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¶ … e-commerce has helped to redefine how businesses operate, subsequently changing how they interact with consumers. Due to the rise of e-commerce, channels of distribution are also changing and are giving consumers more purchasing options. As a major contender in the sale of consumer electronics, Apple has had adapt to the changing business model and provide consumers with new purchasing options.
Several methods of distribution can be employed to deliver goods from manufacturer to consumer. The two most commonly used channels of distribution are direct, in which the consumer may purchase goods directly from the manufacturer, and indirect, in which goods are sold through a third party, most commonly an authorized dealer.
Through the utilization of direct channels of distribution, Apple provides the consumer with many options not available through third party product distribution. Apple sells computer hardware, accessories, and software through its website, as well as its brick...
Unlike brick and mortar stores, product availability is not an issue when purchasing from Apple via internet. Because brick and mortar stores can only sell inventory present at the physical store, purchasing goods directly from the manufacturer eliminates the need to maintain an inventory. Purchasing goods and services through the Apple website also provides the consumer with goods and services not available in the brick and mortar store. The Apple e-store gives the consumer the option to use trial versions of certain software before purchase, allowing them to test the software's functionality before purchase. The Apple e-store also facilitates the purchase of their hardware and software for educational, business, and government use through the organization of products under specific tabs, links, and webpages. The major selling points that Apple claims will benefit the consumer through this direct channel of distribution are the ability to build the perfect Mac, free iPod engraving, free…
Reference List:
Apple Store. 2011. Retrieved from <http://store.apple.com/us>
Best Buy. 2011. Retrieved from <http://www.bby.com>
"Distribution Channels." 2011. Encyclopedia of Business, 2nd Edition. Retrieved from <http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/small/Di-Eq/Distribution-Channels.html>
This means that you must continually monitor and communicate about possible changes, pertaining to the overall scope of the threat. Once this occurs, is when an entity will have an effective security procedure that will adapt to the various changes that are taking place. This is significant, because this information can be used to corroborate the overall nature of security threats that could be faced by the SME. Where, this
Harrison Company Executive Summary/Background- The Harrison Company, a mid-sized regional retailer with 80 stores in 7 states, is headquartered in State College, PA. At present, despite each store generating approximately $600,000 in revenue per annum, the company faces a time of crisis. Sales and profits have been declining over the past few years, the company's president has retired and broken all contacts with the company, and there is no real strategic
In addition to this software implementation, the use of monitoring technology will allow a company to consolidate information from their various security sensors and codes and provide a "single image of potential intrusions for effective incident response" ("E-business Security Issues," 2007). The implementation of these software programs is especially important as e-commerce expands to include access from mobile devices. Purchasing products via brick and mortar stores allow the consumer to
To run a business profitably, especially in the modern times where business is dome at the speed of thought, achieving business stability and growth can be made possible by setting goals that have to be achieved and using the proper tools and methods. (Elkin, 1998) Enhancing the business can be achieved by reaching the predetermined point where the investments match the output and there is a situation where the
Last, James B. Ayers begins by offering a working definition of supply chain, and then breaks it up into three explanations. The definition sees that supply chain management represents the "life cycle process supporting physical, information, financial and knowledge flows for moving products and services from suppliers to end-users" (Ayers, 2002). Life cycle is understood in terms of market life and usage life of the respective products or services. In
This has been seen throughout the e-banking for example, where quality process mapping is often used for streamlining the customer service and support processes to reduce costs and encourage customer involvement (Akamavi, 2005). The one finding that resonates through the many studies evaluated for this literature review is that using BPR it's possible to redesign distribution channels, bringing greater automation and cost reduction to them while at the same time