Directions: Read the following case, and as a group, respond to the questions at the end of the case. 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 telephone 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? • What are possible channels that could be used to sell the siding to contractors? • What factors do you think should affect Mr. Curry’s decision?