One very important decision that marketers need to make is which channel of distribution to use for its products or services. Four primary considerations need to be analyzed before making the distribution choice: 1) Distribution coverage required; 2) Degree of control required; 3) total distribution cost; 4) channel flexibility.

Discuss the implications of using the Internet on these four considerations. To help analyze the possible implications of the Internet on these elements, visit the following websites and consider how they distribute their products differently than traditional manufacturers.

• Dell Computers
• Gateway Computers
• Amazon.com

Also, visit these websites and think about the role that they play in the new breed of channel intermediaries:

• Federal Express
• United Parcel Service
• Yahoo.com