Which term refers to the unauthorized buying and selling among channel partners?

The term that refers to the unauthorized buying and selling among channel partners is gray market conflict. This phenomenon typically occurs when products are sold through unauthorized retailers or intermediaries, often at lower prices than those set by official distributors or manufacturers. This situation can undermine the established distribution channels and pricing strategies, as it leads to confusion among consumers and can harm the brand's reputation.

Gray market conflict is particularly significant in industries where manufacturers have strict control over the distribution of their products, such as electronics and luxury goods. It can create tensions between authorized and unauthorized sellers, impacting relationships and profitability for the legitimate channel partners.

Understanding gray market conflict helps businesses develop strategies to maintain control over their distribution channels and protect brand integrity, emphasizing the importance of monitoring sales practices across various channels to prevent unauthorized transactions.