Lecture Retailing in the 21st Century - Chapter 11: Retailing for the global marketplace. This chapter presents the following content: Web site design and maintenance, selling over the internet, advertising the web site, selling internationally, importing merchandise. | Ch. 11: Retailing for the Global Marketplace Web site design and maintenance Selling over the Internet Advertising the Web site Selling internationally Importing merchandise This is the overview of topics at the beginning of Chapter 11. Necessities for a Good Web Site Careful organization Good navigation Ease of online ordering Photos – Good quality; not too many Similar look and feel as your store Security of customers’ personal information Appropriate domain name Competent Webmaster and Web host Of the items mentioned in the Chapter 11 discussion of Web site creation, these are the “must-haves.” Optional Web Site Features Video clips Shopping cart Testimonials Online catalogs Affiliate programs Advertising “New products” section Printable coupons Bulletin boards Book reviews Links Depending on the goals of your store’s Web site, you may want to include several of these features. Sources of Imported Merchandise Importers – distributors Resident sales agent – rep | Ch. 11: Retailing for the Global Marketplace Web site design and maintenance Selling over the Internet Advertising the Web site Selling internationally Importing merchandise This is the overview of topics at the beginning of Chapter 11. Necessities for a Good Web Site Careful organization Good navigation Ease of online ordering Photos – Good quality; not too many Similar look and feel as your store Security of customers’ personal information Appropriate domain name Competent Webmaster and Web host Of the items mentioned in the Chapter 11 discussion of Web site creation, these are the “must-haves.” Optional Web Site Features Video clips Shopping cart Testimonials Online catalogs Affiliate programs Advertising “New products” section Printable coupons Bulletin boards Book reviews Links Depending on the goals of your store’s Web site, you may want to include several of these features. Sources of Imported Merchandise Importers – distributors Resident sales agent – rep for multiple foreign manufacturers Buying offices – . or foreign-based Commissionaire – Foreign-based office to help . merchants do business in that country ----------- Customs house – Does not sell goods; is hired to get them through . Customs There are multiple sources of merchandise from other nations, some stateside and some based in the country from which the goods will be purchased. Challenges of International Buying Added costs – shipping, taxes, insurance More stringent payment terms, including payment in full up front Guaranteed minimum orders often required Limited possibilities for prompt reorders Longer lead time due to distance, transit Size differences for some goods may require specifications Delivery delays – weather, strikes, Customs delays None of the items on this list should deter you from buying from international sources, but be aware of the additional complications.
