Many produce their own brochures and use their own telesales operations. Channel Intermediaries - Agents Agents are mainly used in international markets. An agent will typically secure an order for a producer and will take a commission. They do not tend to take title to the goods. This means that capital is not tied up in goods.
Agents can be very expensive to train.
They are difficult to keep control of due to the physical distances involved. They are difficult to motivate. Channel Intermediaries - Retailers Retailers will have a much stronger personal relationship with the consumer. The retailer will hold several other brands and products. A consumer will expect to be exposed to many products.