4. Franchise
A franchise can be a manufacturer, distributor or retailer, depending on what type of franchise you purchase. Here the franchisee adopts the business model of that franchise.
Under these four types of business, there are various other ways of structuring your business model.
- A company that integrates a physical and an online presence. An example would be a retailer who allows customers to order products online, but lets them pick up their order at their nearest store.
- A company that deals with customers directly via the internet without engaging an intermediary.
- Direct selling to consumers making use of product demonstrations in the person’s home, for example. There are several cosmetic and jewellery companies that use this model in SA.
- The Freemium business model works by offering a basic Web service or product, for free, while charging a premium for advanced or special features.
- Online auctions, which are held over the internet.