As an American, this disturbs me to no end. There are laws on the books to prevent a manufacturer from selling their own product directly to consumers? And what of the benefit? To protect a certain class of sales people.

I'm a licensed real estate agent (non-practicing) and I can understand the need for government regulation to protect consumers from ignorant and unscrupulous sales people but in no way is a home builder prevented from selling their homes directly to home buyers. Real estate law, at least in California, covers required disclosures which apply both to manufacturers and salespeople.

I can understand limiting sale of certain classes of products that can be dangerous if in the hands of the general public but not limiting sales to monopolize a class of salespeople. Especially to the detriment of manufacturers and consumers.

Am I missing something? I can't see who wins except for car dealerships.