COMMERCE LECTURE 1 PRODUCTION Good day all! Welcome to the introductory class to commerce. Commerce is a subject which covers all the processes after the manufacturing of a product, till the time it is in the hands of the primary consumer! Or in other words it is a process of exchange of goods and services. Our first topic is production. Production relates to the activities which are necessary in order to satisfy the wants of mankind. These wants can broadly be divided into two categories: 1. Goods: tangible things such as food, cars, clothes etc 2. Services: intangibles such as entertainment, health care etc The process of production is rather complex, but for clearer understanding, we can divide it into stages. primary production secondary production tertiary production Primary production: relates to extractive industries, i.e. those concerned with obtaining the direct product of nature e.g. fishing, farming, mining etc. Secondary production: relates to the industries which convert natural products into useful, finished good e.g. ship builder, construction site worker etc. Tertiary production: relates to the distribution of the finished goods to end consumer e.g. wholesaler, banker, importer, retailer. To study this process, let us take the example of wood. The clearing of wood in forest would be a primary activity. The transportation of the logs of timber to the workshop and conversion into furniture would be secondary production and finally, placing the furniture in a well reputed shop and advertising it on T.V would be tertiary production. Did you notice something? Initially, the logs of wood had little financial value, but when they were sold as the end products their value had increased. This is true for every chain of production: the value increases with each stage. Can you think of another example to illustrate the chain of production? • Division of Labor: Breaking down jobs into small tasks so that one person concentrates on one task only and does not make the whole product. Listed below are a few advantages and disadvantages of division of labor: ADVANTAGES Well paid workers Suitable for workers who don’t want responsibility Increases output as tasks done quickly Enables mechanization Economies of scale are obtained Over all lower costs of products DISADVANTAGES Boring and repetitive Loss of skill and craftsmanship Less satisfied workers Long working hours Poor working conditions Limited range of tasks Workers can concentrate on one aspect of production Allows for wide range of products to be produced No shortage of products Cheap Stoppage at one point in chain can affect the entire process Lack of individuality Boredom amongst workers High cost of plants and machinery COMMERCE LECTURE 2 RETAIL TRADE Role of retailer in chain of distributions: Large variety of goods-more choice for customers. 2. Retailers store the product to ensure reliable and continuous supply for customer. 3. The sale in small units and not in bulk so it suits the buyer. 4. Retailer provides personal advice to the customer. 5. Sometime they provide after-sales and repair services. 6. They can even sell on credit to the customer. 7. Some retailers provide home delivery. 8. They pass on information to the manufacturer regarding demand etc. 9. They reduce burden on manufacturer as manufacturer does not need to focus on marketing or selling. Types of retailers: 1. Large scale Super market Department stores Hyper market Multiple chain store Variety chain store Large-scale: Super market: ● ● Many things under one roof For working class Small scale Unit retailer Mobile hawker Steel vendor Peddler Located in main city centers ● Competitive prices due to bulk buying ● Suitable for monthly and weekly shopping ● Regular customer ship Advantages Disadvantages Time saving No personal service Customers don’t need to memorize what Customers are pursued to buy what to buy-they buy what they see don’t need so overspending Competitive prices due to bulk buying Self service-chances of theft Self service-less Difficult to maintain the reader level Staff needed ● Department stores: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Complete range of goods under one roof For the elite class- businessmen etc. Located in suburban areas. Price is not an issue. Luxurious attractive goods. Huge store. Personal service. Facilities like play area, parking lot etc. Sell international brand names. Big shopping mall owned by a single organization. Single organization. Centrally controlled. Different storey’s for different departments. Each department has its own central manager. Window display with clearly marked prices. Advantages Disadvantages Bulk buying favors No daily use items A loss in one department can be compensated High investment and expenditure by profit in another Economical advertising-one ad for all departments High rents Risk that elite class might shift another place. Hypermarket: Mammoth supermarket. ● One stop shopping. ● For motorists who need to buy for whole month or week. ● Located at the edge of the city. ● Competitive buying due to bulk buying. ● All types of goods ● Own parking lot ● Storage sheds ● Self service Advantages Disadvantages Timesaving and convenient Self service –chances of theft Competitive prices Over spending by customer Congestion free shopping At the edge of city- non-motorists can’t approach Self service-less staff needed No need to memorize list. ● Multiple chain stores: ● ● ● ● ● ● Many similar branch shops distributed all over the country. Centrally controlled by one head office. Centralized purchasing –head office buys for all braches. Regular customers. One type of goods is sold. Every branch has a similar layout same products and same prices in main city centers. Advantages Disadvantages Competitive prices due to bvulk buying Economical advertising-one ad for all branches. Loss in one branch can be compensated by profit in another. Standard layout promotes the identity of whole chain. No personal advice. Non-provision of credit facilities. Too much centralized control from head office leaves little room for innovation. Variety chain store: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Multiple department stores. Deals in many types of retail goods. Cater to the working class. Centrally controlled. Centrally purchasing by head office. Similar layout, products and prices. Self service and open counter display. Advantages Competitive prices due to bulk buying Wide variety of goods Economical advertising Disadvantages No personal advice. Non-provision of credit facilities. Little initiative by branch manager due to too much centralized control Loss in one branch can be compensated by profit in another Slow selling lines and surplus stocks can be transferred to a promising branch. Standard layout promotes identity of the brand. Small-scale retailing: ● ● Either sole trade or partnership Capital is obtained from personal savings or loans from friends and family. ● Usually bought from wholesalers. why Limited capital. ● Limited market. ● Small turnover. ● Need for credit. ● Variety of goods. ● Visits from wholesalers. Advantages Personal advice. May sell on credit. Little investment. Less expenditure, so less prices. Small shop is easy to