Distribution

The company's relationship with suppliers and other channel members can affect its overall profitability.


	With traditional products, consumers have some strong expectations about location and availability. When consumers discover a want or a need, they expect to be able to locate the product they want quickly and conveniently. It is not unusual for a consumer to want immediate gratification (e.g. they want it now, without having to wait for it to be delivered at some later date) and they want the product end up where they want to use it (e.g. they want to be able to take it home with them.)
	Your availability, both in time and in place, may give you a competitive edge or leave you at a competitive disadvantage.
	At this point in the plan, you are concerned with estimating the availability needs, wants and expectations of consumers in your target market and try to estimate the ability and willingness of your competition to satisfy those consumer demands.
	In a strategic career management context, typically the concerns will revolve around:
		When candidates are available to start.
		Current location, where candidates are when the company is recruiting.
		If the candidate is willing to relocate.
		If the candidate expects to be compensated for relocation.
		How likely the candidate is to adjust to a relocation.
		If the candidate has relocation complications (e.g. a spouse or children that may be unhappy about relocating.)
	Your evaluation of the competition should include any pertinent research which has been conducted which might provide insight.

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