This essay aims to define and explain the comprehensive e-fulfillment process in detail as well as its essential existence within e-marketplaces. The series of sub-processes making up the e-fulfillment process will be presented in the corresponding order of the four phases of transaction. Of all five sub-processes the e-matching process will be covered in further detail. “An e-marketplace (also called e-market, virtual market, or marketspace) is an electronic space where sellers and buyers meet and conduct different types of transactions.”. Taking this definition as a reference one can say that an e-marketplace serves as one of the possible platforms for transactions between providers and demanders in electronic-commerce. E-marketplaces differ in their strategy and layout and are composed of a variety of specifications such as branch specificity (vertical- and horizontal marketplaces), different pricing models such as e-auctions, dynamic- and fixed pricing as well as a selection of possible operator models.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1. Motivation and Aim
1.2. Defining an E-Marketplace in E-Commerce
1.3. The Relevance and Meaning of E-Fulfillment
2. The Four Phases of Transactions and their Manifestation in the E-Fulfillment process
2.1. Phase 1: Gathering Information – eSearch and eOffer Process
2.1.1. The eSearch Process
2.1.2. The E-Offer Process
2.2. Phase 2: Reaching an Agreement - The eMatching Process
2.2.1. Online-Catalog-Process
2.2.2. Online-Request-Process
2.2.3. Online-Auction-Process
2.2.3.1. The Forward-Auction
2.2.3.2. The Reverse-Auction
2.3. Phase 3: Completing the Transaction – The eTransaction Process
2.4. Phase 4: After Sales Service – The After-e-Sales Process
2.4.1. Returns-Management
2.4.2. Repurchase-Service
3. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This essay aims to provide a detailed analysis of the e-fulfillment process, examining its vital role within e-marketplaces and its integration into the four distinct phases of electronic transactions.
- Definition and relevance of e-fulfillment in e-commerce
- Systematic breakdown of the four transaction phases
- Analysis of the e-matching process through various models
- Examination of transaction completion and payment mechanisms
- Strategies for after-sales services and customer retention
Excerpt from the Book
2.1.1. The eSearch Process
As can be derived from its name, the e-search process enables a visitor of the e-marketplace to search specifically for his product within the e-marketplace database. It is however important to separate between the on-site e-search process and the off-site e-search process:
The term off-site e-search-process describes the prior searching process for a suitable place of procurement. In this prior step, a customer would usually type his desired item into a browser-based search engine such as www.google.com to be then directed to price comparison portals (e.g. Google Shopping) and a selection of marketplaces that include the sought item in their product catalog.
The on-site searching process can then be a personalized interaction between e-marketplace and customer in which the user can navigate through the product catalog (located in the data warehouse database) in detail and filter out offerings that match his search term, optionally receiving personal suggestions in the process. The buyer may achieve this by selecting filters or formulating search queries matching the product name. An example of this on-site e-search process would be the utilization of Amazons search bar or department selection:
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the scope of the e-fulfillment process and outlines the research objective within the context of e-marketplaces.
2. The Four Phases of Transactions and their Manifestation in the E-Fulfillment process: Provides a comprehensive breakdown of the transactional cycle, detailing the e-search, e-offer, e-matching, e-transaction, and after-e-sales processes.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings by emphasizing the essential nature of the e-fulfillment process for marketplace functionality and future growth potential.
Keywords
E-Fulfillment, E-Marketplace, E-Commerce, E-Search, E-Offer, E-Matching, Online-Catalog-Process, Online-Request-Process, Online-Auction-Process, E-Transaction, After-Sales Service, Returns-Management, Repurchase-Service, Transaction Phases, Customer Retention
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this scientific essay?
The essay focuses on defining and explaining the comprehensive e-fulfillment process and its integration into the various stages of transactions on electronic marketplaces.
Which thematic areas are covered in the text?
The text covers the four phases of transactions, including information gathering (e-search/e-offer), agreement matching, transaction completion, and after-sales service.
What is the primary goal of this research?
The primary goal is to examine how the e-fulfillment process functions as an overarching operational procedure that connects providers and demanders in e-commerce.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a literature-based analysis and synthesis of definitions from various experts in the field of e-business and electronic commerce to map the transactional sub-processes.
What is primarily discussed in the main section?
The main section details the technical and operational sub-processes of an e-marketplace, specifically focusing on how matching models and transaction mechanisms facilitate successful contracts.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include E-Fulfillment, E-Marketplace, Transaction Phases, E-Matching, E-Transaction, and After-Sales Service.
How is the e-matching process specifically defined?
It is defined as the stage where supply and demand are aligned, leading to the closure of a legal contract based on pre-negotiated product and exchange conditions.
What are the two main types of auction processes described?
The text distinguishes between the forward-auction (where multiple buyers bid on one offer) and the reverse-auction (where providers bid to fulfill a customer's specific request).
How is the after-sales process categorized in the final chapter?
It is divided into two core areas: returns-management, which handles product reversals, and the repurchase-service, which aims to stimulate future customer interaction and sales.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Anonym (Autor:in), 2020, The E-Fulfillment Process 2020 of Amazon, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/935496
