Marketing Essentials

Chapter 23: Purchasing

Global Market Online Action

International Suppliers
As a manufacturer and wholesaler of exotic and high-end furniture, you have begun shopping around for wood from around the world. What are some benefits to shopping internationally for your raw materials? Are there any drawbacks?

Activity
Research exotic woods on the Internet. Focus on suppliers of products such as wenge, tiger wood, or teak. Look into exotic woods that produced from sustainable agriculture instead of being harvested from natural groves and forests. How could this type of ecologically sound supply affect your marketing strategies? Write a short report that documents your findings and makes strategic recommendations.