Manufacturers of branded durable goods that use the internet to sell direct to the consumer may benefit from increased strategic advantage and financial performance, outweighing the ""channel conflict"" or negative sales cannibalization. The manufacturer is then able to more effectively balance channel control, strengthen the brand and establish direct consumer relations. An added benefit, as shown by research, is improved retail service levels, resulting in overall increase of the added value in the channel. The understanding of manufacturer on-line sales engagement and opportunities has not...