A channel of distribution that is not the natural or preferred channel for customers to purchase goods

1. Non-traditional Channel

A channel of distribution that is not the natural or preferred channel for customers to purchase goods.

2. Off-Price Retailer

This entity sells discounted products as they become available through closeouts, overstocks, or one-time offers. Brands are not carried on a continuous basis.

3. Product Life Cycle [PLC]

The concept that products go through distinctive stages of introduction, growth, maturity, and decline thus requiring adjustment to the marketing mix throughout.

4. Rack Jobber

This entity sells small consumer items to retailers, merchandisers and stocks the product in the retail store, owns the inventory, and pays the reailer a commission for the space.

5. Reseller

Any type of intermediary that takes title to the goods, then and finds and sells them to customers or prospects.

6. Retailer

A firm that primarily purchases products from the wholesaler level of a channel of distribution and sells to mostly consumers or some smaller volume channel members.

7. Sales Agent

This entity has long-term arrangements with one or more manufacturers to sell their entire output and can negotiate prices, terms, and conditions on behalf of the producers regardless of the buyer location.

8. Selective Distribution

A type of distribution system that uses the best qualified intermediaries who are willing to carry the company's products.

9. Specialty Discounter

A fairly large discount store that features great depth in a merchandise category.

10. Specialty Store

Small store operations offering great depth in a narrow range of product lines.