trammayo
Interested in vintage commercial vehicle, trams, t

The distributor model is good for the manufacturer but not for the consumer. Basically it is an import tax by another name.
Again, harking back to the past, I could buy stuff for the shop cheaper at the supermarket than I could from the wholesalers!
It makes sense for manufacturers to streamline their cost base by having distributor/s but, as you say it's an added 'tax' borne by the consumer!