Distribution is efficiently managing the acquisition of raw materials by the factory and the movement of products from the producer or manufacturer to business-to-business (B2B) users and consumers. Logistics activities are usually the responsibility of the marketing department and are part of the large series of activities included in the supply chain.

A supply chain is the system through which an organization acquires raw material, produces products, and delivers the products and services to its customers. Exhibit 12.2 illustrates a typical supply chain.

supply chain — the system through which an organization acquires raw material, produces products, and delivers the products and services to its customers. distribution channel — The series of marketing entities through which goods and services pass on their way from producers to end users. manufacturer — A producer; an organization that converts raw materials to finished products. advertising media — The channels through which advertising is carried to prospective customers; includes print media, broadcast media, outdoor advertising, and online advertising including social….

Be able to list and define the marketing intermediaries that make up a distribution channel; define wholesaling, and describe what wholesalers do; describe merchant wholesalers.