manage. Convenient for customers. ● Disadvantages Lower trade discount. Jack of all trades, master of none. Selling techniques and trends in retailing: Branding: ● Branding is the selling of goods under the trademark or brand name of the manufacturer, the wholesaler or the retailer. ● The aim is to differentiate the goods of one manufacturer from another. ● Branded goods are of uniform size, quality, weight and price. ● Branded goods are easily recognized by the customer. ● More competition due to self service. Advantages Disadvantages Brand loyalty due to Expensive advertisement to compete with others. monopoly Increased turnover To compete with already established brands, manufacturers might produce imitated goods of a known brand. No need to advertise New manufacturers find it difficult to obtain share in the market Easy to handle Higher prices 1. Uniformly packed No need to resort to price cutting due to uniform prices They can convert their shops into self service shops Well informed Uniform quality Confusion Imitation goods Misleading claims More storage place need because of more brands If one of the brands sells a lot other will be at loss and the stocks will be wasted. Wider choice Lower price due to reduction on economies of larger scale No need to be an expert in buying Self service ● Due to large scale retailing, retailers have enough capital to display large supply of goods of various brands. ● Branding and packaging. ● Emergence of modern working house wife who has little time to shop. Advantages Disadvantages Economical-less staff Shop lifting-so security needed Increased turnover-customer pursued to not suitable for goods where buy the stuff they don’t need. individuality is important. Quick service No personal advice Low price due to bulk buying No credit No need to memorize list No delivery of purchases No pressure from sales staff Overspending More capital for larger area More storage space 2. After sales service: Features: 3. ● An undertaking made by the retailer or manufacturer to repair any faults which occur to the sold article in the given period of time, this could also include a maintenance service at regular intervals for a definite period of time. ● Undertaking is known as warranty. ● Normally provided for permanent or durable goods. Reasons: Good will gesture. ● To gain loyalty of customer. ● Customer may need help in handling and maintenance. ● Same parts may have to be replaced. ● Goods may need regular service. ● Some mechanical faults may need to be repaired. Advantages Disadvantages Competitive edge over those Increased expenditure on mechanics and who aren’t providing this workshops. service. Convenience Increased administrative burden ● Expert technical advice Sometimes goods might be repaired at loss Customers might feel more Only for limited time confident at times of purchases Most of the cost of repairing is included in the selling price those who don’t use this service are at a loss. Bar-coding: ● Each product is given a special bar code, which is the same for all the no. of pieces of such product. ● This bar code is saved in the computer of the shop. Advantages Disadvantages Easy to maintain second level System failure can lead to loss of all the records Timesaving 4. Less chances of calculation error Convenience for storekeeper Sellers don’t need to memorize prices EPOS(electronic points of sales): ● A computer based system in which barcode is used to sell goods the scanner scans the barcode and the price appears on the computer because it is already saved there the computer maintains a record level of the amount of stock. Advantages Disadvantage Centrally controlled-less fraud Initial investment Easy to maintain record level System failure can lead to loss in record Timesaving Convenience in store keeping Convenience for head office-easy information handling 5. Shopping centers: Features: 6. A large, multi storied building. ● Located in town centers. ● Consisting of many shops units. ● Each owned by different individuals. ● Each shop may sell different types of goods. Reasons: ● ● ● ● One stop shopping. Ample car parking. Comfortable and pleasant atmosphere. Reasons for survival of small scale retailing: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Personal advice Credit facilities Home delivery of goods e.g. newspaper Small amount of investment No over head so lower prices Small shop is easy to manage Close to residential areas – less distance Flexible timings COMMERCE LECTURE 3 CUSTOMER CREDIT Concept of Credit: ● ● ● ● ● The seller and the buyer enter into a legally binding agreement, where by the seller allows the buyer to have immediate possession (not necessarily ownership) of the goods The buyer agrees to pay the principal, along with interest in a given period of time in a number of agreed, fixed installments This installment payment may be made to the seller directly if he is financing the credit However, it is usually financed by specialized financial institutions The financer pays in full to the seller on behalf of the buyer and then keeps collecting the installments from financers along with interest Advantages Increases turn over since people can afford to buy Stocks of seller cleared quickly Financer gets interest Customers can use goods without making payments Allows people with steady income to own property Disadvantages Administrative burden of maintaining records Capital required for financing Encourages people to spend rashly Goods are repossessed if price not paid General increase in price level due to over spending Types of Credit: ● Hire Purchase: ● After paying a small amount as down payment, customer can pay the remaining amount in installments 3rd party is involved which buys the product from the manufacturer and gives it to the customer on credit ● In case the customer fails to pay on time, the goods are repossessed ● Suitable for durable capital goods such as vehicles Extended Credit: ● The buyer becomes the owner as soon as the agreement is made ● Buyer agrees to repay in periodic installments ● No 3rd party is involved – manufacturer sells directly to customer ● The manufacturer cannot repossess in case of non payment ● Suitable for consumer goods Store Cards: ● Large scale retailers offer this card to regular customers ● It can be used to buy goods and then pay later ● Interest is charged ● Gives the retailer competitive edge ● Customer profile can be maintained. ● ● ● ●Credit ● ● ● Cards: A loan approved by the bank in the favor of the drawer, which can be used while shopping Bank assigns a limit of money depending upon the financial status of the customer These cards are accepted in most large scale shops, so the customers don’t need to carry cash COMMERCE LECTURE 4 CONSUMER PROTECTION Consumers are the ultimate users of the goods and services produced to satisfy their needs and wants. However, often the producers of these goods, guided by their profit motive, may charge exorbitant prices and may show little concern for consumers in terms of acceptable quality, utility, efficiency, or safety of the good or service. Why is there need for consumer protection? Unfair trading practices of business men such as misleading advertisements, exorbitant prices, poor quality of goods ● Inability of consumers to assess the claims made by advertisers ● Ignorance of consumers that products may endanger their health ● Safeguarding the religious beliefs of consumers for example, muslims consumers do not eat pork however they might be consuming products containing gelatin without even knowing it ● Ignorance of consumers of their rights How are the rights of consumer protected? ● Realizing the tendency of exploitation of the rights of consumers, several steps have been taken to ensure that their rights are guaranteed for. Some of them are as follows: ● ● ● Formation of consumer associations which receive and investigate complaints of customers Laws, rules and regulations set up by government which have to be followed e.g: ○ Warning on cigarette packs ○ Price must be printed ○ Expiry date must be written ○ Milk expiry can’t exceed a month Consumer awareness campaigns such as “say no to tobacco” COMMERCE LECTURE 5 WHOLE SALE TRADE ● Role of Whole Sale Trader: From this figure above, you can see the demands of the retailers are completely contrary to the conditions of manufacturers. Therefore, there has to be a middle man who can fill this gap. This role is played by wholesalers. ● Decline in Wholesale trade: ● ● The growth of manufacturers who like to sell their product directly to consumer – they can sell their products at lower prices and absorb the profit of retailer and wholesaler Increase in number of large scale retailers who can afford to buy directly from manufacturers ● Functions of Wholesaler: ● Warehousing: A warehouse is a place where large quantities of goods can be stored. Wholesalers provide this facility to both manufacturers and retailers. ● Marketing: Some manufacturers focus on manufacturing only – they give goods to wholesaler on cheaper rates and ask them to bear the expenses of advertising these goods. However, some manufacturers advertise for their goods themselves. ● Reservoir: Wholesalers keep all types of goods so that retailers do not have to go to different wholesalers to get different products. It saves the time and effort of retailers. ● Price Stability: Wholesalers ensure the reliable supply of those products which are produced in one season only ● Delivery: Wholesalers usually deliver directly to the retailer’s doorstep so retailers just need to place orders. This saves them the transportation cost. ● Risk Bearing: Some products depend on fashion and taste so wholesalers bear a huge risk by stocking such products in bulk. ● New Trends in Wholesaling: Cash and Carry: ● ● ● ● ● ● Large wholesale stores Do not offer credit to retailers Are not responsible for delivering goods to retailers Buy in bulk Sometimes they sell with the consumers directly too Intermediaries: They are the people involved in the distribution of goods from the producer to final consumer Mercantile agents work on a commission basis. They can be sub divided into 2 types, factors and brokers. Factors Brokers Concerned with the sale of goods Concerned with the sale or delivered to him by the principal purchase of goods or services for the principal Has possession of the goods of Does not have possession of the principal goods of principal Remunerated with commission Remunerated with brokerage Can make a profit from sales Cannot make a profit from sales Can sell the goods in his own Cannot sell the goods in his own name name Merchants are general purpose wholesalers. They buy from the manufacturer in bulk at low prices and sell to the retailer in small quantities thus making a profit. A “Forwarding Agent” is appointed by the Principal for the collection and shipment of his goods for export or arrangements to dispatch imports. COMMERCE LECTURE 6 DOCUMENTS OF HOME TRADE 10. Enquiry: ● ● 11. Quotation: ● ● 12. Sent by seller to buyer To inform regarding the goods requested and all the relevant information such as type, brand, size, price, terms of payment etc Catalogue: ● ● ● ● 13. Sent by buyer to seller Informs the seller of the goods required, the quantity, the time and terms of delivery May be sent as a substitute or supplement to quotation Contains detailed and classified information of the goods available Contain images of the goods Prices not printed since they are subject to change and the catalogue is printed only once Price List: ● ● 14. Order: ● ● ● ● 15. Sent by buyer to seller To place an order States the type, brand, quantity and price (as per the quotation) of goods required Includes terms of delivery, terms of payment and expected delivery date Advice: ● ● ● ● 16. Prices are not printed on catalogue since they are subject to change and the catalogue is printed only once So a price list accompanies the catalogue, containing the prices of the goods the buyer has asked for Sent by seller to buyer To inform him that goods have been dispatched Includes the quantity and types of goods Date and means of dispatch are also mentioned Delivery Note: 7. 8. 9. 10. Sent by seller to buyer To inform of the delivery of goods States the quantity and type of goods along with order number Usually arrives along the goods so that the buyer can check across the note whether the delivery is accurate or not 11. Handed back to the delivery boy so that seller has proof that the buyer has received the goods Invoice: 17. ● ● ● 18. ● ● ● ● ● 19. ● ● ● ● Sent by seller to buyer To notify about the amount due on the goods supplied States also the type, quantity, price and terms of payment Credit Note: Not an invoice To distinguish it from an invoice, it is printed in red Sent from seller to buyer It informs the buyer that his account is credited, decreasing the amount he owes It is sent in the following situations: ○ The buyer returns damaged goods ○ The buyer returns empty containers for which he has been charged ○ The goods sold have been overcharged Statement of Account: Sent by seller to buyer at the end of every month Summarizes the monthly transactions Shows the amount of goods bought, the returns made Serves as a reminder for the buyer to pay if any credit is due Enables buyer to check his book of accounts ● 20. Receipt: ● ● Proof of payment Issued by seller to buyer after payment has been made CASH DISCOUNT TRADE DISCOUNT Deduction off the invoice price of A deduction off the list price of goods given by seller to buyer goods given by one trader to another Encourages prompt payment Encourages bulk buying Rate of discount varies with the Rate of discount depends on the delay in payment. The earlier the quantity of goods purchased. buyer pays, greater the discount he More the goods, more the gets discount. Buyer forfeits the discount if he No time limit of payment does not pay within the given period COMMERCE LECTURE 7 INTERNATIONAL TRADE ● Benefits of International trade to a country: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● The Interdependence of countries within a global market: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ● ● ● More choices available for consumer Countries sometimes import capital goods to produce consumer goods Money is earned by selling the surplus goods of a country Foreign exchange is earned Competition is increased Countries can get goods which they don’t have Each country exploits its natural resources Each