DISCOVERING DISTRIBUTION

During my time in the UK media I never really got too involved with the distribution process. While I was with Cambria Magazine in deepest, darkest Wales I began negotiations with a distribution company to improve the availability of that magazine, but that's about the extent of my involvement. I guess I know how the system works in the UK but not in any great detail.
In a way it's good I don't know too much because from what I understand so far, the process here in Thailand is so complicated and different that's its probably best to be as ignorant as possible.
There seem to be any number of companies that handle magazine and newspaper distribution in Bangkok alone. Each supply some newsagents and book shops but there's not one single company that you can call on to supply every outlet. And, to make things worse, some companies will not deal with you if you also deal with their competitor companies. It seems almost impossible to get your magazine into every chain of shops without upsetting someone.
The concept of merchandising is also unheard of here. None of the companies I have spoken to so far have staff that actively go to shops to check their supplied titles are displayed well and not out of stock. Point of sale merchandise is pretty uncommon here as well.
It's good I don't see this as a problem - merely another challenge.