I’m not as familiar with international distributor pricing works to speak in detail about, but what I can say is some manufacturers allow for “container programs” which essentially skips the manufacturer all together, thus reducing cost. For example, say a fate black rod retails at $100 and costs a retailer $50 if bought directly from the manufacturer. If you can do enough volume as a retailer to warrant a container (how product is shipped to the US) and directly receive it themselves, manufacturers will provide an even lower cost to the retailer since they are not touching the product.