4. Channels Members Intermediaries Help move products from the manufacturer to the final user Agent Intermediaries Merchant Intermediaries
5. Agent Intermediaries (Agents) Commission Bring buyers and sellers together Do not own the goods 2 types: Independent Manufacturers Representative Work with many related, non-competing manufacturers in an industry Brokers Bring buyers and sellers together Do not have a continued relationship with either party
6. Merchant Intermediaries Take title of the products 2 types: Wholesalers Buy large quantitiesresell to businesses Specialized wholesalers Rack jobbers-Manage inventory/merchandising for retailers Drop shipper- Own the goods they sell, but do not handle the products (bulk items) Retailers Sell goods to the final user for personal use
7. Direct vs. Indirect Channels Direct distribution Producer sells goods directly to the customer Advantages: Don’t share profit margins Control over the sales process Indirect distribution 1 or more intermediaries Advantages: Efficient distribution logistics Overall costs may be lower Consumers may expect choice at point of sale Producers may not have sufficient resources / expertise to sell direct