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Essay / Steps in the Channel Management Process essential to the success of any business. It is a series of strategic steps aimed at optimizing the distribution of products and services to consumers. In this essay, we will explore the different stages of the channel management process using real-world examples from a retail store and its primary supplier. The steps we will look at include consumer analysis, establishing channel objectives, specifying distribution tasks, evaluating and selecting intermediaries, and evaluating channel member performance. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Main Steps in the Channel Management Process Analyze the Consumer The first step in effective channel management is to analyze the consumer. This involves understanding the customer's needs, preferences and purchasing behavior. Key questions to address include: whether the customer is an immediate consumer, an end user, or both, what they need, where and when they shop, why they choose specific products, and how they make payments. A practical example can be drawn. from the retail store where I work. Although most of the store's customers are end users, the store itself is both an end user and an immediate consumer of certain products, including packaging materials used in its daily operations. The primary supplier was chosen based on its ability to effectively meet the store's specific needs. The supplier's proximity, flexible opening hours and payment options made them the preferred choice, demonstrating the importance of understanding the consumer in channel management. Establish Channel Objectives Once consumer information is collected, the next step is to establish channel objectives. These goals define what a company aims to achieve to improve its business growth. Objectives can range from penetrating new markets and maintaining customer base to improving the efficiency of distribution channels. For example, the store's main supplier intends to expand its sales and product offerings, including larger packaging materials. By doing so, the supplier expects an increase in sales not only of our store but also of similar businesses in the region. This strategic objective demonstrates the importance of channel objectives in market growth and expansion. Specify Distribution Tasks After defining channel goals, it is essential to identify the specific tasks required to achieve those goals. Duties may encompass customer acquisition and retention, inventory management, transportation, and customer service. Researching customer needs plays a central role at this stage, helping businesses tailor their offerings to consumer demands. In the case of the primary supplier, sales representatives were responsible for researching customer needs during their interactions. This research revealed the demand for larger packaging materials, allowing the supplier to expand its inventory. The information collected also proved valuable for future marketing efforts,, 54(1), 42-58.
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