| A | B |
|---|
| channel of distribution | the path a product takes from producer or manufacturer to final user |
| industrial user | When the product is purchased for use in a business |
| consumer | When the product is purchased for personal use |
| intermediaries | All the business involved in sales transactions that move products from the manufacturer to the final user; also called middlemen |
| wholesalers | buy large quantities of goods from manufacturers, store the goods, and then resell them to other businesses. |
| rackjobbers | are wholesalers that manage inventory and merchandising for retailers by counting stock, filling it in when needed, and maintaining store displays |
| dropshippers | own the goods they sell but do not physically handle the actual products |
| retailer | goods to the final consumer for personal use |
| brick and mortar retailers | traditional retailers that sell goods to the customer for their own physical stores |
| vending service | companies buy manufacturers’ products and sell them through machines that dispense goods to consumers |
| online retailing or e-tailing | involves retailers selling products over the Internet to the customer |
| agents | do not own the goods they sell; act as intermediaries by bringing buyers and sellers together. |
| independent manufacturers' representatives | several related (but non competing) manufacturers in a specific industry. They work independently, running their own businesses. |
| direct distribution | occurs when the goods or services are sold from the producer directly to the customer; no intermediaries are involved |
| indirect distribution | involves one or more intermediaries |
| distribution planning | involves decisions about a product’s physical movement and transfer of ownership from producer to consumer. |
| exclusive distribution | involves protected territories for distribution of a product in a given geographic area |
| selective distribution | means that a limited number of outlets in a given geographic area are used to sell the product |
| intensive distribution | involves the use of all suitable outlets to sell a product |
