The Internet and International Business Essay -- Business Marketing Co

The Internet and International Business The Internet and international business is an interesting topic- discussing an area of business that will probably be around for many years and possibly centuries to come. Since its earliest days, the Internet has been a means of communication, an essential tool in almost instant communication. People can "talk" to others by sending email messages, at the speed of pressing the send key. This information is instantly transmitted to the receiver, who can in turn, reply quickly. Today, one can even literally talk to someone else, just as if he/she were actually phoning someone over traditional phone lines. While the quality is not as clear as regular lines, the cost is considerably less. The idea of less expensive communication is one that is deeply entrenched in international trade. If someone in China has to call a company in the U.S., the cost would be outrageous. Plus, one must consider the time differences, so as not to wake an American at perhaps 3 a.m. With the use of email, the Chinese businessman can send his message instantaneously, and it will be ready for the American businessman to receive and read when he/she arrives at the office in the morning. In addition to regular email, pagers can be programmed to receive important emails, or notices of emails in one's mailbox. Cell phones can also be programmed to receive email messages, and also notification of pending emails. Inventories can also be depicted, and quantities listed. With the proper programming, once an item is ordered, it is subtracted from the inventory, thus showing the proper amount that is actually available for sale. The Internet and international business is an interesting topic- discussing an area of business that will probably be around for many years and possibly centuries to come. Since its earliest days, the Internet has been a means of communication, an essential tool in almost instant communication. Websites can also be set up for potential buyers. On the site, such things as contacts can be listed. Phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses can be shown, as well as fax numbers, for those who do not feel comfortable with new technology. Orders can actually be produced right over the Internet. For someone in England who might want to buy a comic book from a site in the United Sates, the Englishman h... ... 3 14 12 Online buyers also have many concerns about shopping online. From the same article mentioned above, the following were tallied: US Canada Australia UK Italy France High Shipping Cost 53 46 13 45 39 54 Need to Try on for Fit 38 34 16 45 43 16 Prices too High 37 35 4 11 21 22 Not appropriate For large Items 37 35 4 11 21 22 Not appropriate For luxury Items 27 23 6 19 35 23 Want to See/feel Item 23 23 25 30 16 14 Not appropriate For perishable Items 21 23 4 18 15 22 Security of Credit Card 19 19 50 24 40 22 (All numbers are expressed as percentages) Based on these concerns, retailers in the international marketplace have their work cut out for them. But through proper education of consumers, and the ever-expanding growth of the infrastructure in many countries, the future seems to be leaning heavily towards using the Internet for many needs. Bibliography The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Thursday, June 22, 2000 Business 2.0, May 2000 Business Week, various issues Time Digital: Your Personal Guide to Technology, June 2000 Interactive Week, June 12, 2000 Various Websites