How are you going to sell your product: direct channel, retailer channel, wholesaler channel, agent/broker channel?

Please answer the following prompts and guiding questions relating to Place:

Marketing

Channels and Supply Chains

A product can take many routes to reach its final consumer. What channel makes the most sense for your product (Channel Structures)?

• How are you going to sell your product: direct channel, retailer channel, wholesaler channel, agent/broker channel?
• What is your rationale for utilizing this channel?
• What are some of the pros and cons of using this channel?
• Most likely, you will use more than one type of channel to move your product. Thinking of alternative channel arrangements, which makes the most sense for your product / company to utilize:
  • Will you utilize a dual distribution model?
  • Does it make sense to look towards nontraditional channels. If so, which ones?
  • Could you form a strategic channel alliance?
• Are there any factors that are affecting your channel choices that you need (or can) address or are these factors beyond your control (and if so, what can be done).
• Finally, if your product is international, what steps will you need to take to distribute your product internationally?

The Role of Retailing (Classes of Retail Operations)

• Where are you going to sell your product?
• Will it be at a department store, specialty store, etc.?
• Are there alternative venues to sell your product? If so, what are they and what are the advantages and disadvantages to using these?
• Is your target market the same with each sales venue? What tactics do you plan to use regarding a retail marketing strategy.