country concentrates on those things which it does best Each country sell its surplus produce Each country uses its surpluses to buy the goods it does not produce itself Every country cannot produce enough goods and services to fulfill its requirements Thus, it need to trade with other countries Some Important Definitions: Imports: ○ Purchasing goods and services from another country ○ Outflow of cash Exports: ○ Selling of goods and services to another country Inflow of cash Visible trade: ○ An account which is maintained when a country trades goods with another country Invisible trade: ○ An account which is maintained when a country trades in services with another country ○ ● ● ● Balance of Trade: ○ Difference in value between visible exports and visible imports ● Visible exports - visible imports ● Includes goods only ● If negative: Deficit Balance of trade ● If Positive: Surplus Balance of Trade ● Balance of Payments: ○ Difference in value between the sum of visible and invisible exports and the sum of visible and invisible exports ● (visible exports + invisible exports) – (visible imports + invisible imports) ● Includes both goods and services ● Custom Authorities: They are the authorities which inspect the inflow at outflow of goods at borders. Here are there functions: ● ● Gather information about export and import items. Collect tax duties/tariffs: ● ● ● ● Control trade of prohibited items Control bonded ware house Enforce quotas to ensure that the amount of a certain good entering or leaving the country does not exceed the set quota Trading Blocs: Members of a trading bloc reduce duties on trade amongst themselves and impose high duties on non members. Some examples are European Union, ASEAN, SADC, NATTA Advantages Low cost for consumer due to less duties Increase in trade Local manufacturers will improve their quality Disadvantages Government generates less revenue Tough competition for local manufacturers No control of government on prohibited items Sometimes goods will be exported at the cost of domestic consumption ● Importance of free ports in International Trade: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Free ports are ports where no custom duties are levied on goods entering and leaving it Free flow of goods promotes trade Minimum custom formalities make the process of trade more convenient Facilitate re-exportation of goods Goods can be unloaded, repacked, sorted, cleaned, broken from bulk and processed without any duty ● Protectionism: ○ ○ ● Sometimes governments place certain restrictions on traders to discourage trade with particular countries. Some measures are listed below: ● Embargoes, such that a govt completely bans trade without another country ● Increase the tariffs so much that traders are discouraged to trade with that country ● Place quotas to limit the quantity or amount of goods being traded ● Giving subsidies to locally produced goods so that market for imported goods decreases Difficulties Faced by Exporters: ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ Lack of local legal knowledge e.g. cultural, religious, social issues which may affect their market Language barrier Difference in measurement terms Variation in social standards of people Variation in local demands Complex documentation Risk of non payment COMMERCE LECTURE 8 ADVERTISEMENT Advertising consists of all the activities involved in presenting to a group an oral or visual message regarding a product, service or idea. This message is disseminated through one or more media and is paid for by the advertiser. Purpose: To inform the public of newly launched products ● To persuade people to buy a specific product Benefits: ● Source of information for customer ● Helps producer in gaining more market share Social Aspects: ● Sometimes, wring messages can be conveyed, especially to children ● Competitive advertisement is exploitation of other businesses. Dangers: ● Customers may be misled by false claims ● They will have difficulty in choosing from a large range ● Irrational spending on things Types: ● ● ● ● Informative: provide info about product e.g. prices, modes, color etc to promote a specific product, not entire brand Persuasive: persuade customer that their brand is superior than others Collective: an entire industry unites to promote their product for example, all television manufacturers advertise of the advantages of TV without promoting a specific brand ● Competitive: when 2 or more firms involve themselves in exploiting each other while promoting their own brands Media: Factors affecting the choice of a suitable medium to place an ad: Nature of product ● Viewership ● Cost ● Target audience ● Time span ● Wastage (how many of those viewing the ad are actually the target audience) ● Image Several media: ● ● Newspaper Advantages High viewership Flexible and timely Circulation cost per exposure is low National and regional coverage Ad can be inserted or cancelled at short notice Magazines Advantages High quality production High time span Low wastage Disadvantages Low time span High wastage Low image Only for literate Very costly ● Disadvantages Inflexible infrequent Ads must be placed weeks before the date of publishing Suitable for messages which are to be Moderate viewership read in a leisurely fashion Moderate cost ● Low image Radio Advantages Low cost Moderate viewership Television Advantages High viewership Hig image - appealing Disadvantages Low image Very low time span High wastage Low audience attention ● ● Disadvantages Very low time span High wastage Low audience attention Films Advantages High image Widescreen gives better impact Appropriate for local products Appropriate for local products Direct Mail Advantages Low wastage Flexibility No competition with same medium Disadvantages High cost Low time span High, but controllable wastage ● ● Disadvantages Low viewership Low image Low cost Suffers from being called junk mail Bill Boards Advantages High time span Huge size - attractive Disadvantages High wastage Less image Low cost Suitable for local products ● Open to vandalism Creative limitations Pamphlets Advantages Low wastage Low cost High time span Personal impact Advice and explanation where necessary Travelling Salesmen Advantages Low cost Low wastage Effective – brings products to home Can demonstrate the uses to customers Disadvantages Low viewership Low image Limited circulation ● Disadvantages Low viewership Short time span Low image Salesman might be unwelcome at places Salary of sales expenditure Points of Display Advantages Low cost High time span attractive man ● Internet Advantages High time span Good image High viewership Disadvantages Low viewership Low image High wastage ● Disadvantages Costly Wastage depends on sight is added Methods of Appeal: These are tools used by the advertisers in the promotion campaign to appeal the type of consumers it is intended for. Examples: Romance appeal 13. Economy Appeal 14. Appeal for Manliness 15. Appeal for Family Love 16. Appeal for cleanliness 17. Appeal to safety Sales Promotion: 12. All those activities which help the producer or seller to increase his sales overtime. Examples: ● ● ● ● ● Sponsoring events T-shirts for players Hands on experience Free samples Using a product in movies Communication Chapter 15&16 Introduction Communication is the process of conveying information from a sender to a receiver with the use of a medium. Effective Communication In which the communicated information is understood the same way by both sender and receiver. Importance of communication in commerce 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Need for exchange of documents in trade. Minimizes confusion and misunderstanding between buyer and seller. Ensures better business control. Business can get reliable and cheap information about their market. Frequent travelers need to develop a contact with their offices. 