Which of the following is not a component of physical distribution?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Sorting
Option (1) Order Processing — A component of physical distribution (Incorrect). Physical distribution covers every activity needed to move goods from the maker to the customer. It begins when an order is received. The order is checked and the goods are sent, and quick, correct processing keeps customers satisfied.
Option (2) Transportation — A component of physical distribution (Incorrect). It moves the goods from the place of production to the place of sale. Unless goods physically reach the buyer, the sale cannot be completed.
Option (3) Warehousing — A component of physical distribution (Incorrect). It means storing goods until they are needed, so that they can be supplied when customers want them.
Option (4) Sorting — Not a component of physical distribution (Correct). Sorting means collecting goods from many sources and grading them into groups of similar quality. It is a function of middlemen. The four components of physical distribution are order processing, transportation, warehousing and inventory control.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition): “Physical distribution covers all the activities required to physically move goods from manufacturers to the customers. Important activities involved in the physical distribution include transportation, warehousing, material handling, and inventory control. These activities constitute major components of physical distribution.” “Components of Physical Distribution … 1. Order Processing: In a typical buyer-seller relationship, order placement is the first step. …” |