The purpose is a conversation.
The groundwork makes it credible.

Across international B2B physical-product markets, manufacturers seek distributors and distributors look for suitable lines. Partner Signal focuses on bringing potentially compatible companies to a first conversation, with particular experience of researching industrial and measurement equipment opportunities.

Our research is preparation for an introduction, not an end in itself. We accumulate candidate information independently of client assignments, then use our own structured research and evaluation process to identify the connections worth testing.

1. Start with a public signal

We begin with manufacturers' own announcements that they are looking for distributors, and compare these with publicly available distributor profiles. Official company websites, recruitment pages and published materials are prioritised and sources recorded. A visible recruitment signal does not guarantee that a particular distributor is acceptable to the manufacturer.

2. Evaluate before approaching

We assess product compatibility, geographic coverage, published technical and service capabilities, overlapping product lines, competing brands and any available indicators of readiness for a new relationship. Our process includes accumulated candidate records, readiness scoring, primary-source checks, contact-channel checks and quality standards for each stage.

A score supports judgment; it cannot establish actual interest. We mark unknowns as unverified. We may advise against approaching a candidate when the evidence is weak or conflicts look significant.

3. Move from candidates to contact

We explain the reasons for a proposed candidate and obtain our client's approval before approaching anyone. We then make the initial approach ourselves and actively ask whether the other company is open to a conversation. We report refusals and unanswered approaches as well as expressions of interest.

A direct introduction happens only after both sides have given prior approval and confirmed willingness to have an initial discussion. We cannot promise an answer or an introduction.

4. Why we specialise

We work specifically on manufacturer–distributor matching, not general international expansion or outsourced sales. Reusable assessment procedures and existing candidate information help us identify relevant opportunities efficiently. A lean structure and a limited remit help keep fees lower without dropping necessary checks. The time and effort required still vary by case.

5. Business principles

Fees are fixed by stage. Scope, deliverables and fees are agreed in writing before paid work begins.
There is no success fee, and only one side is charged for a given introduction.
We do not negotiate commercial terms, conclude contracts on behalf of clients or hold third-party funds.
We do not guarantee introductions, agreements, sales or other business outcomes.
We respond immediately to opt-out requests and do not contact the person or company again.
Outreach is conducted only through channels permitted by applicable laws.

Natsuki Kita, the operator, personally handles enquiries and client correspondence.

6. Discuss a possible introduction

See Services for stages and indicative fees. If you have a product and target territory in mind, send us a brief enquiry. We can first discuss whether this approach suits the situation.

Make an enquiry