FUNDAMENTEL OF DIRECT SELLING | CH-1 NOTES
1. Introduction to Disintermediation:
- Traditional Marketing Distribution System:
- Involves multiple middlemen: Manufacturer, Carrying and Forwarding Agents, Super-stockists, Distributors, Dealers, Wholesalers, Retailers, and Consumers.
- Middlemen play a crucial role in ensuring the product reaches the consumer.
- Technological advancements have led to a decline in the reliance on these intermediaries.
- Disintermediation:
- Refers to eliminating or reducing the number of intermediaries in the supply chain.
- This shift has been driven by advancements in information technology, distribution channels, and logistics.
2. Pros and Cons of Middlemen Distribution System:
2.1 Pros:
- Time Utility: Products are available when the consumer needs them.
- Place Utility: Products are accessible at local retail stores.
- Assortment: Wide variety of products available.
- Credit Facilities: Some middlemen offer credit to consumers.
- Employment Opportunities: Middlemen provide jobs in the distribution system.
2.2 Cons:
- High Commissions: Intermediaries charge commissions, increasing the product price.
- Lack of Quality Control: Middlemen are often more focused on commissions than product quality.
- Limited Services: Lesser services such as home delivery or product ratings.
- Profit Distribution: Farmers and producers receive a small share of the final price; e.g., farmers often get less than 60% of the final sale price of their produce.
- Non-Consumer-Centric: Consumers often pay more than the product is worth.
3. Disintermediation-Based Entrepreneurial Models:
a. eCommerce:
- Online businesses are growing rapidly, using websites and mobile apps to connect directly with consumers (B2C, B2B, C2C, C2B).
b. Franchise:
- A business model where the franchisor offers the use of their brand name and business model to a franchisee in exchange for a lump sum and a commission.
- Common in industries like education, hospitality, and food.
c. Network Marketing:
- Companies where distributors earn by:
- Selling products.
- Buying products.
- Recruiting other distributors.
- Examples include multi-level marketing (MLM) structures.
d. Discount Stores:
- Large retail outlets (hypermarkets) that purchase directly from manufacturers and sell products at discounted rates.
4. Reintermediation:
- Reintermediation: The introduction of a single intermediary expert to replace a chain of middlemen, especially in service industries.
- Example: The travel industry has seen a resurgence of travel agents, as people seek expert advice rather than doing everything themselves.
5. Disintermediation as a Current Market Trend:
- Impact of Technology:
- E-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon, Alibaba) have revolutionized retail by allowing direct connections between consumers and producers, bypassing wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.
- Services like Uber and Airbnb enable individuals to offer services directly, eliminating traditional intermediaries.
- Peer-to-Peer Networks:
- Social media and online reviews facilitate direct consumer-producer interactions, reducing reliance on traditional intermediaries.
- Challenges for Traditional Intermediaries:
- Traditional middlemen must adapt to the digital age or risk being obsolete.
- Opportunities for Innovative Intermediaries:
- New business models and services are emerging for intermediaries who offer specialized services or enhanced customer experiences.
6. Conclusion:
- Disintermediation has disrupted traditional business models, creating opportunities for businesses to connect directly with consumers.
- While some industries experience reintermediation, the trend towards direct selling and eliminating intermediaries is significant and evolving with technology.
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