Catalog & Mail Order

The catalog and mail order industry is comprised of the total profit produced through the retailing of a variety of goods by catalog and mail order channels. The products retailed in this industry are valued at the same price as identical goods sold elsewhere. Catalogs, mail advertisements, and at times television programs are ways catalog and mail order companies entice consumers to purchase their wares.

Goods that are retailed in the catalog and mail order industry may include books, health products, personal care items, specialty food items, furniture, office supplies, computer hardware, cosmetics, or computer software. Catalog and mail order retailers purchase these products from wholesalers and manufacturers, and then proceed to retail them to the general consumer market through catalogs and mail order advertisements. Order forms are located in the catalogs and mail orders for consumers to fill out, provide payment for a product, and mail to the company in order to receive the product.

There are some catalog and mail order companies that specializing in a singular sector of products, however the larger companies continue to expand their available selections in order to increase business growth and overall revenue. As modern consumers prefer to shop on their own terms and place increasing importance on the convenience of the shopping experience, mail order and catalog retailers must adapt to changing the marketplace and offer a variety of products as well as a variety of options.

Demand is driven by consumer income. Large companies possess advantages in purchasing, telecommunications, inventory management, and customer service. Small companies focus on providing excellent customer service and keeping specialized products available. Individual companies prioritize building a strong base of customers through the use of efficient marketing practices.