A possible place decision for ABC's precious metals sales?

• A. Through online marketplaces.
• B. Directly to jewelry makers.
• C. Through consumer electronics retailers.
• D. To central banks.

Answer: (B)

This question tests how distribution channels are chosen in the marketing mix. For precious metals, the channel you pick should match who buys the product and how they use it.

Directly selling to jewelry makers fits a business-to-business channel. Jewelry makers are a natural, specialized customer group for metals, and a direct relationship allows ABC to offer reliable supply, consistent quality, and tailored delivery terms. It also tends to simplify logistics and reduce costs by cutting out multiple intermediaries, which is important when dealing with high-value, low-volume items.

The other options are less fitting. Online marketplaces target consumers and raise issues around security, authentication, and risk with valuable metals. Supplying consumer electronics retailers would involve different specifications and a broader, less predictable retail chain. Selling to central banks is possible but highly regulated, very large-scale, and not a typical, flexible sales channel for regular precious metal sales.