Which type of distribution channel is the most suitable when the manufacturer produces a limited product line and wants to cover a wide market?

Two Level

The correct answer is Option 3 : Two Level

Producer-customer (Direct channel-zero level): This is the simplest and shortest channel in which no middlemen is involved and producers directly sell their products to the consumers. It is fast and economical channel of distribution. Under it, the producer or entrepreneur performs all the marketing activities himself and has full control over distribution. A producer may sell directly to consumers through door-to-door sales persons, direct mail or through his own retail stores. Big firms adopt this channel to cut distribution costs and to sell industrial products of high value. Small producers and producers of perishable commodities also sell directly to local consumers.

Producer-retailer-customer (Indirect-one level): This channel of distribution involves only one middlemen called 'retailer'. Under it, the producer sells his/ her product to big retailers (or retailers who buy goods in large quantities) who in turn sell to the ultimate consumers. This channel relieves the manufacturer from burden of selling the goods himself and at the same time gives him control over the process of distribution. This is often suited for distribution of consumer durables and products of high value.

Producer-wholesaler-retailer-customer (Two levels): This is the most common and traditional channel of distribution. Under it, two middlemen i.e. wholesalers and retailers are involved. Here, the producer sells his product to wholesalers, who in turn sell it to retailers. And, retailers finally sell the product to the ultimate consumers. This channel is suitable for the producers who have limited finance, narrow product line and need expert services and promotional support of wholesalers. This is mostly used for the products with widely scattered market.

Producer-agent-wholesaler-retailer-customer (Three levels): This is the longest channel of distribution in which three middlemen are involved. This is used when the producer wants to be fully relieved of the problem of distribution and thus hands over his/her entire output to the selling agents. The agents distribute the product among a few wholesalers. Each wholesaler distributes the product among a number of retailers who finally sell it to the ultimate consumers. This channel is suitable for wider distribution of various industrial products.