E-Strategy in E-Commerce
A textbook publisher is interested in selling individual book chapters on the Web. What types of e-payment methods would you recommend to the publisher? What sorts of problems will the publisher encounter with the recommended methods?
Some of the commonly used e-payment methods according to Doerberg and Hinnekens (1999) include "electronic cash; smart cards; electronic checks…" (p. 93). These are the e-payment methods I would recommend to the textbook publisher. It should however be noted that although each of these methods has its own unique advantages, the textbook publisher could also encounter some problems depending on the method he selects. With regard to electronic cash, it is important to note that the same is susceptible to forgery. The fact that this e-payment method provides no audit trail could make efforts to trace counterfeiters an expensive undertaking. Further, the fact that significant charges could be significant in this case, i.e. In terms of additional fees (bank processing charges, etc.), could discourage customers from making purchases. When it comes to smart cards, it is important to note that there is always the risk of theft. This may discourage...
Further, differed payment is not usually possible in this case. It is also important to note that with regard to electronic checks, there is a possibility of transactions being delayed from time to time whenever the system is down. This is more so the case given that networking is key to transactions in this case.
2. Discuss the problems of reverse logistics in EC. What types of companies may suffer the most?
Being the opposite of forward logistics, reverse logistics does bring about some unique challenges to businesses. Essentially, it is important to note that reverse logistics is largely inevitable because goods sold could be returned due to a wide range of reasons including but not limited to damage and malfunction. Given that this process is in most cases initiated by the customer, a company engaging in ecommerce does not have control over it. Issues businesses face with regard to reverse logistics have got to do with the receipt, warehousing, as well as triage of goods returned. Small and medium enterprises are likely to suffer the most when it comes to reverse logistics. Given their size, these businesses could face significant…
