Distribution

Distribution (or placement) is one of the four aspects of marketing. A distributor is the middleman between the manufacturer and retailer. After a product is manufactured, it may be warehoused or shipped to the next link in the supply chain, typically either a distributor, retailer or consumer.

The other three parts of the marketing mix are product management, pricing, and promotion.

Frequently there may be a chain of intermediaries, each passing the product down the chain to the next organization, before it finally reaches the consumer or end-user. This process is known as the 'distribution chain' or the 'channel.' Each of the elements in these chains will have their own specific needs, which the producer must take into account, along with those of the all-important end-user. 

From Wikipedia.com

Articles

11/07/2008 21:02

New site lets filmmakers distribute work

Distribution is the bugaboo of independent filmmakers, who are desperate to get their work out to audiences. But two Albuquerque entrepreneurs say they have an idea that will change the whole equation and give filmmakers the power to build audiences for their work. You could say it was a case of...
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11/07/2008 20:59

Guide to Expanding Distribution Channels

Every small business wants to sell more. Rather than simply thinking of ways to get more customers into your store, start thinking of ways to get your products or services out to more consumers. One of the best ways to gain more buyers and increase revenues is to sell through additional...
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11/07/2008 20:58

Choosing Distribution Methods

Once you have selected and developed a unique product or business idea, correctly positioned and targeted it to buyers, and developed your packaging and pricing, the selection of distribution channels and sales representation is key to successful marketing. It's fairly easy to change many of your...
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11/07/2008 20:57

Costs of Distribution Channels

Obviously, financial resources and cost-effectiveness are important in considering distribution and sales force options. What can you afford, and what will give you the most bang for your buck? For example, Life Designs, an independent architect specializing in residential work, has identified...
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11/07/2008 20:34

Importance of Distribution Channels

As noted, distribution channels often require the assistance of others in order for the marketer to reach its target market.  But why exactly does a company need others to help with the distribution of their product? Wouldn’t a company that handles its own distribution functions be in a better...
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Activities

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Web Sites

channel of distribution (definitions)

Means used to transfer merchandise from the manufacturer to the end user. An intermediary in the channel is called a middleman. Channels normally range from two-level channels without intermediaries to five-level channels with three intermediaries. For example, a caterer who prepares food and sells...
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What are Channels of Distribution?

In the Business Buying Behavior Tutorial, we describe a supply chain as consisting of all parties and their supplied activities that help a marketer create and deliver products to the final customer.  For marketers, the distribution decision is primarily concerned with the supply chain’s...
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Supply Chain Digest

Supply Chain Digest is the industry's most valuable supply chain management and logistics publication. Supply Chain Digest is a weekly, on-line...
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