Moving Products: How Companies Get Goods to Customers

Introduction

In this activity, you will explore how companies move products from production to customers. Read the scenario below, then answer the three questions.

You just started your internship in the marketing department at Ford Motor Company. Your first project is to learn how Ford gets its popular F-150 trucks from factories to customers. Ford works with many partners to create and sell each truck. First, it works with suppliers who provide parts, materials, and services. These partners are called the supply chain: the companies that help Ford build its products. But Ford doesn’t just build trucks. It also needs to sell them. To do this, it uses a marketing channel (also called a distribution channel). Ford sells trucks through dealerships across the country. These dealerships help Ford connect with customers, handle sales, and offer services like financing and repairs. All these partners — suppliers, dealerships, and even customers — work together in a larger system called a value delivery network. This network helps make sure customers get high-quality trucks, good service, and the “Built Ford Tough” experience that Ford promises.