Internet Application Questions

Chapter 16

1. The book defines a retailer as an intermediary that sells primarily to ultimate consumers. Surf the following web sites and identify which of the following may be classified as retailers. For those that do not meet the criteria, explain why.
   
   http://www.spiegel.com/
   http://www.ebauer.com/
   http://www.schwab.com/
   http://www.avon.com/
   
   
2. While there has been much stated in the popular press about retailing on the WWW, there is broad based consensus about the success of the following retailers:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/
   http://www.cdnow.com/
   http://www.dell.com/
   On the basis of a visit to these sites explain the reasons for the success of these sites. Is success on the WWW a function of product type? Identify two products that are not suitable for retail trade on the WWW.
   
   
3. Direct marketers such as L.L. Bean and Lands' End have created elaborate web sites to supplement their catalogue operations, Why. What benefits does the WWW provide over the traditional catalogues? Are there any disadvantages?