The channel intermediary selection decision: a model and an application

Distribution channel design is a complex decision involving (a) the strategic choice of the appropriate channel structure, and (b) the tactical selection of the appropriate intermediaries. This paper presents a decision framework and a model to aid management in the tactical selection of the channel intermediaries and the target markets they should serve. The proposed model-based decision approach is illustrated with an actual industrial marketing application. The optimal intermediary network selected by the model is compared to an intuitive network recommended by sales management.