Question about being a 'middleman'

Hi,

I realize that this question may not strictly adhere to the group's focus on
marketing, but having read a number of the posts, there seem to be quite
savvy and experienced business people here, so perhaps someone can offer a
suggestion.

I'm seeking advice as to handle what for me is a new situation. I've been
approached by someone who admires several of the pen models which I carry as
an Internet retailer. They have a specialty business, and would like to have
pens customized with engraving that reflects that specialization, along with
custom additions such as an emblem attached to the pen clip and imprinted
pen boxes.

I've made initial inquiries with the pen manufacturer as to imprinting
(which is not a problem), and will broach the additional ideas after the
holidays. This could well involve an initial order of several thousand
fairly high-priced pens, and I'd appreciate feedback as to what role I can
carve out for myself as the 'middleman'.

Are there standard rules-of-thumb for such a situation, where I'm bringing
together two parties that have no other contact with each other? Would a
sales commission of each order, either from the manufacturer or as an
'add-on' from the buyer be appropriate, and if so, how would one begin to
determine what that percentage should be? I don't think that I can be the
sole contact between the buyer and manufacturer, as the buyer has stated:

"I would also like to have the contractual ability to market the pens under
the makers and my name or a product line name exclusive to the pens or ?. I
wouldn't consider them simply personalized, I would like to be able to
copyright the designs and for the manufacturer to be able to reproduce them
indefinitely as need or popularity demands. "

Both the buyer and myself are like fish out of water here, and I would
appreciate any suggestions anyone would care to offer (including any online
resources that might deal with these very issues).

Thanks very much!

Regards,

Norman Haase
His Nibs.com
www.hisnibs.com
www.giftlift.vstoregifts.com

> Please use middlemen for that exact reason.
I meant to say "People use middlemen for that exact reason"

Konstantin,

Thank you for your feedback. That's an excellent suggestion.

Regards,

Norman Haase
His Nibs.com
www.hisnibs.com
www.giftlift.vstoregifts.com

"Konstantin Goudkov" <bcc-ng@idftech.com> wrote in message
news:be7cfr024s3@enews3.newsguy.com...
>
> > Please use middlemen for that exact reason.
> I meant to say "People use middlemen for that exact reason"
>