The topics in this comparison are compiled from Consumer Protection Law No. 4077 warranty practices and AYD Prefabrik customer contract experience.
The terms manufacturer and dealer are sometimes used inconsistently in the sector. Before signing the contract, whether the counterparty is a manufacturer or a seller should be verified through the tax registration and factory address.
Core difference between manufacturer and dealer: the production chain
A manufacturer is a company that produces prefab houses in its own facility, with its own machinery and team. A dealer is an intermediary that buys from a manufacturer and sells to the customer; it does not take part in production.
This distinction is reflected directly in price, warranty, delivery and the point of contact when problems arise. Whether the counterparty can show its own production facility is the basic separator.
- A manufacturer produces in its own facility; a dealer is an intermediary.
- Tax registration and factory address clarify the distinction.
- In dealer contracts the role of "seller" is often hidden.
- Direct manufacturer sales have no intermediary margin.
Price difference: why is the band 15-25%?
In the dealer model the final price is built by adding dealer margin and operating costs to the manufacturer's factory exit price. In sector practice this gap is typically in the 15-25% band; in the luxury segment it can rise further.
In direct purchase from a manufacturer the intermediary layer is removed and pricing is transparent. Comparing manufacturer and dealer offers for the same model side by side is the fastest control method.
- The manufacturer's factory exit price is transparent.
- Dealer margin adds 15-25% extra cost.
- Two offers for the same model should be compared side by side.
- In the luxury segment the dealer gap can exceed 30%.
- Intermediary-free pricing should be locked in writing.
Warranty difference: manufacturer 5-10 years, dealer unclear
Manufacturer warranty is a written commitment of 5-10 years for the load-bearing system and 2-5 years for panels and facade. It is backed by quality certification and insurance.
Dealer warranty is often vague: if the dealer cannot guarantee on its own behalf, it remains a verbal "I will pass on the manufacturer's warranty." When issues arise, the dealer points at the manufacturer and vice versa, which exhausts the customer.
- Manufacturer warranty must be written and insurance-backed.
- Load-bearing system warranty is in the 5-10 year band.
- Verbal dealer warranty does not provide legal protection.
- A warranty document must be obtained as an annex to the contract.
- The point of contact when issues arise should be known in advance.
Delivery time and contract party: who do you turn to if a problem arises?
With a manufacturer, delivery time is directly tied to production planning; the manufacturer plans its line for you. In the dealer model, delivery time depends on the dealer's arrangement with the manufacturer and cannot be committed first-hand.
Whoever the contract party is becomes the legal point of contact. In a dealer contract, even a manufacturer-side fault forces the customer first to the dealer and the dealer to the manufacturer. A manufacturer contract has a single point of contact.
- A manufacturer fixes delivery time based on its own line.
- Dealer delivery commitment is second-hand information.
- The contract party defines the point of contact.
- Dealer contracts create a two-link contact chain.
- Manufacturer contracts mean a single contact and faster resolution.
Decision checklist: manufacturer or dealer?
Before signing, requesting the counterparty's tax registration, factory address, production photos and reference projects is the basic check. A manufacturer is open to a facility visit; a dealer often replies "I cannot arrange a tour of the partner factory."
Warranty document, contract party, price transparency and delivery commitment are the four core topics. An offer where these four are not all clear carries long-term risk even if the price looks attractive.
- Tax registration and factory address should be asked.
- A seller closed to a facility visit is likely a dealer.
- The issuer of the warranty document should be checked.
- Read whether the contract names a "seller" or "manufacturer".
- A price gap above 15-25% should prompt questions about the intermediary layer.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell a manufacturer from a dealer?
The fastest method is to check if the tax registration carries a "manufacturing" code and whether the factory address differs from the sales office. A manufacturer is open to a facility visit; a dealer usually does not arrange a tour of its partner factory.
Is buying from a manufacturer always cheaper?
Usually yes. Sector practice shows a 15-25% gap. The healthiest method is to compare offers for the same model side by side from both channels. In the luxury segment the dealer gap widens further.
Is dealer warranty valid?
If the dealer issues warranty in its own name, it is valid under Consumer Law. But the dealer's capacity may be limited; if a manufacturer warranty exists, its written document should also be attached to the contract. Verbal commitments do not provide legal protection.
Who is the point of contact when an issue arises?
The contract party is the legal contact. In a dealer contract, the customer must first go to the dealer, who must in turn go to the manufacturer. In a manufacturer contract there is a single contact and the process is faster.
Why does delivery take longer in the dealer model?
A dealer cannot do production planning; it depends on the manufacturer's available days. A manufacturer plans its line for you in direct sales and locks the delivery time in the contract. Therefore the manufacturer offers stronger schedule discipline.
Work directly with the manufacturer
AYD Prefabrik produces in its own facility. Let's discuss intermediary-free pricing, written warranty and clear delivery timelines together.
