e-Commerce consists of buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. Transactions adminstrated electronically has soared unexceptionaly high especially after the introduction of Internet. A wide variety of commerce is conducted in this way, spurring and drawing on innovations in electronic funds transfer, supply chain management, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, electronic data interchange (EDI), inventory management systems, and automated data collection systems. Modern electronic commerce typically uses the World Wide Web at least at some point in the transaction's lifecycle.
Electronic commerce that is conducted between businesses is referred to as Business-to-business (B2B), as opposed to those between businesses in other groups, such as business and individual consumers (B2C) or (C2C) which involves the electronically-facilitated transactions between consumers through some third party.
McDonald's is constantly evolving and determined to do more; to meet consumers' needs. The business motto is to make their customers happy and satisfied, and stay relevant to their changing lifestyles. Due to the the rapid technology advances, McDonald's too, has to progress to provide a wider array of options that will enable them to best serve to their needs. And in conjuction to this, Management of McDonald's focus on the Balanced, Active Lifestyles (BAL) efforts, which provide customers with the tools to make informed lifestyle choices for themselves and their families. McDonald's also launched the McDelivery and 24/7 in view of the growing demand for greater convenience. With McDelivery, customers craving for a McDonald’s meal can call anytime without even having to place a minimum order.
McDonald's Worldwide
The McDonald's Corporation is the world's largest quick service restaurant chain. There are over 30,000 McDonald's restaurants in more than 100 countries serving an average of 50 million people daily. From humble beginnings in 1955, the first McDonald's franchise restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA took in US$366.12 on its first day of business. As they say, the rest is history - and hard work coupled with positive work ethics have paid off. In 2003, the company recorded over US $40 billion in worldwide sales, and looks set to achieve greater success in the cyber-years to come.
Business model
McDonald's Corporation earns revenue as an investor in properties, a franchiser of restaurants, and an operator of restaurants. Approximately 15% of McDonald's restaurants are owned and operated by McDonald's Corporation directly. The remainder are operated by others through a variety of franchise agreements and joint ventures.
The McDonald's Corporation's business model is slightly different from that of most other fast-food chains. In addition to ordinary franchise fees and marketing fees, which are calculated as a percentage of sales, McDonald's may also collect rent, which may also be calculated on the basis of sales. As a condition of many franchise agreements, which vary by contract age, country and location, the Corporation may own or lease the properties on which McDonald's franchises are located.
Types of Payment
Besides the usual cash term transactions, McDonald's introduced the ez-link Cashless Payment and Top-up Service in May 2004. McDonald's became the first quick service restaurant here to accept the ez-link card as a payment mode, as well as to offer a top-up service.
Extra Service - McDelivery 24/7
Consumers may choose to order their McDonalds meal via the McDelivery service channel, either through the website or their direct hotline 6777 3777. The McDelivery24/7 allows consumers to enjoy a piping hot meal irregardless of day or night, giving customers the absolute ease of convenience (the only delivery service that never sleeps!). With just a click of finger, the online McDelivery ordering service is ready in just 5 easy steps, eating with McDonalds is never a hassle! Consumers can even order the McDonald's meal up to one month in advance for big events that requires early preparations such as Birthday Parties or Company events etc.
Main Menu
Variety of selections to pick from, such as the Breakfast Extra Value Meals category; the Lunch/Dinner/Supper Extra Value Meals; the Desserts and Sidekicks; finally to the Beverages and Premium Coffees.
Thereafter, Customers may wish to proceed on to their orders by clicking the Order Now! icon. The whole order-taking procedures consist of of mainly 5 simple steps, with specific guidlines and instructions to navigate the users with their desired choice of set meals/ala-carte meals.
Step 1 - Verification
Address will be reflected on this page, and consumer will have to key in their unit number (if provided) and click on the submit button for confirmation.
should there be any special requests, consumers may choose to fill-up item no.2 (e.g Deliver to Reception Lobby A).
Step 3 - Pick Order Items
Consumers may browsed through the range of menu provided at the right-hand corner of the webpage and proceed to click on their desired items from the list. The selected items will then be reflected on the Order form at the left-side of the page.
Checkout Items
Step 4 - Payment Information & Step 5 - Complete order
Finally, customers will proceed on to the payment mode page, where customers get to choose the credit card types, mainly the visa or mastercard. Customers will key in the particulars of their card for security verification purpose and lastly, customers will have to confirm on all information given before they proceed to 'confirm order now' button, whereby the orders will be send electrionically via the internet to the nearest respective McDonald's delivery outlet. And all orders will arrived approximately 30mins upon approval of payment.
An Added-value service provided by McDelievery, where customers can go online to check on their order status by clicking HERE.
i'm lovin' it
Over the years, McDonalds has proven themselves to be one of the top choices to many consumers in terms of fast-food retailers, with it's continuous effort and focus on R&D, providing Singaporeans with a wide choice of varieties. McDonalds have definately build a strong brand name and rapport for it's Company.
McDonald's "i'm lovin' it!" is a celebration of life: a global tagline dedicated to the millions of McDonald's customers who make the best of every moment. "i'm lovin' it!" focuses on the optimism and enthusiasm that mark great times and enriching discoveries. Whatever you pursue - be it sports, education, creative endeavors, career advancement, boisterous companionship or intimate moments - there is every reason to like what you do and love who you are. Don't just live life. Love it - at McDonald's, we're certain it'll love you back!
Strengths
- Delivery service to consumers with the promise of a 'super-convenience' experience.
- First Quick-Serve-Restaurant to launch a full e-commerce ordering site in Singapore.
Limitations
- Unlike the conventional call-in service, payment can only be made via credit card for security reasons. This strikes out those users who do not have credit card (the young and savvy users perhaps).
- It is not possible to make any special orders (e.g. saltless fries, plain burger, etc) through the online service.
In Conclusion,
McDonald’s stays relevant by being attuned to its customers’ preferences and lifestyle. It has evolved into a “super-convenient’ lifestyle brand, providing customers with their favourite food anytime, anywhere. McDonald’s also scores a first in super-convenient access points, such as McDelivery 24/7, which is made even more convenient through on-line ordering. McDonald’s Customer Satisfaction Opportunities (CSO) scores have consistently ranked in the upper 90-mark. Its Singapore market is ranked one of the top three best-performing markets for McDonald’s in Asia.
1 comment:
suggest that the blog-archive block be deleted.
Reason: we are just using the blogger server to publish our research report...not blogging. jack
Post a Comment