Marketing/distribution channels are sets of independent business units that are connected and are involved in the process of manufacturing a good or service for use or consumption. They are a set of pathways a product or service follows after production, leading to purchase and use by the customer.
Products do not simply fall into the hands of those who want or need them. Marketersmust take deliberate steps in order to provide the appropriate products to the intermediaries and finally to ultimate consumers. Thus, a product takes a definite route or channel on its way to consumers and it makes stops at several points along the way.
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distribution channel control
Name a company that uses conventional distribution channels to sell their products
So, a channel of distribution involves an arrangement of exchange relationships that create value for buyers and sellers through the acquisition (procurement), consumption (usage), or elimination (disposal) of goods and services.
This new perspective had a phenomenal impact on channels of distribution. Suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers were all forced to adopt a business orientation initiated by the needs and expectations of each channel member's customer.
The purpose of distribution channels is to increase sales for product in demand. This will enable the consumer to purchase items directly from the manufacturer often at a better deal. The longer the channel the less profit the manufacturer makes, thus reflecting profits.