Question 2(a)(ii)
Natalia's Naturals (NN)
NN is a small business owned by Natalia. NN produces and sells a range of natural skincare products.
In 2020, Natalia started making her own skincare products at home using natural ingredients. She realised that there was a demand for her products among her friends and family. Natalia then decided to turn her hobby into a business and launched NN in 2021.
Natalia operates her business from a rented workshop with limited space, where she makes her products by hand. She buys her ingredients from local suppliers who share her values of environmentally friendly production.
NN has been growing steadily and has gained a loyal customer base. NN has received positive reviews from beauty magazines. Natalia's skincare products are sold through her own website, social media platforms and local retailers who specialise in selling natural products.
Natalia is developing a new face cream. Table 2.1 shows price and cost estimates for the new face cream.
Table 2.1 Price and cost estimates
The skincare market is very competitive. There are many established brands that offer similar products to NN, but with wider distribution channels.
Natalia needs to balance her time between production, managing orders, delivery, marketing and other administrative tasks. She works long hours and is stressed and exhausted.
Natalia is considering outsourcing to increase NN's production capacity.
Explain the term distribution channels.