Final answer:
In the 1870s, companies like Sears leveraged mail-order catalogs to reach customers across the nation, facilitating the purchase of a variety of goods even in rural areas. Advancements in transportation, communication, and marketing strategies drove this expansion, allowing companies to increase sales and profitability.
Step-by-step explanation:
A company in the 1870s could make more money from taking orders by mail by tapping into the national market that was made accessible through advances in transportation and communication. The proliferation of the mail-order catalog, exemplified by companies like Sears, Roebuck & Company, allowed even those in the most isolated rural areas to access a variety of consumer goods. These catalogs, filled with a vast assortment of products at stated prices, provided an alternative to the often more expensive and less varied local country stores. Furthermore, the introduction of rural free delivery in 1896 made it even easier for rural customers to receive these goods. By clearly displaying the cost of items, offering a money-back guarantee, and harnessing marketing techniques to stimulate consumer desire, companies could significantly boost their sales volumes and reach consumers nationwide.