| 摘要 |
<p>A method for distributing products is provided wherein a request for a product is received from a consumer (106), preferably using a web based interface. An indirect seller (108) provides the web based interface and preferably maintains the inventory management system (100). The system selects the nearest retailer (104) to the consumer (106) that has current stock of the requested product. Inventory levels of product are maintained by an inventory management system (100) that receives shipping information from manufacturers (102) and sales information from retailers (104). A terminal may also be provided at retail locations. The inventory management system (100) reconciles the shipment and sales information to provide an accurate accounting of quantities of products sold to consumers (106) and to provide an accurate accounting to the manufacturers (102) of inventory levels. The inventory management system (100) is further capable of processing payment information from consumers (106), retailers (104), and factors in order to provide funds to manufacturers (102) in an expeditious manner.</p> |