6. International trading is not possible without efficient communication system. 7. Modern banking is also dependant on communication system. Elements of Effective Communication 1. 2. 3. 4. Sender. Recipient. Mode of communication. Feed back. Mode of communications Verbal/Oral • • • • • Face to Face. Through a mediator/translator. Telephone. Mobile phone. Seminar/conference. Advantages 1. Quick. 2. Normally cheap. 3. Facial expressions can be seen. Disadvantages 1. Message can be distorted. 2. No proof or record. P.Suthaharan : Commerce – G.C.E (Ordinary Level) 46 Written • • • • • • Postal mail. Fax. Internet. Newspaper/Magazine. Intranet. SMS. Advantages 1. Record can be made. 2. Sometimes it is fast and cheap in case of SMS and internet. 3. Lesser chances of message being distorted. Disadvantages 1. Some times it can be expensive. 2. Useful only for literate people. 3. Not very quick is case of newspaper and postal mail. Postal Office • • Message is physically transferred. For written. 1. Ordinary Mail: • To send and receive letter. • Each letter costs on the basis of weight and distance. • Advantages: Cheap. Record of info can be kept. Wide coverage. • Disadvantages: Slow. Misplacement of letter can occur. Only be used by literate people 2. Registered Mail: Suitable for sending and receiving sensitive information or expensive material. Extra fees is pa id to ensure delivery and with compensate for loss. Advantages: Still cheap. Wide coverage. Track record of delivery of letter. Compensation in case of loss of mail. Disadvantages: Bit expensive than ordinary mail. Slow. Useful only for literate people. P.Suthaharan : Commerce – G.C.E (Ordinary Level) 47 3. Express Mail: • Used to send documents in urgency. • Express mail service can be availed on the request of both sender or receiver. • Advantages: Speedy. Disadvantage: Extra money is to be paid. • 4. Post Boxes: • This service is available on request by paying charges. • Suitable for those who want to receive frequent mail and d o not want to show their identity or address. • • • Upon request, Post office will assign a certain post box wit h a certain number. Post boxes are located in post office premises. A key is given t o the person to whom post box is assigned. • All mail to a certain post box will be dropped in the post box by the post office and a representative of the business will collect is personally. 5. Franked Mail/Prepaid Mail: • This service is available on request. • This is suitable for those who have to send a lot of mail on regular basis. • On request customer will get a franking machine. • Function of franking machine is to print stamps. • Franking machine is equipped with a meter which counts on the stamps printed. • Customer has to pay rental cost of the machine along with the stamps used. • Saves time and money if outgoing mail is frequent. 6. Air Mail: • Used when documents/letters are to be send abroad (generally). • It is speedy for longer distances. • Sender has to pay extra cost. • Sender has to specify by writing AIR MAIL on envelope 7. Parcel Service: • For sending and receiving cargo of small size or weight. • Cargo is packed in wooden/car board box with name of receiver on it. • Cargo accepted by the post office and they issue an acknowledge/ consignment note. • • • Consignment note carries the amount, name of receiver and cargo details. Cargo number can be used to track he cargo. Cost is paid on the basis of distance and weight of cargo. P.Suthaharan : Commerce – G.C.E (Ordinary Level) 48 8. Means of Payment: Money Order: For larger amounts. Postal Order: For smaller amounts. National Giro: For making payments in someone’s account. 9. Saving Account: Can be operated and maintained at certain branches of post offices. 10. Insurance: Post offices act as insurer to cover certain risks. 11. Agency Service: Post offices as agent to accept and make payments on behalf of others. Telecommunication Used for sending and receiving information electronically. 1. Telephone: Advantages Cheap. Easily available. Wide coverage. Speedy. SMS facility. Disadvantages Facial expressions can not be seen. Only two people . No record. 2. Mobile Phones: Advantages Can be carried any where. Becoming cheaper. SMS. MMS. Internet. Payments of bills. Enables travellers to keep in touch with his office. Disadvantages Still expensive. Informational can be distorted in case of weaker signals. Not so wide coverage. Battery needs t o be charged. P.Suthaharan : Commerce – G.C.E (Ordinary Level) 49 4. Internet: • • • • • A network that links computer networks all over the world by satellite and telephone, connecting users with service networks such as e-mail and the World Wide Web. Modern banking is dependant on internet. E-commerce is carried out on internet. Has increased international trade. Cheap source of information. 5. Intranet: A network of computers, especially one using World Wide Web conventions, accessible only to authorized users such as those within a company. 6. Email: Used to send messages over the internet. One must get an email address to use this facility. Attachment can be done. Quick Cheap C.C. and B.C.C. can be done. Sender and receiver both required email Information can be distorted. For computer literate people can use Factors affecting choice of communications 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Cost. Speed. Accuracy of information. Availability. Nature of information. Secrecy of information. Distance. P.Suthaharan : Commerce – G.C.E (Ordinary Level) 50 COMMERCE LECTURE 10 TRANSPORT Importance of Transport: Needed to bring raw materials to manufacturing units ● Needed to transport manufactured goods to market ● Leads to extension of local and overseas market ● Improves standard of living ● Encourages trade between countries ● Leads to different regions specializing in goods in which they have comparative advantages ● Encourages local production Characteristics of different methods: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Road: Door to door delivery No unloading and reloading from one carrier to another Suitable for delivery of fragile goods Road links are available to even the remotest areas Special trucks for special items Not restricted by time schedule Road vehicle can take the shortest possible routes, whereas trains are restricted to avail tracks only. Cheaper and faster for short distance Expensive and slower for long distance Not suitable for very bulky goods Traffic is a problem ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Rail: Cheap and fast Suitable for heavy bulky goods No doorstep delivery