When you have a retail business that is soaring to new heights, it’s crucial to have a grasp of your industry’s terms, concepts, and roles. Two of those include distribution and logistics. Both play crucial roles in a successful retail business but can often get confused.
In today’s article, we’re going to break down the difference between distribution and logistics and the roles they play in a successful retail business.
What is Distribution?
Distribution is an essential part of the four-element marketing mix. The word distribution within the retail industry describes the acts of making your products available to consumers.
If we were to describe the act of distribution in a bit more detail, we would explain some of the essential stages of the process. Distribution is the act of products going from the manufacturer, to the wholesaler, to the retailer, and finally, the consumer.
A company like Overflo ensures that your products get to each stage of the distribution process. Without the distribution process, a retail business would be non-existent.
What is Logistics?
In basic terms, logistics refers to methods used to curate the perfect distribution system. Logistics are crucial if you want to streamline the distribution process.
But let’s dive a little deeper – what exactly are logistics and how are they carried out?
When a distributor refers to logistics, they are referring to the act of designing, tracking, and managing the distribution and inventory process. It helps create an efficient way to get your products from point a to point b.
Your chosen distributor will track things, such as inventory count and the amount of time it takes for a delivery to arrive. By tracking this process, they can ensure your products get replenished both in the warehouse and at retailers in a timely fashion. That helps to ensure that your loyal customers always have access to your products.
Logistics equals consistency.
The Key Difference between Distribution and Logistics
If you’re still a little confused, then this section is for you!
The primary and defining difference between distribution and logistics is distribution is the term used to describe the physical placement of goods. On the other side of the coin, logistics refers to the planning, tracking, and organizing of inventory to help make every step of distribution and fulfillment run smoothly.
Efficiency is what every business that has a tangible product should strive for. It not only saves your company time, but it can also increase revenue and save money. By always having your product available to consumers, there will be no loss on potential sales.
Distribution is the physical act, logistics sails the ship.
How You Can Do it
If you want help taking your company’s distribution and logistic process to the next level, outsourcing may be the answer you’ve been looking for!
Overflo Warehouse LLC is here to help make distribution, fulfillment, and logistics a breeze for both large and small company owners. With our years of experience and high success rates, we can ensure that Overflo is the best place to go for all of these needs.
If you’re interested in any of our services, contact us today for a free quote! Overflo is the place for space.