The document discusses e-commerce and online retailing. It defines e-commerce as conducting business transactions electronically. There are different types of e-commerce models like bricks and mortar, multi-channel retailers, and pure online retailers. E-commerce provides benefits like being open 24/7, ability to advertise and track customers, and starting an online store is faster and cheaper than a physical one. However, customers may be reluctant to provide personal information online or cannot physically examine products. The document also discusses distribution channels, intermediaries, and direct versus indirect distribution models.

1. E-tailing How is the internet used? How can I satisfy customers?

2. e-commerce The conducting of business and communication transactions by electronic means

3. Types of E-Commerce Bricks and mortar business A business with an actual physical location, or store front Ex. McDonalds Multi channel retailer A retailer that sells its product via traditional channels as well as via an online channel Ex. Dicks Sporting goods Pure play retailers Sell primarily through the internet Ex. Amazon.com

4. e-commerce is the Fastest growing form of commerce in the world

5. Where are we Headed Next?

6. e-business Any process a business conducts over a computer network Video conferencing

7. Why People Buy Online save time by not going to a store can shop when stores are closed avoid the holiday crowds might be able to find better prices can find products online more easily find products not available in stores easier to compare prices have gifts sent directly to recipient can avoid wrapping gifts can earn loyalty points purchase from wish list

8. Benefits & Characteristics of E-Commerce Limitless buyers Number of potential buyers is limitless Open 24/7 All hours, e-commerce offers a distinct advantage to customers

9. Benefits & Characteristics of E-Commerce cont. Advertise, Market, and Analyze Effective and inexpensive ways to reach new and existing customers Track purchasing habits Brand loyalty Refers to a customers preference for a particular product Managing inventory Online retailers eliminate the cost of inventory storage

10. Benefits & Characteristics of E-Commerce cont. Meeting Customer Needs Caters to individualized special choices rather than made-to-stock Mass customization Is the production of goods that offer specialized choices to mainstream buyers Value chain The sequence of design, production, and marketing efforts a business conducts to deliver its products at the right place and time

11. Benefits & Characteristics of E-Commerce cont. Starting Out A virtual store front is much faster, easier, and cheaper to set up than a bricks and mortor store Pricing competitively price is often the factor that makes or breaks the sale Elastic demand Pricing changes create a change in the amount of goods or services consumers are willing to buy at a certain price

12. Ex. Of elastic demand

13. Ecommerce Classifications: B2B business to business, ex. School Supply Store B2C business to consumer ex. Office Depot C2C consumer to consumer, ex. Ebay

14. Retailing Basics Retailers Are establishments that sell goods and services to the general public Wholesalers Sell products to distributors or retailers and not usually the end-user market Etailing The buying and selling of retail goods on the internet

15. Types of Retailers Specialty stores - Stores that specialize in specific kinds of products and offer a wide assortment within their given categories Ex. Toys R Us, Borders, Ace Hardware, and REI Department stores - These stores offer a variety of products and choices within each product line and a floor plan that provides specialized departments. Ex. Sears, Foleys, Macys, JC Penny Discount stores - May not offer specialize expertise in the products they sell, but they do offer incredibly low prices Ex. Wal-Mart, (Kmart, Big Lots, Roses) Services retailers - Sells services such as haircuts, medical care, or financial planning Ex. Banks, dental offices, pet groomers, and lawn maintenance operations Non-store retailers - Businesses that use means other than traditional storefronts to sell their products Ex.Infomercials, catalogs, door-to-door solicitation, trade shows and vending machines

16. Advantages of Etailing etailing increases a businesses customer base Websites attract new customers Customers can shop from their homes A businesses online store is never closed Customers can shop 24/7, regardless of weather, traffic jams, or distance from the retail store A well designed, easy to use, and frequently updated website is a valuable channel for any business

17. Disadvantages of Etailing Customers are reluctant to release personal information on a website Customers are concerned about the security of their credit card accounts Transactions may be interrupted on the Internet Customers are unable to examine merchandise or try on clothing

18. Distribution Refers to the way the producer or manufacturer delivers products, services, or information to the consumer

19. Distribution basics Channels of distribution The path a product takes from producer or manufacturer to consumer Intermediary A business that acts as a third party or go-between in moving products from the manufacturer to the end user Cybermediary Is an internet channel of distribution that helps move products from the manufacturer to the consumer or industrial user

20. Direct vs. indirect Direct doesn’t use intermediaries, indirect does Examples of direct 1. catalog sales – East Bay, LL Bean 2. Home Shopping Network 3. internet only companies What is a “channel captain?” Company that controls the channel Ex. Walmart