What Is Product Distribution?
Product distribution, simplified, is getting your products to customers through various channels. From online to in-store, there are a lot of behind-the-scenes tasks taking place to make it all happen. For example, there will be researching of LTL trucking companies, as well as other transportation networks, to see which one would be best in certain circumstances.
So, let’s start with the basics…
What is a Distributor?
A distributor is a business or person who buys your goods and then supplies them to the market through various channels.
Distributors must have the ability to warehouse, consolidate and transport your goods where they need to go. They should be logistics pros and have a strong reputation. With doors like those of the Industrial Door Company (https://industrialdoorcompany.com/commercial-doors/) – be they roll-up or other specialty door installations – warehouses should be well equipped to cope with the deliveries and distribution of their goods in their loading-bay, allowing for products from trucks to quickly pass through into the main storage building and vice versa.
Why does their reputation matter?
Because they will increase your sales with their network. A strong reputation builds a strong network.
Distributors work with companies, consumers, manufacturers and more. They cultivate relationships that can benefit your business. Through their experience and relationships, your product finds more channels and exposure for sales.
The Right Distributor will Help you Succeed
Hiring a distributor is just the first step in the journey you will take together. Successful distribution that maximizes your profits is a collaborative effort. So it’s important to pick a distributor you can work WITH.
Once you vet and select your distributor, you should be very hands-on with the process to ensure your MAP pricing, stock and reputation are carefully handled.
This means the job has to be done swiftly but properly – you have to make sure your chosen distributor is moving your products safely and carefully. They must have the correct safety protocols, rules and regulations of their workers, and invest in the correct and highest quality materials to ensure your products arrive in the same condition as advertised. As an example, sometimes to transport a lot of items, bulk bags are used. These need to be the correct material with desirable properties to ensure your product is compact and cannot be damaged.
You should have a team or lead that is responsible for keeping the lines of communication open between your sales and marketing teams and distribution, especially. Both can benefit from each other’s information and insight.
A dedicated software program to facilitate communication and data tracking is crucial to efficient accurate information and sales.
Data analyses can bring insight to both sides that increases sales and profit. IT can help identify gaps in the supply chain, logistics, transportation or shipping that can reduce your cost of doing business and increase customer satisfaction. In today’s technological world, tech tools are crucial to success.
But to reach success, you have to plan and execute your distribution strategy properly.
Super Health Center is a full-service single source solution for all your brand needs. From brand growth and development to international launch and legal, we can take your brand from local to global.
Start planning for success now and reach out.