The A-B-C Deal: How Escrow Protects Brokers in International Trade

In global B2B trade especially in high value sectors like spirits  brokers often find themselves caught between the buyer and the supplier. These A-B-C transactions are powerful tools for scaling your business, but they also come with risk. That’s why at Sarsorti Spirits., we also rely on escrow + bonded warehouse models to keep every party protected.

What Is an A-B-C Transaction?

An A-B-C transaction involves:

• Party A – The supplier (e.g. distillery, wholesaler)

• Party B – The broker/intermediary (you)

• Party C – Your end buyer (e.g. importer or retailer)

You, as the broker (Party B), arrange the deal between the supplier and the buyer, often without physically touching the goods. Instead, you manage the relationship, pricing, margin, and logistics.

The Problem: Everyone Distrusts Everyone

• The supplier (A) wants to be paid before releasing stock

• The buyer (C) doesn’t want to pay unless they know the goods are real and ready

• You (B) are exposed in the middle  and often with your reputation on the line

Without a clean structure, A-B-C deals can fall apart fast.

The Solution: Escrow + Bonded Warehouse

At Sarsorti, we structure A-B-C deals with third-party escrow and bonded warehouse storage to remove all trust issues:

How it works:

1. Buyer (C) pays into a neutral escrow account (e.g. Loendersloot)

2. Supplier (A) prepares the goods and ships them to a bonded warehouse

3. Broker (B) coordinates pre-advice and documentation

4. Once goods are verified and match the deal, payment is released from escrow

5. Goods are shipped to buyer, and broker receives margin safely

    

Why Brokers Prefer This Model

• No capital risk: You never pay upfront

• Legal separation: No need to hold title to the goods

•  Transparent and auditable: Every step is documented

• Protects your reputation: Everything is verified before release

   

What We Do at Sarsorti B.V.

We support brokers, resellers, and agents by:

• Structuring clean A-B-C deals

• Handling pre-advice with bonded depots

• Managing escrow or bank payment flows

• Ensuring all paperwork (excise, export, incoterms) is handled properly

Whether you’re flipping 3546 cases of Red Bull or negotiating a full truck of Vodka, we help you move like a trader but act like a pro.

Conclusion: Escrow Isn’t Just Safe — It’s Smart

In international trade, trust is rare. Escrow lets you close deals without compromise, even when you’re not the buyer or the seller. If you’re a broker or intermediary ready to scale your deals without taking on unnecessary risk, we’d love to talk.

Reach out to us at team@sarsorti.com to see how we can support your A-B-C operations.