Maybe I am wrong in my concept of distributor, for me there can be large distributors and smaller ones. Retailers of all sizes (small hobby shops or large hardware depots)
There are all sizes of distributors. But that doesn't mean all suppliers make use of all sizes, and regardless of size, they're bringing something of value to the supplier. The small hobby shop, for example, provides hands on assistance that a distant supplier can't. Telling people who sell via web site you want to sell via website isn't particularly compelling in and of itself.