What Are the Types of Distribution Channels and How Do You Choose the Right One?

Navigating the Pathways That Connect Products to Customers

Distribution channels are the behind-the-scenes pathways that bring products from businesses to customers, whether it’s the shoes you ordered online or the chips you grabbed at a gas station. For businesses, choosing the right channel isn’t just about moving products—it’s about delivering them to the right place, at the right time, and in the most efficient way. This process can make or break a company’s success. By understanding the available options and aligning them with their goals, businesses can create a strategy that works for both them and their customers.

So, how do businesses decide which path to take? And what are the options, anyway? Whether you’re a business owner, a curious shopper, or someone who’s fascinated by how things work, let’s break down the world of distribution channels—no business jargon, real talk.

The Main Types of Distribution Channels

At a basic level, there are two kinds of distribution channels: direct and indirect. Within those, there are a few variations…