What exactly is the product distribution? Distribution, in simple terms, is how you bring your product to potential clients. In a single distribution model, you directly sell your goods to the consumer. There aren’t any warehouses, no middle men, no stores – nothing. Instead, your goods are distributed from store locations to homes and businesses by your sales force, who represent you in the marketplace.
The mass production approach to product distribution strategies is fairly simplistic in its description, but incredibly complex in its execution. Some businesses even resort to using SpotifyStorm to buy Spotify plays in order to reach their target market.. Large scale distributors have been described as “labor masters” who manage the distribution of raw materials and finished goods. In most cases, these types of companies manage their own labor, as well. But even this simplified distribution management process is riddled with complexities, from whom to distribute to what quantity, and when, to whom. Many distributors operate on small margins and must keep a close eye on labor costs, which often include workers’ compensation and compulsory premium payments.
There are 2 broad product distribution strategies that many companies employ: the first involves hiring a third party to manage the distribution of a company’s products, and the second involves using a combination of mass production and selective distribution. A third-party distributor may be an external logistics provider such as a packing and shipping company. Or a manufacturer can hire independent distributors for specific product lines. In both cases, companies develop extensive strategies for selecting and managing distributors. Selective distribution involves the development of policies for managing the distribution of a product. These policies are typically more detailed than those employed by a third-party distributor, although the policies developed by selective distribution companies are often no more intricate.
How do these product distribution strategies affect the companies? One concern that distributors and packing and shipping companies face is the effect of excessive inventory on the company’s ability to maintain sufficient levels of inventory. In addition, excess inventory can reduce the profits that companies realize. Excessive distribution also reduces the profitability of product sales since it requires additional expenses for marketing and promoting the product. Selective distribution strategies that involve the development of policies for managing inventories can solve both of these problems.
The strategies that involve the development of policies for managing inventories involve both a third-party and internal processor. A third-party processor would have policies regarding receiving, processing, storing, generating, packaging, and distributing inventories. Internal processors may oversee the processing of raw materials and implement quality control processes, while determining appropriate levels of quality for finished products.
One component of a successful product distribution strategy is the implementation of a three-tier system for distributing alcohol beverages. The three tiers generally involve a physical store, online availability through an internet portal, and personal service at the customers’ residence. This level of service draws consumers through the internet gateway, which allows consumers to make their purchases from the comfort of their own home. Online availability through the internet portal provides convenient consumers access to new product offerings from the manufacturer, distiller, or bottler. Private labeling through an internet portal allows the alcohol industry to provide consumers with custom labels for dispensing alcohol beverages.
Developing a distribution strategy that effectively links the three tiers involved in a distribution network involves a comprehensive analysis of the product, the market, and the company’s product mix. A complete assessment of the strength and weaknesses of each distribution strategy is required before a company adopts a specific strategy. One way to evaluate strategies is to determine whether the strategy is economically viable. Economically viable distribution strategies allow a company to maximize its profit potential by reducing operation costs, while maintaining adequate levels of productivity and efficiency. The distribution strategy should also be flexible enough to meet future product demands, as well as meeting customer requirements for product diversification.
Developing a complete distribution management system involves establishing a logistical infrastructure that includes effective transportation methods and efficient storage facilities. The distribution management system also involves quality control at the warehouse, including environmental testing of products to ensure products are stored at the right temperature and contamination free. A complete system involves effective communication between the manufacturer, retailer, and wholesaler. The distribution management system is very effective for the alcohol industry, as it provides customers with access to brand names and other distribution information. It also keeps customers informed about inventory availability, product recalls, expirations, and special sales.