Disintermediation is the direct connection between a producer and consumer of goods or services without the need for an intermediary. In the past, middlemen such as distributors, logistics providers, and brick-and-mortar retailers added considerable cost to the final price of goods and services. By cutting out these middlemen, disintermediation can lower consumers' prices. In addition, disintermediation can simplify the process of acquiring goods and services since there are fewer steps involved.