ABSTRACT
Distributors are found throughout the supply chain network. There may be raw material distributors, supply distributors, factory distributors, market channel distributors, and even country trading companies that provide distribution access into a country, like Japan. It is important to know with whom you are really dealing for each supply chain network relationship. The further removed you become from the actual producer of raw material, parts, or product, the more expensive the product price becomes for your customer. Buy your materials directly from their source, if you can, and use distributors to provide access to the market segments you choose to serve.
