Channel Length - Definition & Meaning

Published in Marketing and Strategy Terms by MBA Skool Team

What is Channel Length?

Channel length refers to the number of intermediaries in a particular distribution channel between the producer & consumer.


A distribution channel can be long or short.

Long channel- Involves many intermediaries

Short Channel- Involves few intermediaries working in succession to provide the consumer with goods.


Factors influencing marketing channel strategies:

Factors

Characteristic of Short Channel

Characteristic of long channel

Market factors

Business users

Consumers

Geographically concentrated

Geographically dispersed

Extensive technical knowledge & regular service required

Little technical knowledge & regular servicing not required

Large orders

Small Orders

Product Factors

Perishable

Durables

Complex

Standardized

Expensive

Inexpensive

Producer Factors

Manufacturers or producer has sufficient resources to perform channel functions

Manufacturer lacks sufficient resources to perform channel functions

Broad Product Line

Limited product line

Channel control important

Channel control not important

Competitive Factors

Manufacturing feels satisfied with marketing intermediaries’ performance in promotion

Manufacturer feels dissatisfied with marketing intermediaries’ performance in promotion


This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

Browse the definition and meaning of more similar terms. The Management Dictionary covers over 1800 business concepts from 5 categories.

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