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How to Create a Dealer Locator with Exclusive Territories

Build a dealer locator or distributor finder with territory management. Assign exclusive dealers to regions so customers always see the right partner for their area.

Create a dealer locator that shows the right dealers for each region, not just the nearest ones. Manufacturers, brands, and B2B companies use this setup to manage certified dealer networks, authorized retailer programs, and distributor territories.

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The Challenge

Most locators sort by distance. But dealer and distributor networks don't work that way. A dealer might be the exclusive partner for an entire state. A distributor might handle all of Western Europe. Showing the "nearest" location can send customers to the wrong partner.

With Storepoint, you define territories and assign dealers to each region. When customers search, they see the authorized partners for their area, not just whoever is closest.


Before You Start

You'll need a Storepoint account with your dealers added and your locator embedded on your site. If you're new, the Quick Start Guide covers both in about 10 minutes: add dealers one by one, from a spreadsheet, or via Google Sheets sync Pro, then paste one embed code into any website platform.

Territory management requires Business plan

Don't have an account yet? Start a free trial and follow along. You can set up your locator on any plan, then upgrade to Business when you're ready to add territories.

Tip

While adding dealers, tag them by type, product line, or certification level: "Authorized", "Premium", "Service Center", "Gold Tier". Tags become customer-facing filters, and they combine with territories: a customer searching in the Northeast can filter to see only Premium Partners in that region.


Define Territories

This is where your dealer locator becomes territory-aware. Using Spotlight, you'll draw regions on the map and assign dealers to each one.

Open Spotlight

Create a Territory Rule

  1. Go to Spotlight in your dashboard
  2. Click New Rule
  3. Name it something descriptive (e.g., "Northeast Region - ABC Distributors")
  4. Add a Geographic Area trigger and draw your territory on the map
  5. Add a Show Only Specific Locations action and select the dealers for that region
  6. Save the rule

Now, when customers search within that region, they'll only see the dealers you assigned, regardless of distance.

Multiple Territories

Repeat the process for each territory. Create a rule for each region, draw the boundaries, and assign the authorized dealers or distributors.

Tip

Territories can overlap. If you have tiered dealer levels (e.g., Premium vs. Standard), you can create rules that boost premium dealers to the top while still showing others.

Other Territory Options

Spotlight is flexible. Beyond exclusive territories, you can:

  • Include dealers in results: Add a regional dealer to all searches in their coverage area, even if other dealers are closer
  • Boost certified or priority dealers: Feature certified dealers, authorized retailers, or preferred partners at the top of results without hiding others
  • Show promotional banners: Display messages about regional promotions or events
  • Handle no-coverage areas: Show a helpful message when customers search an area you don't serve

See the full Spotlight documentation for all options.


Your dealer locator now respects territory boundaries. Customers searching in each region see the authorized dealers for that area.

Anything you change in your dashboard updates on your website automatically. Add new dealers, adjust territories, or update assignments anytime.


Common Questions

Can dealers belong to multiple territories?

Yes. When you create territory rules, you can include the same dealer in multiple regions. This is useful for dealers who serve overlapping areas or border regions.

What if a customer searches outside all territories?

By default, they'll see results sorted by distance. You can also create a Spotlight rule for "no results" areas to show a message, suggest contacting you directly, or redirect to a contact form.

Can I have non-exclusive territories?

Yes. Instead of "show only," use "boost locations" to feature specific dealers at the top while still showing others. Or use "include locations" to ensure regional dealers always appear in results for their coverage area.

Do I need to redraw territories if I add new dealers?

No. Territory boundaries stay the same. Just edit the Spotlight rule to add or remove dealers from the assignment.


Learn More

  • Spotlight: every trigger and action available for territory and messaging rules
  • Filters & Tags: let customers filter dealers by product line, certification, or specialty
  • Custom Markers: use your brand's icons or different markers for dealer tiers
  • Custom Buttons: add "Request Quote", "Contact Dealer", or other actions
  • Search Settings: set radius options, distance units, and search behavior
  • Multiple Languages Pro: display your locator in any language

Need Help?

Email us with a quick description of your dealer network and we'll help you plan the territories.

Still have questions?

We're happy to help anytime.

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