Direct Store Delivery, or DSD, is a distribution strategy that offers an alternative to centralized distribution.
What Are the Benefits of DSD?
The benefits of DSD include the following.
- Reduced operating costs
- Greater control over inventory
- Flexibility
Reduced Operating Costs
DSD allows retailers to reduce operating costs by sidestepping the retailer’s distribution center. Instead, goods travel directly from the supplier to the retail store, shaving time and money off of the retailer’s bottom line.
REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY!
Greater Control over Inventory
Additionally, bypassing the distribution center and communicating directly with the supplier gives retailers greater control over their inventory, which in turn drives sales growth.
Flexibility
From the supplier’s perspective, DSD represents a commitment to remain flexible and responsive, adjusting deliveries to meet the changing wants and needs of the end customer.
Contact CWI Logistics Today!
Direct Store Delivery Trends
Within the consumer product landscape, DSD is most popular in the food and beverage industry, where minimizing supply chain time in the interest of freshness is a top priority.
So, do suppliers just have one huge warehouse? Usually not. More often, suppliers rely on a network of distribution centers that serve as regional distribution hubs.
Some distribution centers can also provide value-added services like repacking to prepare products for special promotions at the point of sale.
Who Benefits Most From DSD?
According to an article in Inbound Logistics, retailers whose products and supply chain exhibit the following characteristics would benefit from adopting a DSD distribution model.
- Controlled deliveries during a limited window
- Drivers who can develop an amicable relationship with your retailers, as they will be the main (and frequent) point of contact between your brand and the retailer.
- The majority of your customers are smaller retailers with minimal storage space on-site and inventories that need to be restocked frequently.
- With more frequent deliveries, security or theft could be an issue. Low-value items (like frozen pizzas) are better suited to this model than alcohol, for example.
REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY!
CWI is a Top Rated Direct Store Delivery Partner
If you’re looking for a warehousing partner to help support a DSD program for both temp-controlled and ambient goods, give CWI Logistics a call today!