Step 1

Open a retail shop, with a brick and mortar storefront. Mattel doesn’t work with online companies or those working from home, unless the company also has its own shop. Most of the businesses working with Mattel have multiple stores, such as a chain of toy stores, because the minimum order is so high.

Step 2

Organize a warehouse and have a system in place for distributing the Hot Wheels. Mattel requires that all partners have their own warehouse and distribution network. Also, have a certificate for reselling products. Sell products in your store similar to Hot Wheels, including collectible Hot Wheel toys or other car toys, to show Mattel that you have experience in this area of sales.

Step 3

Check that you can handle the original order. For Hot Wheels and other Mattel toys, the company requires that you place an original order of at least $1,000 and this number may be even higher, depending on the type of toys. You must also order at least $250 worth of merchandise for all subsequent orders.

Step 4

Gather references for Mattel. All Hot Wheels distributors must have up-to-date trade and bank references. Trade references come from businesses that you regularly work with or order from and show Mattel that you have experience in buying wholesale from other companies and paying on time. Then gather all of the other information needed for the application, including contact information for your company, a resale number, a shipping address and a billing address.

Step 5

Fill out the application on the Mattel Partners website. In addition to the above information, you must indicate how much you plan on buying, the annual revenue of your company and a credit card number, preferably of a corporate credit card, to pay for future orders.