Business in Eliminating the Middleman?

[Iceman]

This is what i dont get.

Scenario: Middleman asks manufacturer to create a certain product for his several clients (E-Cig Mods). Manufacturer agrees and delivers the goods, WIN-WIN, manufacturer gets money, middleman gets money.

NOW, whats stopping the manufacturer from directly eliminating the middleman to make more profit?

I'm planning to sell E-Cigarette mods, i have the clients, i have the manufacturer, but how will i protect myself from the manufacturer directly talking to my clients and supplying them with my products and eliminating me at the same time?

Status Quo so to speak? How do i protect my interests?

Thanks

[Barney]

hello!
this is how I see it. the only way to protect yourself to have a patent, proper IP right. and those need to be reinforceable. so if your manufacture in China this can be pretty tough.
another way you could do this is by "fixing" the channel. you sign up exclusive supplier agreement that prihobits (at least for some time) your customer from purchasing your product from anyone esle.
good luck!