PLEASE HELP

James Curry, marketing manager for the Smith Siding Company, is considering a new distribution system for the home siding his small company manufactures. Up until now, the siding was sold by first contacting ultimate consumers within a 100-mile radius by phone and then having a sales representative meet with the customers in their homes.

A number of current factors indicate that a new distribution channel needs to be created. More and more, local contractors are purchasing siding from the company for new houses they are building. Because of improved production techniques, a large inventory has been created, and the Smith warehouses are stocked with siding. Curry is considering changing the channel currently used.


What is the current channel being used for the siding?