But it is only a matter of time before at least one major PC vendor trials the scheme in Europe. Recent months has seen the withdrawal of AST, Olivetti and Tulip from the European retail sector, but there is little indication that this is supplying the survivors with more breathing space. By extending build to order to the retail channel, computer vendors are trying to solve a major inventory headache. Returns and unsold stock ratios are typically much higher in the retail sector than in other channels. Now fierce margin pressures mean that PC vendors are less and less willing to take the strain.
Empty warehouses are more preferable to lining the pockets of the surplus inventory brokers.
All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved.