The four levels of service include; Self- Service, Self-Selection, Limited Service and Full Service. Why do intermediaries bother to sponsor their own brand? What is the role of private label brands in the market place?

The intermediaries sponsor their own brands in order to increase their sales volume and to increase their profits. The role of private label brands in the market is to build a customer base that identifies with a particular label as their chosen store over others in the provision of their supplies. Customers identify with the private label brands hence the decision to choose one store over another (Meera Mullick-Kanwar, 2001).

Describe wholesaling. Why do manufacturers not sell directly to retailers or final customers?

Wholesaling is the act of selling goods or services in large quantities to people who are buying for purposes of retailing or for business use other than for consumption. Manufacturers may not have access to the entire market hence the need to sell through the intermediaries to reach all the consumers in different parts of the market. Manufacturers rely on the whole sellers to bridge the gap and to use their networks to increase the supply in different areas due to the large number of retailers and consumers that the manufacturers cannot reach on its own and to avoid product shortage...

Why are these efficient processes important to many industries?
The supply of the products in the market in the right quantity and time is important. The best transport network to reach the entire market is also important if a company's product is to remain competitive in the market. The interruption in the supply may shift the demand to other available substitute brands in the market. An efficient transport network and management are important marketing strategies in delivering sales for any given product in any industry (Steve Banker, 2009)

References

Marketing Teacher, (2000). Direct Marketing. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from http://marketingteacher.com/lesson-store/lesson-direct-marketing.html

Meera Mullick-Kanwar, (2001). The Evolution of private label Branding. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from http://www.brandchannel.com/papers_review.asp?sp_id=360

tutor2u, 2012. Distribution-Channel Strategy. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from http://tutor2u.net/business/marketing/distribution_channel_strategy.asp

Steve Banker, 2009. Supply Chain and Marketing: A Growing Collaboration. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from http://logisticsviewpoints.com/2009/07/29/supply-chain-and-marketing-a-growing-collaboration/