1. Evaluate the following statement. Is it a valid statement? If so, why is it valid; if not, why is it not valid?
Cut out the middleman (retailers, distributors, etc.) and you will reduce the prices consumers pay for products.

The distribution of products rarely flows from producer directly to the consumer. Rather, supply chains are developed to distribute products to consumers. Decisions related to distribution and supply chain are highly important. Some believe that cutting out the middleman in the supply chain, which are retailers, distributors, etc., will reduce the prices consumers pay for products. However, their belief is invalid. Supply chains are developed out of necessity. Many firms do not possess the capabilities to meet the needs of their supply chain. For example, a firm may not have the adequate resources to distribute or store their products. Therefore, instead of investing in a system to deliver their products, the firm may decide to use a …show more content…
Organizations employ individualized segmentation approaches to modify their marketing programs in ways that allow them to match customers' needs, wants, and preferences. This is all possible due to advances in communication and internet technology. Today, organizations can track customers with a high degree of detail.
There are many benefits associated with individualized segmentation. For example, permission marketing consists of customers giving companies permission to specifically target them in their marketing efforts, which are most commonly emails. This is a benefit because companies are able to send the marketing material directly to an interested customer, and the customer is exposed to the latest products and sales of their favorite companies. Additionally, individualized segmentation allows for firms to best fulfill the needs or solve the problems of the