Outdoor Gear Inc. is mainly a mail order operation that has one retail store in Des Moines, Iowa. Quarterly, it sends out a catalog to a mailing list of existing customers. In the fall and spring it advertises in various outdoor magazines. Business is good, but the owner is finding the cost of printing and mailing the catalogs, escalating faster than his revenues. Some customers who call in for their orders ask about a Web site, but the owner has always sold through mail and phone. One customer suggested that the company should automate its process so that customers can order 24X7.
After discussing the possibility for a Web site with his accountant, the company decides to investigate the feasibility of joining the Internet community. It is estimated that their business might double within three months of doing this.
Task(s):
Write paper in the form of memo to the executive committee answering the following questions in detail.
• What should the company look for in terms of software for this project in addition to an interface with their accounting system?
• In addition to serving as a convenience for its customers and increased sales, what other benefits can Outdoor Gear, Inc. reap from an Internet presence?
• Suggest ways that Outdoor Gear Inc. can benefit from the Internet.
• What other e-commerce applications should Outdoor Gear Inc. consider?