Online Industries

Introduction
Every major industry has used the Web to enhance business practices and create new markets and distribution channels. Providing unique and highly targeted information is a key to developing site traffic

Retailing on the Web

Retail store 

• Purchases goods from a wholesaler, marks up the price and then offers the products to consumers
• Online retailers can communicate easily with suppliers, shipping companies and customers 
• Most Web retailers use the shopping-cart model exclusively
• Other Web retailers integrate other models such as the auction model or price-comparison model 
• E-retailers often offer lower prices to generate brand awareness and increase site traffic
• Consider if short-term losses equal long term success
  Examples:
  Amazon.com
  Bestbuy.com

Medical Services Online

• The Web gives consumers access to case studies, medical journal articles and doctors who can answer questions
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 
• Requires medical offices and other healthcare related agencies to perform many of their administrative tasks online
  Examples:
  WebMD
  healthcentral.com 

Online Travel

• Customers now have the power to bypass a travel agent
• Discounts and low fares available online
• Name-your-price for tickets, hotels and car rentals
• “Last minute” fares often lower online
  Examples:
  Expedia.co.id
  Travelocity

Transportation and Shipping

• The Internet adds efficiency and convenience to traditional shipping and logistics
• Load Matching
• Matching available truck capacity with the shipping needs of many companies that are willing to split the cost of full truckloads
  Examples:
  UPS
  FedEX
  DHL Direct

 Online Automotive Sites

• Consumers access automobile information empowering them to make an informed buying decisions
• Dealers use the Web to showcase vehicles
• Online auto auctions give buyers more options
  Examples:
  Auto.com
  Autobytel.com

Energy Online

• Energy exchange sites allow energy providers to trade excess energy commodities, buy on auction and sell materials
• 1000’s of energy commodities are sold online
• Efficiency increases as supply chains are simplified
  Examples:
  Houstonstreet.com
  Retailenergy.com

Selling Brainpower Online

• Unused patents and trademarks can be sold online
• Outsourcing
• Hiring outside contractors or companies to complete projects and offer consulting
• Contractors can find projects to match their needs on the Web
  Examples:
  Yet2.com
  Question Exchange

Online Art Dealers

• Artists have access to a global audience
• Web is a new medium for art
• Virtual galleries give artists a chance to showcase their work
• Short films are finding new fans online
  Examples:
  Art.com
  Artful.com 

Online Grocery Stores

• Grocery shopping on the Web saves time
• Web delivery services offer door-to-door delivery
• A strong distribution network is essential to this industry
• Examples:
• Webvan
• Homegrocer.com
• Peapod.com

Online Real Estate

• An online real estate transaction reduces the effort necessary to sell or buy property
• XML allows postings to be listed in multiple locations
• Multiple Listing System (MLS)
• Brokers can post their listings at hundreds of locations with MLS
• Examples:
• Apartments.com
• Realty.com