Do not have the time to go into extreme detail but my question is that I work for a wholesale importer/manufacturer of materials. Recently I went back to work for this co. after leaving for reasons beyond my control. This company imports high end bldg materials which was for years sold through distributors throughout the United States. In the time I have been gone they have created a webpage with these products that they now sell directly to the retail public(at a retail mark up) in the same "territories" as are many of the same distributors that have helped them get to where they are today. Just about all of these distributors are not aware of this little venture. In short: retail co buys from wholesale co. Both are owned by the same company. I could give more detail but do not think this appropo in this forum. Concern for job future. Is there something here that isnt right? I am not sure how I feel about this right now as I am not sure I am on the right track. If any of you are in the business world please help me expand my knowledge..--Answer1:I dont particularly like the idea, but its actually a practice I have come into contact with on several occasions. The bottom line is, unless the distributors have a protected territory, its fair game. They may at some point not like the idea if they find out, but it is what it is. They can always choose to not do business with the importer. The ones I deal with that do business this way do not affect my business. So while I dont like the idea, it really doesnt cause me any problems.