Case Name :      Tonernow.com: A Dotcom Goes Global

Authors :           Jean-Pierre Jeannet, Martha Lanning

Source:              Babson College

Case ID:             BAB051

Discipline :        Strategy

Case Length :    16 pages

Solution sample availability : YES

Plagiarism : NO (100% Original work)

In Spring 2000, dotcom euphoria grips the U.S. economy, and venture capital is easy to obtain. Two young founders of a brick-and-mortar company recently turned dotcom received communications from all over the world soliciting their participation in licensing agreements, partnerships, and other similar relationships. The two entrepreneurs discuss what it took to launch their web site in late 1999, including development of a large relational database that offers 3,000 products. The partners examine whether to move from their position as a small domestic player to a global one. Issues include licensing and web site localization for non-U.S. access. The toner supplies industry is a highly fragmented segment within the office supplies industry. Customers are sensitive to price and convenience, and high-quality service with quick product delivery is the key to success.