Not suitable for perishable items Goods have to be handled four times High chances of theft Timetabling is a problem Inflexible-governed by time tables Expensive for short distances Widely available but not everywhere Air: Fast Free from topographical obstacles Low packing costs Less chances of accidents Less documentation Suitable for urgent orders, perishable goods and fragile items No door to door service available Limited carrying capacity Goods need to be handled four times Sea: Cheap Refrigeration facility available Containerization reduces the loss of goods due to pilferage or damage due to bad weather or poor handling Slow Documentation No door to door service Custom clearance takes a lot of time ● Risk of accident ● Waterway: Cheap for heavy and bulky goods Requires navigable rivers free from rapids and sitting Canals are expensive to build and maintain ● ● ● Pipeline: 18. Cheap 19. Difficult to detect leakage 20. Not accessible in rugged areas 21. Only carries one substance 22. Continuous supply 23. Fast 24. Rare availability Factors affecting choice of method: ● Nature of goods ● Quantity ● Value of goods ● Risk of damage ● Urgency ● Convenience ● Cost ● Door-to-door service ● Availability ● Security ● Reliability Modes of transport: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Passenger train: Governed by time tables Cheap and fast over long distance Not available everywhere No door to door service Ferry: Used for local transport Specially designed ships For carrying passengers for fairly short distances Delivery vans: ● Owned by some companies and businesses ● Wholesalers detainer goods to retailers ● Mail order businesses deliver goods through them Benefits to a business on having own transport: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 1. Convenient Reliable availability Cautions and careful handling High security Expensive Needs regular maintenance Wages to drivers Only for those businesses who deliver on regular basis Containerization: Involves the stacking of goods in large metal containers 20ft x 8ft x 8ft or 40ft x 8ft x 8ft Waterproof Weatherproof Advantages/reasons for increased use: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 1. ● ● ● ● ● 2. ● ● ● ● ● ● 3. ● ● ● ● Increased security Increased protection-water and weatherproof Items don’t break Containers can’t get lost they are transferable due to their code name Available worldwide Reduces transport cost to the harbor Less handling charges Quicker turn-round time Other trends in transportation: Charter transport: Flight hired by a firm or person which is not scheduled For very precious and perishable goods Very expensive Not for regular use As per the need of customer Express road routes: Fast road transport Better roads Quicker Less chances of accident Good for vehicles Convenient for custom officers to check trucks Changes in use of rail transport” Fast railway operation Bullet cargo trains save time Less chances of accident Cheaper than air transport ● 1. ● ● ● ● 2. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 3. ● ● ● ● Transport documents: Delivery/consignment note: This document is sent with goods It allows the purchaser to check the items received against those listed in the note. The purchaser signs this note which means that he has accepted the consignment without any flaw. The note is then handed over to whosoever had delivered the goods. Bill of lading: States the quantity and provides the value, description shipping marks of goods sent by ship. Also contains the name of ship, port of departure and destination of goods. It is in sets of two or more transferable copies, all of which are signed by the master of ship. It is a receipt of goods in good condition on board. When delivery of goods has taken place, all other copies are considered invalid. It helps in recording statistics. It allows custom authorities to check whether the goods are taxable or not. Airway bills: It is used whenever a consignment is sent by air It is prepared in triplicate by consigner. It is an evidence of contract of carriage and note of flight charges. One copy is signed by the consigner, one copy travels with the goods and one is signed by the carrier and returned to the consigner. International transport: Services offered at sea ports: ● Provision and maintenance of deep water whirrs and control of harbor traffic. ● Maintenance and control of navigation with port limits. ● Provision and maintenance of efficient navigational aids. ● Provision and maintenance of berthing facility. ● Recording of details and particulars of goods from a ship. ● Provision of dry and wet docks to repair ships. ● Provision of fire brigade and security services. ● Licensing of harbor and pleasure craft used with port limit. ● Maintenance of bonded warehouses ● Maintenance of roads and railways within the port area. ● Improvement and expansion of port facilities. ● Make terminals in deep sea to provide clear access to the port for ships. ● Provide pilots for ships. ● The port authorities have to build a road to provide access to the main market city area. ● As they own the port, they have to provide office space and communication facilities to customs etc. Services offered at airports: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Approving airport licenses and permits. Conducting bilateral airport negotiations. Providing legal advice on air legislation. Maintain statistical record. Control air traffic. Providing search and rescue services. Providing aeronautical information. Providing radio navigation to aircrafts. Providing communication services between aircraft and ground units. Fire fighting facility. First aid associated staff. COMMERCE LECTURE 12 INSURANCE Purposes of insurance: To provide compensation incase of loss. ● To provide financial protection. ● To give confidence to the business men. ● Investment. Importance of pooling risks: ● Each person must pay a comparatively small sum, but if it suffers a loss it will receive a much larger sum. Therefore, companies pool their risks which the additional advantage of insurance company’s guarantee to compensate where necessary. Business and personal risks: ● Insurable risks: A risk which can be calculated mathematically. ● E.g. car damage accident, fire, theft etc. Non-insurable risks: ● A risk which can’t be calculated mathematically. ● E.g. bad debts, loss in business due to maladministration. Risks to international traders: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Lack of local knowledge. Cultural problems. Religious problems. Difference in measurements. Difference in payment methods. Language barrier. Insurance principles: Utmost good faith: Both the insurer and the insured must have utmost goof faith. ● The insured must disclose all material facts e.g. a person applying for insurance must disclose that his office contains explosive flammable substances. ● The insurer must be very honest in all his dealing. Indemnity: ● ● ● ● 25. 26. