An example is a client who solicits orders over television and radio and advertises both an 800 number and their web site address. If an order is called in then an operator must answer the call, enter the information into the computer, and of course, there is the cost of the long distance charges for the 800 number call itself. This is often several dollars per order. On the other hand orders placed over the Internet do not require an operator, do not cost any telephone charges, and can update an on-line database without operator assistance. Federal Express is an extremely good example of a company that has automated their customer service over the Internet.
Customers can track their own shipments from any computer that has Internet access.
It saves FedEx money and gives the customer better, faster, and greater control. This saves money in printing the catalog but provides the user a way to receive even more information. One client saved money by allowing authorized users to upload spreadsheet files to their web server and then notifying a list of E-mail recipients that a new file had been uploaded. All interested parties were then able to review the material where and when convenient. I believe the most important factor about business on the Internet is that it is just like any business but harder.