Reference no: EM132469084
Consider the distribution channel of each of the below products starting from the manufacture to the place where the final consumer would purchase and/or consume them, and assume we visited each product at every stage throughout the distribution channel; In your opinion, What would we see? Who, in the channel, would be involved? How would they be involved?
- Coca-Cola classic
- Shasta brand cola
- Budweiser beer
- Schwan's ice cream
- Used CD of Lady Gaga
- Dell notebook computer
1) Have you ever noticed Budweiser and Coca-Cola trucks in the parking lots of grocery stores? Their drivers are dressed in Bud or Coke uniforms, and are responsible for stocking the products on grocery shelves. Although there are similarities, the channels of distribution for Bud and Coke are quite different. How are they different? Think about where the product is "made."
2) Why don't you see Shasta brand trucks and delivery people, as you do for Coke and Bud? Why has Shasta elected to use a different channel of distribution?
3) Why does Schwan's elect to sell door-to-door? Wouldn't it be less expensive and more efficient for them to sell through conventional grocery outlets?
4) Is it advantageous or disadvantageous for Dell to sell its computers on-line as well as in discount stores?
5) What are the means by which "used" products (e.g., Lady Gaga CDs) are distributed? How is the channel different than for new products? Or, is it different?