Channels of distribution refer to the individuals, institutions, agents who facilitate the process of distribution. As the potential consumers of a product are spread over a larger geographical area, it becomes difficult for the producers or the manufacturers to directly contact the customers for the sale of their products. Here, channels of distribution play an important role. They facilitate the transfer of goods from the place of production to the place where they are consumed. For example, for a manufacturer of sugar in Punjab, it would be difficult to contact the customers in other parts of the country. To ease the process, it would sell its product to whole sellers who in turn would sell it to the retailers. The retailers then finally sell the product to the customers. In addition, channels of distribution also reduce the efforts of the consumers by offering various goods and services at a convenient single location. For example, at a retail store a customer can get a wide variety of goods.

Thus, channels of distribution refer to the set of individuals, agents and institution that facilitate the exchange or transfer of goods and services from the producer to the consumer.

The following are the functions of channels of distribution.

(a) Arrangement: An intermediary receives the supply of goods from various sources. However, the goods received differ in terms of size, quality and features. The intermediary arranges or sorts these goods into homogeneous groups based on their characteristics.

(b) Collection: A middle man accumulates and maintains large stock of the goods so as to ensure a continuous and smooth flow of supply.

(c) Allocation and Packing: A middle man breaks the whole lot of goods into small, marketable units. It repacks the goods into convenient packets.

(d) Building Variety: An intermediary acquires various goods from different sources and assembles them at a single place. Thus, it maintains a variety of goods. For example, a grocer maintains a wide variety of products for sale.

(e) Promotion of Product: They assist in the promotion activities undertaken by the manufacturers. For example, the manufacturers use advertising for the promotion of their product. The intermediaries can aid this process by putting banners and displays.

(f) Mediation: On one hand, the middle men interact with the producers and on the other hand, with the customers. Thus, they form a link between the producers and the customers. They negotiate on matters related to price, quality, etc. and work towards satisfying the needs of both the parties.

(g) Bearing Risk: Intermediaries acquire goods from the producers and keep them in their possession till the final sale. In the process they bear the risk of fluctuations in demand, price, spoilage, etc. For example, suppose a retailer acquires large quantities of sugar. However, after a period of time, the price of sugar rises which reduces its demand. Thereby, the retailer may lose out as the stock remains unsold.