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● To bring the insured back in the position in which he was at the time of accident. No benefit should be gained by the insured out of his misfortune. Contribution: If the insure has insured his product with two firms in case of a loss, both the firms will share the premium so the insure cant benefit. Not in case of life insurance. Subrogation: After the settlement has been made the ownership of the goods will to insurer. Only in case of total loss. E.g. wreckage of a damaged car. Insurable interest: A person may only insure the thing which of damage will make him suffer. E.g. a person can’t insure his neighbor’s house. Proximate cause: A claim will only be met if the loss suffered was a direct consequence of the insured risk happening. If a building is insured against floods, and is damaged by fire the owner will not be compensated. ● The more the proximate causes, the more the premium. Effecting on insurance cover: ● ● The person needs to find a suitable firm. He may do it himself or take help from two other people. Insurance broker: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Free lance worker. Working on commission. Gets commission from the client and the firm the client is sent to. He has knowledge of all the insurance firms. Protects insurer’s interest. Doesn’t work for any particular firm. Finds best deal for client. Insurance agent: ● Appointed by a particular firm. Working on commission. Gets commission from his firm. Provided information about his firm. ● Once the firm has been chosen the client fills the proposal form. ● ● ● Proposal form: ● ● Contains questions or instruction designed to obtain information regarding property or person. All material facts known by the client must be disclosed otherwise the contract is considered null and void. ● Firm will send its assignment agents who will assess the product then, they will prepare a report. ● Insurance analysts will find out whether they can cover the risk or not i.e. is it profitable for them or not-then they will either approve it or disapprove it. ● If the insurance is approved, the premium will be calculated based on the time span, worth of product and value of risk. ● ● Firm will send a premium invoice and client will deposit the premium. Firm will send a cover note to the client. Evidence of the insurance contract. ● Firm then issues the insurance policy to the client. Legal contract between insurer and insured. ● Contains name of the insured. ● Contains extent of the insurer’s obligations and proximate causes. ● Contains procedure to be adopted in case of a claim. ● Contains method of adjusting estimated premiums. ● Contains the premiums to be paid. ● Contains signature of officer on behalf of the firm. Statistical basis of insurance: ● Calculation of premium is based on: Time span. 3. Worth of product. 4. Value of risk. 5. No. of risks covered. Affecting a claim: 2. ● As soon as the insure discovers the damage he has to inform the firm and refrain from even touching it ● The firm will send their survey team to calculate the damage caused. ● Other authorities like police, customs etc should come for an independent investigation. ● A written notice of the damage must also be sent to the firm. ● Firm will check whether all the previous premiums have been paid-if not the insurance is not accepted. ● ● While sending the written claim form, the insuree should also send documents. 4. To prove insurance-original copy of policy. 5. To prove ownership. 6. To prove value-invoice. 7. To prove loss or damage-survey report. All the terms and condition of the agreement will apply and finally the settlement will be made. COMMERCE LECTURE 13 BANKING Types of Accounts: 1. Savings Account: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 2. Current Account: ● ● ● ● ● ● 3. For those who wish to save a small sum of money Maintained on monthly basis No deposit limits But there are limits to withdrawal of cash Prior notice has to be given before withdrawing large sums of money Low interest rate ATM’s can be used Cheque book is issued Suitable for salaried persons No bank charges on operating account Usually maintained by businesses No limit for withdrawal Used for large sums of money No interest is paid Bank charges have to be paid for operating the account Services such as overdraft, standing order, direct debit, credit transfer etc are available Fixed Deposits Account: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Based on an agreement between bank and customer Money is deposited for a specific period of time Money can’t be withdrawn until that period ends In case of early withdrawal, customer has to forego interest High interest rate Suitable for anyone who has extra money No bank charges on operating account Services Provided by Banks: ● Paying in Slip: ● ● ● Bank Statement: ● ● ● Sent at regular intervals by bank to account holder Contains a record of all transactions along with dates Agency Services: 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. ● Used for depositing money in banks A slip which acts as documentary evidence that money has been deposited Banks provide investment advisory service Buys and sells investments and collects dividends on behalf of its customers May offer tax consultant services May act as an executor or trustee of real estate or property May even arrange for insurances desired by customers Foreign Exchange Services: ● ● ● Banks sell foreign currency and finance foreign trade by discounting bills of lading Also make remittances abroad for customers Safe Deposit Boxes: ● Banks rent out lockers to customers who want to keep their valuables safe Means of Payment in Home and International Trade: ● ● ● ● ● ● Cash: ● Suitable for small amounts only ● Chances of theft Cheques: ● A bill of exchange, drawn on a bank instructing it to pay some other person a certain some of money on demand Credit Transfer: ● A means by which one or a number of accounts can be paid simultaneously ● Such as a firm can send wages for it employees in one transaction Standing Order: ● Instructions to banks to pay regularly a sum of money from one’s current account in order to settle recurring payments like mortgage repayments, rents etc. Direct Debit: ● A facility provided by the bank whereby the creditor instructs it to debit the debtor’s account and credit his own as regular payments are made between parties Electronic Transfer: ● A service in which payer goes to the bank and deposits some money This money is then transferred within minutes to the desired branch, from where the receiver can collect them Bank Drafts: ● An order drawn by one bank upon another, demanding the drawee bank to pay a specified sum of money to the payee Debit Cards: ● Issued by banks to pay through these while shopping on the bank’s behalf and the bank can deduct the amount from customers bank Documentary Credits: ● A guarantee by a bank addressed to the exporter of goods stating that payment will be made provided that the terms of credit are adhered to and the documents representing goods are surrendered to the bank ● ● ● ● Modern Trends in Banking: ● ● Tele banking Internet banking COMMERCE LECTURE 14 BUSINESS UNITS Factors affecting the Location of business: Labor: Both skilled and unskilled ● Labor must be cheap Transport: ● Cheap adequate and efficient transport facility ● To bring in raw material ● And take away manufactured goods Power: ● Continuous supply needed to operate machinery ● Factories usually located near or in urban areas Market: ● To reduce transportation cost ● If producing for consumer ● If producing for export Government incentives: ● near domestic market near a major port Like cheap land, development of infrastructure, reduction or exemption on tax duty etc ● To encourage investors to invest in a particular area Raw material: ● ● ● Firms locate themselves where there is cheaper and reliable supply of raw materials To reduce expenditures Public and private sector Public Private All those businesses which are owned All those businesses which are owned and controlled by the government e.g. and controlled by private individuals and WAPDA, PSO, PIA, Suigas etc. firms e.g. Beacon house, KFC, Metro etc. Main forms of business organizations in the private sector: Sole trader private limited co. Partnership ● 32. 