distribution Flashcards
intermediaries
bridge the gaps between manufacturers and consumers to increase efficiency and reduce costs
intermediary task: breaking bulk
break the large quantities of manufacturers into smaller quantities for retail and individual consumption
intermediary task: assortment
consolidate products from various manufacturers, allowing consumers to access diverse products in one place
intermediary task: timing
stock products so that they are available when consumers need them
intermediary efficiency: specialization of labor
manufacturers can focus on production while intermediaries handle distribution
intermediary focus: economies of scale
wholesalers distribute products from multiple manufacturers to multiple retailers, reducing delivery and handling costs
intermediary focus: customer convenience
self-service models shift some tasks to consumers, lowering costs
direct-to-consumer channel structure
suitable for high-value, custom or bulky products
wholesaler to retailer channel structure
common for goods that need consolidation
multi-layer wholesaling channel structure
products may go through multiple wholesalers before reaching retailers, particularly in complex supply chains
parallel distribution (multi channel) structures advantages
broader market reach and customer convenience
parallel distribution (multi channel) marketing challenges
disrupts relationships with traditional retailers who compete with the manufacturer’s direct sales
parallel distribution structures: traditional channel
manufacturer > wholesaler > retailer > consumer
parallel distribution structures: large retail chains
direct purchase from manufacturers
parallel distribution structures: factory outlets
sell excess or lower-quality goods at discounted prices
parallel distribution structures: direct to customer channels
e-commerce or company-operated stores
factory outlet stores purpose
sell excess inventory, irregular merchandise or goods made specifically for outlet stores
factory outlet: advantages
increase total sales, serve as channel to liquidate unsold goods
factory outlet: risks
may devalue brand and alienate full-service retailers who lose sales
factory outlet store strategy
placing locations in remote areas to minimize competition with traditional retail
company store purpose
offer direct customer service, enhance brand prestige, create exclusivity
company store: advantage
strengthen brand value through personalized service, improve customer experience
company store: risks
higher operating costs and potential resentment from retailers
online competition impact: increased competition
online price transperancy and convenience, causing retailers to lose small percentage of sales volume