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8.4 Direct vs. indirect distribution strategies

4 min readjuly 30, 2024

Travel suppliers face a crucial choice: sell directly to consumers or use intermediaries. offers control and higher margins but requires investment. provides wider reach but involves commissions and less control.

Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Both strategies have pros and cons. Direct distribution means more profit and data but higher costs. Indirect distribution offers broader access but lower margins. Factors like market, product, and tech capabilities influence the best approach for each supplier.

Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Direct Distribution Strategies

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Direct distribution involves travel suppliers selling their products or services directly to consumers without intermediaries
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Examples include an airline selling tickets on its own website or a hotel taking reservations through its own call center
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Direct distribution allows suppliers to have more control over pricing, branding, and customer relationships
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Suppliers can achieve higher profit margins by eliminating commissions paid to intermediaries
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Indirect Distribution Strategies

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Indirect distribution utilizes intermediaries or third parties to sell travel products to consumers
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Intermediaries include [travel agents](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:travel_agents), [online travel agencies (OTAs)](https://www.fiveableKeyTerm:online_travel_agencies_(OTAs)), wholesalers, and tour operators who act as middlemen between suppliers and consumers
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Indirect distribution provides access to a wider customer base and can reduce marketing and sales costs for suppliers
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Indirect distribution often involves commissions or markups added by intermediaries, which can impact the final price paid by consumers compared to direct channels
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Benefits and Drawbacks of Distribution Strategies

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Benefits and Drawbacks of Direct Distribution

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Benefits for suppliers include:
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Higher profit margins by eliminating commissions
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Greater control over pricing and inventory
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Direct access to customer data for marketing purposes
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Ability to provide a seamless brand experience
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Drawbacks of direct distribution include:
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Higher costs for technology, marketing, and customer support
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Potentially limited reach compared to established indirect channels with large customer bases
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Benefits and Drawbacks of Indirect Distribution

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Benefits of indirect distribution include:
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Access to a wider market
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Reduced costs for marketing and sales
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Ability to leverage the expertise and relationships of intermediaries
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Drawbacks for suppliers include:
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Lower profit margins due to commissions or discounts
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Less control over pricing and inventory
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Potential brand dilution
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Limited access to customer data
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Factors Influencing Distribution Choice

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Market and Product Characteristics

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Target market preferences and booking behaviors can influence the effectiveness of direct or indirect distribution
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Factors include the use of online vs. offline channels or loyalty to specific intermediaries
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • The complexity and nature of the travel product may be better suited for certain distribution channels
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Bundled packages or niche offerings may require the expertise and relationships of intermediaries
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Supplier Characteristics and Market Conditions

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • The supplier's market position, brand strength, and resources can impact their ability to invest in and manage direct distribution channels effectively
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • The level of competition and market saturation in a given segment can influence the need for suppliers to utilize indirect channels to reach customers and maintain market share
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Technological Capabilities

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Technological capabilities and the availability of cost-effective solutions for direct distribution can make direct channels more viable for suppliers
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Examples include booking engines and customer relationship management systems
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Technology's Impact on Distribution Strategies

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Rise of Online and Mobile Channels

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • The internet and e-commerce have enabled suppliers to reach customers directly through their own websites and booking engines, reducing reliance on traditional indirect channels
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Online travel agencies (OTAs) and metasearch engines have emerged as dominant indirect distribution channels, providing consumers with easy access to price comparisons and booking options across multiple suppliers
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Mobile technology and the proliferation of smartphones have increased the importance of mobile-friendly direct and indirect distribution channels, as consumers increasingly research and book travel on mobile devices
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Data Analytics and Personalization

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Advancements in data analytics and personalization technologies have enabled both direct and indirect channels to offer more targeted and customized offerings based on consumer preferences and behavior
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • Social media platforms have become important channels for travel inspiration, research, and direct booking, allowing suppliers to engage with customers and drive direct sales
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution

Emerging Technologies

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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
  • The emergence of new technologies is creating new opportunities for innovative direct and indirect distribution strategies in the travel industry
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Top images from around the web for Direct vs Indirect Distribution
- Examples include virtual and augmented reality, chatbots, and artificial intelligence
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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