What criteria should a firm consider before choosing a channel alternative?

What will be an ideal response?

If a company has identified several channel alternatives and wants to select the one that will best satisfy its long-run objectives, each alternative should be evaluated against certain economic, control, and adaptability criteria. Using economic criteria, a company compares the likely sales, costs, and profitability of different channel alternatives. The company must also consider control issues. Using intermediaries usually means giving them some control over the marketing of the product, and some intermediaries take more control than others. Other things being equal, the company prefers to keep as much control as possible. Finally, the company must apply adaptability criteria. Channels often involve long-term commitments, yet the company wants to keep the channel flexible so that it can adapt to environmental changes. Thus, to be considered, a channel involving long-term commitments should be greatly superior on economic and control grounds.