Disintermediation refers to removing intermediaries from a process, distribution channel, transaction, or supply chain. It is informally known as “cutting out the middlemen.” As a business strategy, disintermediation allows producers to sell directly to consumers, and consumers to deal directly with those producers in return. This can lower prices around servicing customers, increasing the overall profit margin for a business. It can also give businesses greater control over the customer experience, as they have a more direct relationship with the end consumer. However, this strategy may at times increase shipping costs when businesses ship directly to individual consumers rather than a centralized location.