support throughout engagement
Ideal for: Brands validating DACH market fit, building an internal business case, or planning a 6-12 month entry timeline.
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PACKAGE 2: REALIZE — Partner Identification & Outreach
Investment: €19,900
Delivery Time: 12-16 weeks
Revisions: 2 revision rounds on materials
Description: Execution-focused engagement covering partner research, German sales materials, and a managed outreach campaign. Builds on the Discover foundation — or can incorporate an existing strategy if you already have clear positioning. The goal is to generate qualified conversations with relevant DACH distribution partners.
What's Included:
Everything in DISCOVER, plus:
Distribution Partner Database
30-50 prospects researched and profiled
Decision-maker contact details and strategic fit assessment
A/B/C prioritisation tiers
Professional German Sales Materials
Sales pitch deck (10-15 slides, native German, Sie-form)
Localised one-pager (print-ready, distribution meeting format)
Outreach email templates (3-5, culturally adapted)
Distributor FAQ document (German)
Outreach Campaign (6-8 weeks)
Structured email and LinkedIn outreach
Personalised messaging per prospect segment
Follow-up sequences and response handling
Meeting scheduling and coordination
Support Throughout
Weekly coordination calls
2 revision rounds on German materials
Meeting preparation support
Email support throughout engagement
Ideal for: Brands ready to begin DACH partner conversations, with EU compliance completed or actively in progress.
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PACKAGE 3: EXTENSION — Partnership Activation & Launch
Investment: €34,500
Delivery Time: 18-24 weeks
Revisions: Unlimited within agreed scope
Description: Full market entry support from strategy through to partnership activation and commercial launch. For brands ready to commit to DACH with the intent to close and onboard distribution partners — not just open conversations.
What's Included:
Everything in REALIZE, plus:
Negotiation & Contract Support
Commercial terms advisory (MOQ, exclusivity, margins, payment terms)
Distribution agreement review and recommendations
Negotiation preparation and scenario planning
Partner Onboarding
Welcome package and onboarding documentation
Product training materials
Sales enablement toolkit for partner use
Launch Support
E-commerce setup guidance (Amazon.de, Shopify for DACH)
Launch planning framework
First order coordination support
90-Day Follow-Through
Performance tracking framework (sales, distribution, marketing KPIs)
Monthly check-in calls (60 min) for first 3 months
Optimisation recommendations based on early market feedback
Ideal for: Brands with decision authority, confirmed product-market interest, and readiness to move from conversations to signed agreements.
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Available Add-Ons
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you guarantee that partnerships will be signed?
A: We guarantee the quality of our execution — research rigour, materials quality, and campaign management. Whether conversations convert to signed agreements depends on your product-market fit, pricing, and the commercial interest of individual partners. We are transparent about this from the outset.
Q: Can we pause between packages?
A: Yes. The packages are modular by design. Many clients complete Discover, secure internal approval, then return for Realize. All deliverables remain yours at every stage.
Q: Do we need EU regulatory compliance before starting?
A: For food, supplement, and other regulated product categories, yes — DACH distribution partners require legal market authorisation before entering commercial discussions. We can advise on what's needed; our EU Compliance service (Service 2) can support this in parallel.
Q: Can we start at Outreach if we already have a strategy?
A: Yes. We can begin at the Realize scope if you have clear positioning. We'll review your existing strategy in the discovery call to confirm DACH alignment before launching.
Q: How long does DACH market entry realistically take?
A: From first outreach to a signed distribution agreement, typically 6-18 months depending on product category, partner availability, and decision-making timelines on both sides. Our engagement accelerates the process — but we won't misrepresent what is a relationship-driven market.
Q: Which industries do you serve?
A: Consumer products, food & beverage, health & wellness, sports nutrition, SaaS, industrial, and B2B ingredients. If distribution partnerships are your primary go-to-market channel, this service is likely a strong fit.
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Start Small, Scale Fast.
Impact Maker | www.impactmaker.co | sales@impactmaker.co | +49 1609081 9576
Connecting international brands with DACH market opportunities.