Finding distributors and improving and facilitating the distribution of products to meet customer needs and flexibility in targeting markets
The company that manufactures products may not have a direct sales team, so it can take one of two approaches to market its products: either appoint a commercial agent to market the products and represent the company in the market, or the company can sell the products to a distributor, who will resell the products at a profit to consumers. Commercial distributors, such as wholesalers, often buy and sell large quantities of relatively inexpensive products, such as detergents, foods, books, and soft drinks. Agents are more likely to handle high-value or custom-made products, such as appointing a real estate agent. Typically, agents are used to sell services and do not engage in after-sales services; their role is to introduce the buyer to the seller and ensure the completion of the sale. Distributors, on the other hand, buy products directly from the company and distribute them in the market, also offering after-sales services such as returning defective products or providing technical advice and assistance.