33. 34. Franchises public limited co. Sole traders: A business owned by a single person. Ownership: The business is owned by a single person who is responsible for managing it, though he might hire staff to help him. Control: The owner has complete control of the business and can make decisions himself. Liability: Unlimited liability i.e. if the business assets are insufficient to pay the creditors of the business, the sole proprietor is liable to lose his personal possessions and merely what he invests in his business b/c there is no legal distinction between the personal possessions and the business assets! 35. 36. Provision of capital: Capital for investments comes from the personal savings or loans from family, friends or banks. Hire purchase, savings and trade credit may also be used. Distribution of profits: All the profits and losses go to the sole owner. Advantages No formalities for setting up the business. Owner can take timely decisions himself. Personal supervision ensures effective operation. Customer gets personal attention. Owner gets all the profits. Owner tax burden as business is subject to only personal income tax. ● 37. Disadvantages Owner will have to bear all the losses. Limited availability of capital so less chances of expansion of business. Risk of financial problems in the future. No advice while making decisions. Unlimited liability. Smaller life of business- owner might die or fall ill. Partnership: A business owned my two or more people. Partnership agreement: It is a legal formality without which a partnership agreement cannot exist. It has to be signed my all partners. It will include all rules, regulations and profit sharing ratios etc. It is needed in case of conflict which goes to court. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. Ownership: Owned by two or more people. Control: Controlled by all the partners of the business Liability: Unlimited liability. Capital: Capital is obtained from the contributors of partners and loan. Profit: Distribution of profits depends on the terms of partnership agreement. Advantages Fewer formalities for setting up business. More capital is available so more chances of expansion. Additional help from each other. Better advice while taking decisions. Lower tax burden as business is subject to personal income tax. Loss can be shared. Comparatively long lived. Disadvantages Unlimited liability. Difference of opinion. Decision making will be time consuming. Profits will have to be shared Death, bankruptcy or retirement of a partner may end the partnership. Action of any partner is binding on all partners ● Private limited company: Almost the same as partnership. The business has its own identity—so loans are taken in on its name not the partners. Partners should be share holders. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. Ownership: The company is owned by a couple of share holders who invest in the company. Control: The board of directors who are elected at the A.G.M are the policy makers but the final control lies with the share holders as they can vote BOD in the A.G.M. Liability: Limited liability b/c the business is a legal, registered identity. Capital: Capital is obtained from the money invested by the shareholders. Profits: The profits are distributed to the shareholder. These profits are called individuals. The distributed profits are used for the expansion of the business. Advantages More capital available. Limited liability. Loss can be shared. Comparatively long lived. Disadvantages Heavy tax burden. Difference of opinions. Profits have to be shared. Death, bankruptcy or retirement of a partner may end the partnership. Better advice in decision making. Additional help pooling of expertise. ● 48. Public limited company A public limited company has four main stake holders: shareholders, board of directors, management, and government. Shareholder: Consists of the general public which invests in the PLC by buying shares. They do not get a say in the decision making. They participate in the AGM and vote off the BOD. It is their right to receive dividend on their investment. 49. Board of directors: Main decision making force. Cannot be shareholders. Draw salaries. Devise policies. Can be voted off by the shareholders in the AGM. 50. Management: Main driving force. Responsible for day-to-day operations. Salaried persons. Compelled to implement the policies devised by the BOD. 51. Government: Devised rules and regulation for PLC’s safeguard interests of shareholders to avoid fraud and corruption. ● Ownership: Ownership lies with the shareholders who have invested in the business. ● Control: The BOD is the main managing body but they can be voted off in the AGM. ● Liability: Limited. ● Capital: Money invested by shareholders and other sources of finance. ● Profit: Goes to the shareholder. Advantages Availability of capital Limited liability Continuity Easy transfer of shares. ● 52. 53. Disadvantages Heavy tax burden Owners have no say More complicated procedures for formation. Franchises: A company allows the other company to use its brand name on the basis of a mutual agreement between the two. Franchiser: The original firm which sells its brand name. Franchisee: The firm which buys the brand name. Advantages Business of franchiser will expand without investment. No administrative burden. Disadvantages Profit will have to be shared. No administrative control. Brand name is established overseas. Franchisee will get an established brand name Less expenditure on ads. They will already have brand loyalty. 54. Profit will have to be shared though. They will have to work hard. They will have to maintain standards Not sole decision makers. Multinational: A giant cooperation with branches or subsidiary companies in a number of companies. However, bear in mind that those firms which export their product to other countries can’t be classified MNC’s. Importance of MNC’s: To host countries: ● MNC’s bring in foreign exchange and investment ● Increase employment opportunities ● New technology is introduced ● More competition so lower prices ● More choices available to consumers ● Greater revenue through taxes To countries of origin: ● Increase in national income ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Reasons for MNC’s: To make profits Availability of cheap labor Nearness to raw material Nearness to market ● ● Exploring new markets Expansion of business.