What exactly is the product distribution? Distribution, in simple terms, is how you ensure that your product or service is available to all possible consumers. In this simplest of distribution models, you basically sell directly to the consumer. There are no third-party warehouses, no sales representatives, no stores, and virtually no paperwork involved. If you want to ensure that your product is available, then this distribution strategy is for you.
Using The Internet For Product Distribution
Many companies today are adopting product distribution strategies to ensure that their goods reach as many people as possible. With the advent of the Internet, it has become easier than ever to reach potential consumers from anywhere around the world. Even the UK top accounting firms use the internet to reach their customers. Today, most distribution companies have ecommerce sites where they can sell their goods directly to customers without having to handle international logistics or shipping goods in bulk from one country to another. These companies have developed highly efficient online distribution channels that can sell a range of goods, ranging from groceries to cosmetics to clothing to electrical goods.
One of the best product distribution strategies out there is through the Internet. With a broad reach across many consumers from different countries, the Internet provides a convenient way to sell goods and reach a huge base of potential consumers. Consumers looking for certain types of goods may have completely different tastes as well as interests and needs. This makes it difficult to find a common ground and create an interactive environment where consumers can easily interact with one another.
Importance Of Customer Service
One of the most important aspects of any distribution strategy is customer service. If the manufacturer is unable to offer sufficient customer service, then the entire business will quickly suffer from adverse effects. Consumer satisfaction is very important because most retailers cannot afford to lose customers. If the manufacturer fails to provide adequate after-sales service, then the retailer may not be able to replace those customers as well.
Shipment And Delivery
Product distribution strategies also depend on the speed of shipment and delivery. Fast delivery is one of the most essential elements of any successful distribution strategy. Most retailers can’t afford to have products delivered to their doorsteps for two weeks after the purchase. Therefore, they need to find ways to speed up the process and improve their overall customer satisfaction rate. Some of these methods include innovative packaging, innovative distribution methods such as freight consolidation and selective distribution and developing better customer relations.
A Small Business Is A Valuable Asset To Any Industry
Distribution plays a vital role in keeping the small business profitable and in maintaining the competitiveness in the market. Small businesses have the ability to make use of modern technology and can quickly develop and implement product distribution strategies that can increase sales. Many times, smaller businesses are not fully aware of the distribution channels that are available to them. In order to gain an edge over their larger competitors, the small business owner must implement product distribution strategies that meet the needs of his/her particular industry.
Factors To Consider
There are many factors that can be considered when developing effective product distribution strategies. First, the retailer must determine which channel he/she will use. The most common channels are retail, wholesale and dropshipping channels. Retailers can choose from over one hundred retail distribution channels including supermarkets, superstores, direct selling companies, etc. Wholesale distribution includes manufacturer direct sales to importers or distributors, third party importers, wholesalers and dropshippers.
The second component of the product distribution strategies is determining the distribution strategy based on the product characteristics. Every company must identify its product characteristics in order to determine which channel will give it the greatest advantage. For example, large-sized products like electronics and medical devices require large distribution spaces in order to gain the upper hand in the market. Other distribution channels that are commonly used by small companies include apparel channels, web stores and online retail.