What you need to know...

  • Agents and brokers (or functional middlemen), never buy products themselves. They facilitate sales between buyers and sellers by providing some specialized services.
  • The greater the retail added value, the higher the product price.
  • Retail sales may be store-based (e.g., a chain food store) or non-store based (e.g., online).
  • Sales branches offer services similar to wholesalers, but they are owned by the manufacturer or producer.
  • Sales offices offer services similar to those offered by agents, but they are owned by the manufacturer or producer.
  • Distribution channels offer specialized support to distribution chains.