Service transactions

Comprehension check.

PRODUCT TRANSACTIONS

SUPPLEMENTARY READING

SPEECH PRACTICE

1. Speak on the meaning and importance of e-commerce.

2. What may a corporate website be used for?

3. How can marketing be achieved on the Web?

4. How can companies use the Web for recruitment purposes?

5. Why do large corporations place their annual reports on their websites?

6. How often do you visit commercial sites? Have you ever made any purchases?

7. Completing a retail transaction on the Internet requires you to divulge some things about yourself – your name, address and billing information. Do you agree with such requirements? What precautions should be taken to protect consumers’ information from hacking?

Retail Web sites typically include electronic catalogues that describe and display products for sale. Consumers can search for individual items or randomly browse electronic catalogues, some much larger than their mail order print counterparts. An Internet book retailer, for example, can offer millions of different book titles for sale on its Web site, far more titles than could fit into a store or that could be included cost-effectively in a print catalogue.

Many online retailers allow customers to order products and then track the shipment of their order. Some computer manufacturers also allow consumers to choose different combinations of computer components, selecting the combination that best suits their budget and needs. Customers can then visit the company’s Web site to track the progress of their computer purchase as it is being built and shipped. Many online retailers also automatically notify their customers by e-mail when the product has been shipped.

1. What were retail Web sites created for?

2. What do online retailers offer their customers?

Other e-commerce businesses offer services. Financial services represent a large segment of e-commerce. For a small fee, online investment brokerages trade stocks on behalf of their clients. Online stock brokerages typically charge customers lower fees than traditional stock brokerages. Other sites provide consumers with a way to research and obtain mortgages and other loans online.

Travel sites offer a method of scheduling airline flights, renting cars, and booking hotel rooms. Travelers can plan all the details of their vacation or business trip, make reservations, and purchase tickets at the same site. Such sites also offer maps, travel literature, and booking information for travelers.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-29