QPractice question
Which of the following best describes Intensive, Selective, Exclusive Distribution?
  1. A.Designing a distribution channel involves analyzing customer needs, defining objectives, identifying channel alternatives, and evaluating each on economic and control criteria.
  2. B.Multichannel uses many channels independently; omnichannel integrates them into one customer experience.
  3. C.A unified customer experience across every channel — physical, online, mobile, social — where customers can move between channels seamlessly.
  4. D.Three intensity levels of channel coverage — intensive (everywhere), selective (chosen retailers), exclusive (one per territory) — each suited to different products. ✓
Why this answer:

Intensive, Selective, Exclusive Distribution is three intensity levels of channel coverage — intensive (everywhere), selective (chosen retailers), exclusive (one per territory) — each suited to different products. The other options describe related but distinct concepts in Distribution & Place — see the deep-dive guide for the full distinction.

How to think about questions like this

Distribution intensity must match product type and brand strategy. Questions like this test whether you can distinguish Intensive, Selective, Exclusive Distribution from neighboring concepts. The most common trap is choosing a closely-related concept that sounds similar but applies in a different context.

When you see a definition question on an exam, do two things: (1) translate the question into your own words, then (2) generate the answer in your own words before reading the options. This avoids the cognitive bias of recognizing a familiar phrase as correct just because it is familiar.

Editor's note Want a deeper walkthrough? Our editors recommend pairing this with Intensive, Selective, Exclusive Distribution for a worked example you can adapt to your assignment.