(a) i. Define distribution of goods. ii. Illustrate the normal chain of distribution of goods. b. Describe a consumers' cooperative society. c. Outline any ...

Answer Details

(a)

1. The distribution of goods refers to the process of making products available to customers. It involves the movement of goods from the manufacturer to the final consumer, through various intermediaries such as wholesalers, distributors, and retailers.
2. The normal chain of distribution of goods usually involves the following steps:
1. Manufacturing: The manufacturer produces the goods.
2. Wholesaling: The manufacturer sells the goods to wholesalers who then store and sell the goods in bulk to retailers.
3. Retail: The retailer sells the goods to the end consumer.

(b) A consumers' cooperative society is a type of cooperative that is owned and controlled by its members, who are also its customers. The main aim of a consumers' cooperative society is to provide its members with goods and services at a reasonable price, by eliminating the profit-making middlemen.

(c) The four roles performed by a consumers' cooperative society are:

1. Procurement: The cooperative procures goods and services on behalf of its members to take advantage of bulk purchasing power.
2. Marketing: The cooperative markets the goods and services to its members, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the cost to the consumer.
3. Distribution: The cooperative operates its own stores or distribution centers to make the goods and services available to its members.
4. Service: The cooperative provides various services to its members, such as financial services, insurance, and education.