: DiscussionDual Distribution - Admission/Application Essay Example

Dual Distribution Explain which store you would drive to and why you selected that store. If I had to purchase the electronic product within limited time, I would opt to go to the store that has different brands by different manufacturers. I would take this measure considering that there are chances that the store that contains only one brand may have run out of stock of the specific product that I need which means that my need would not be met. Secondly, the store with more brands offers variety.

It gives me the opportunity to choose from alternative brands which may have different features, qualities, and prices. There are chances that I could save by buying a different product brand that has more or less the same features and qualities as those from the main manufacturer. Describe the likely reasons for manufacturers of electronic products to adopt dual distribution.Dual distribution is an arrangement that involves an organization reaching its customers with the same product through two or more channels simultaneously.

Manufacturers often opt to use multiple distribution channels for several reasons. The main reasons include to improve efficiency, to routinize transactions, to make the searching of customers easier, and to make it easier for customers to search and access goods (Copacino, 1994). By relying on intermediaries to distribute products efficiency is improved from the fact that they act as contact points for the company; the company gets to serve several customers effectively and conveniently. The manufacturer, therefore, does not need, for example to invest in many contact lines.

Also, intermediaries help to bridge the gap between the different products that the manufacturers makes and what the customers demand (Copacino, 1994). This being the case, the intermediaries serve to smooth the flow of services and goods between the manufacturer and customers such as when they sort and repackage the products into small groups. The manufacturer also benefits from intermediaries as they help in reducing distribution costs and make transactions routine. In addition to these, the company may benefit from competitive and pricing intelligence.

Finally, the intermediaries make it easier for customers to search the goods that they need and for manufacturers to find the customers for their products. Describe the potential disadvantages that might materialize for manufacturers who adopt the dual distribution strategyWhile dual distribution has several advantages, it is not without disadvantages. One of the main disadvantage of dual distribution relates to customer service. Intermediaries may not be as dedicated to customers as an owner operator as noted by (Copacino, 1994).

For example, they may easily turn away customers when they have to close their premises. Furthermore, manufacturers are better placed to involve in local marketing and community activities compared to other distribution channels. Yet again, there tends to be higher turnover of workers and managers of intermediaries compared to owner operators. Intermediaries commonly stock products made by other manufacturers. This means that the company’s products are put together with those of competitors, which translates to less customer loyalty (Gerald Linda & Associates, 2014).

Other disadvantages to dual distribution for the manufacturer include lack of control on how the product is presented, lack of knowledge of the end user, loss of brand control, possibility of less knowledge of the product on the side of the intermediaries. ReferencesCopacino W. (1994). The changing role of the distributor. Traffic Management. New York. McGraw Hill.Gerald Linda & Associates (2014). Advantages and Disadvantages of Alternative Channels Of Distribution http://www.gla-mktg.com/id22.html