ABSTRACT
The easiest and most comprehensive way to break down the distribution platform is to first fully understand the job of a distributor, which in short, is to transfer product from the record label to the retail outlet, serving as the conduit to point of sale (POS). Distribution has changed within the last few years, substantially, which is the reason for the term (major) independent distribution companies, encompassing those companies that have the capability to place product in most or all major music retail chain outlets and one-stops within a 24-hour period. Distributors vary in size and cover US national distribution as well as regional distribution. One-stops are regional operations that obtain product from major labels and independent distributors. Rack jobbers sell audio recordings in the nontraditional music retail stores. Stores such as K-Mart and Walmart lease shelf space to and are serviced by the rack jobber.
