If you sell through a B2B platform in Europe, whether you keep ownership of your goods depends on the platform’s model. With Miss Linh, the producer remains the owner of the products until they are sold. You sell in your own name, and the goods wait in a warehouse in the Netherlands to be delivered to buyers. Below is how this model works and what you should ask any platform before you ship your goods.
Why does ownership of the goods matter to a producer?
Ownership decides who carries the risk, who sets the price and who is the seller in the eyes of the customer. Many business owners have sold outright to an intermediary importer: once the goods leave, the price, the presentation and the brand name are all decided by the other party. So when you work out your pricing and choose a model for selling to Europe, ask clearly from the start: who owns my goods, and from which moment?
The Miss Linh model: you stay the owner until the goods are sold
Miss Linh (Vietnam Food Europe B.V., Oegstgeest, the Netherlands) is a B2B platform and service provider. Vietnamese food producers sell their products on the platform in their own name to European businesses: restaurants, caterers, shops, supermarkets and wholesalers.
- You own the products until they are sold.
- The goods are stored in a warehouse in the Netherlands.
- From that warehouse, Miss Linh delivers to the buyers.
- No middleman takes a margin. Miss Linh earns a commission on the products that are actually sold.
You can see who already sells on the platform on the producers page of Miss Linh.
How does selling outright to an importer differ from selling via a platform?
| Point of comparison | Outright sale to an importer | Platform sale, Miss Linh model |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership of the goods | Passes to the importer on delivery | Stays with the producer until the goods are sold |
| Seller in front of the customer | Usually the importer | The producer itself |
| Price to the end buyer | Decided by the importer | The producer receives pricing advice and sells in its own name |
| Cost of the service | Included in the intermediary’s price margin | Commission on products that are sold |
This is a general comparison to give you the picture. The exact terms of each importer or platform may differ, so read the contract carefully.
What does Miss Linh do, and what do you do?
Because you remain the owner, the work is clearly divided.
Miss Linh helps with
- Advice on whether your product can be sold in the EU, and pricing advice.
- Setting up VAT and customs, plus transport and customs clearance to the warehouse.
- Listing your products on the platform, marketing and sales (newsletters, samples, customer visits, trade fairs).
- Order handling, collecting payment, delivery to buyers, and complaints and returns.
The producer takes care of
- The required food-safety certificates, for example HACCP or ISO.
- EU-compliant labelling and packaging.
- An EORI number and a Dutch VAT number.
- Enough shelf life when the products reach European buyers.
These steps are not simple, especially for a small company exporting for the first time, but Miss Linh helps you with each of them.
Questions to ask before you ship goods to Europe
- Do I still own the goods while they are in the warehouse, and at what point does ownership pass?
- Who decides the selling price to the buyer?
- Are my brand name and company name visible to customers?
- When and how do I get paid?
- What happens if goods expire, are damaged or are returned?
Ask in writing and ask for clear answers. A good partner will not mind these questions. For legal rules such as customs, tax or food safety, confirm the details for your product with the competent authority or with the Miss Linh team; this article is not legal advice.
Which products can you start with?
The platform has many product groups, for example sauces and condiments, rice paper and wrappers, coffee or tea. Whether your product can be sold in the EU is something Miss Linh will advise on before you invest further.
Next step
If you are working on pricing and choosing a sales model, read more about how to become a supplier on Miss Linh, then message the team via the contact page. The team speaks Vietnamese, Dutch and English. Miss Linh focuses on small and medium-sized producers, especially women-led businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Are goods in a warehouse in the Netherlands still mine?
In Miss Linh’s model, yes: the producer remains the owner of the products until they are sold. The warehouse in the Netherlands is simply where the goods are stored before delivery to buyers.
Do I sell under my own company name?
Yes. The producer sells on the platform in its own name to European businesses, while Miss Linh takes care of the work around it, such as orders, payment collection and delivery.
How does Miss Linh charge for its services?
Miss Linh earns a commission on the products that are actually sold. The specific terms are discussed directly when you contact the team.
What do I need to prepare before shipping?
You need the required food-safety certificates (for example HACCP or ISO), EU-compliant labelling and packaging, an EORI number and a Dutch VAT number, and enough shelf life. Miss Linh helps you with these steps.