Final answer:
Customers usually seek alternatives when a store doesn't offer specific products or services, and they base their decisions on factors like convenience and the reputation of the seller. L.L. Bean is an example of a company that successfully overcomes the challenge of having few physical stores by offering a money-back guarantee and relying on its reputation for quality. This approach can influence customer trust and satisfaction positively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a store doesn't offer a specific product or service, the recommended first option is commonly to search for alternatives. This might include looking for other businesses that provide the same or similar products or services. Customers typically choose where to shop based on various factors such as convenience, price, personal service, and product quality. Decisions may also be influenced by factors like the desire to support local businesses or the added value of a money-back guarantee and a strong reputation for quality, as seen with companies like L.L. Bean, which compensates for imperfect information due to the lack of physical stores by offering assurance through customer-friendly policies and a proven track record of quality.
L.L. Bean's business model relies on non-traditional sales channels such as mail, telephone, and online platforms. They address the challenge of customers not being able to see and touch products directly by combining a money-back guarantee with their reputation for quality, encouraging customer trust and satisfaction. This can be a vital lesson for any business that operates without a physical storefront, emphasizing the importance of transparency, customer service, and maintaining high-quality standards to ensure the business flourishes.