Product characteristics - more technical products might best be distributed by the manufacturer, to ensure adequate service and promotion. Characteristics of the other party - Other party may have conflict of interest. As part of the effort to establish the Single European Market, the International Standards Organization established the ISO 9000 guideposts. ISO 9000 certification involves a complex analysis of management systems and procedures, not just a quality-control standard. To pass an audit, a firm needs to have well-documented procedures for maintaining quality, and must follow those procedures.
Certification can be a costly process.