Lesson Plan

• Describe the four main distribution channels (direct, retailer, wholesaler, agent) and their key features.
• Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of each channel in terms of cost, control, market coverage and customer service.
• Evaluate which channel(s) would be most appropriate for a given product scenario.
• Compare the impact of channel choice on profit margins and brand management.

• Projector and laptop for slides
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handout with channel comparison table
• Case‑study worksheets
• Sticky notes for group ideas
• Exit‑ticket slips

Begin with the question, “If you were launching a new smartphone, how would you get it into customers’ hands?” Connect this to students’ prior knowledge of the marketing mix. Explain that today they will identify success criteria: listing distribution channels, weighing pros and cons, and recommending the most suitable channel for a product.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick recall of the 4 Ps on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of the four distribution channels with slide visuals.
3. Guided analysis (12'): In pairs, use the handout to list advantages and disadvantages for each channel.
4. Case‑study activity (10'): Groups receive a product brief and decide the best channel, preparing a short justification.
5. Whole‑class share (5'): Groups present their choices; teacher highlights key trade‑offs.
6. Exit ticket (3'): Individually write one advantage and one disadvantage of the channel they selected.

Summarise the main benefits and drawbacks of each distribution option and remind students how the choice balances control, cost and coverage. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check. For homework, ask pupils to research a real company’s distribution strategy and write a brief paragraph explaining why that channel was chosen.