|
8. Distribution Issues We have learnt to sense that most things are deliverable or available at a cost. These costs however rarely include the environmental costs of supply and transport, not to mention the common scenario of 'goods' fast approaching obsolescence (or already obsolete), languishing in warehouses. Ask the following questions of your proxy—they may make a difference to how you see your own product taking shape. Questions: |
|||
| 1 | How are materials distributed between materials supplier, manufacturer, assembler? | ||
| 2 | When assembled, is the product packed, how and with what? Where are these packing materials sourced from and what happens to them at end-of-life? | ||
| 3 | How is the product distributed to 'point of sale' and where is it stored? How is it looked after? | ||
| 4 | How is the product distributed/delivered to users? | ||
| 5 | What packing requirements does this entail? | ||
| 6 | Is the product distributed in bulk or on demand? How are user expectations dealt with, for example if distributed in bulk, is a waiting period incurred? | ||
| 7 | How is the product repaired: does it need to be sent away requiring more transportation? | ||
| 8 | How is the product managed at the end of its life in relation to transportation issues? | ||