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Considerations in Distribution

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Of all the departments that need to be looked at the most is the shipping department. Because this is how your products get delivered to your customers. This is very important because there are so many variables involved that must be looked at. These four main variables include distributing goods by the road, sea, air, and rail. In some cases you may use all four methods to get your products into the hands of your customers. In order to know which method is best, you have to evaluate each method and decide if that method fits all of these criteria:

• The time it takes for the goods to reach their intended destination
• The costs involved
• Requirements as set forth by your customers.

Also, there are questions you need to look at before considering any distribution method. The first question is obvious: What do you want to distribute? Is it something really wants or needs? Are people going to bang your door down practically to get their hands on it? Are your goods perishable or fragile? If so, how will they be shipped? How quickly will they get shipped and how long will it take for your products to arrive? Where do your products need to go? This will answer your question as to which delivery option above is the right one.

Again, there is so much involved in shipping. There are export licenses to deal with. There may be special export cargo shipping instructions to be familiar with and follow. You will have to be concerned with a bill in lading, sea or air waybills, intrastate, and more. As you can see there are a lot of responsibilities into distribution. Perhaps hiring an outside firm to do it can save you money and headaches in the long run. You can find a good distribution company in the phone book or by calling your local Chamber of Commerce.

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