There is no law or legal requirements about becoming a distributor. It has more to do with

1 - Your ability to buy in large quantities, usually in unbroken shipping cases.

2 - Your suppliers marketing plan.

3 - If they use distributors, will you becoming one "upset the apple cart" in your area.

4 - Do you have an outside sales force or other ways to solicit business from other retailers.

5 - Do you distribute other lines?

Mostly, it's being able to buy in volume.