A new report instructs retailers and manufacturers on how to use online auctions as highly-profitable new distribution and liquidation channels. "Leveraging Digital Channels to Meet the Demand of the New Consumer" states that there is a "New Consumer" who gravitates to online auctions as a reliable source for quality products, low prices, and entertainment in the form of stay-at-home window shopping.

The report's publisher, Slingshot Solutions, explains that the online auction channel is the next-wave retail opportunity, presenting even greater possibilities than discount malls did several years ago by offering low overhead costs, a worldwide audience, and the ability to immediately adjust prices. "Leveraging Digital Channels to Meet the Demand of the New Consumer" can be downloaded from the Slingshot Solutions Web site at http://www.slingshotsolutions.com/solution.htm.

Other interesting facts raised in the report include:

· Online auctions are yielding three to four times greater net cost recovery than existing retail liquidation channels

· Retailers and manufacturers are avoiding brand erosion or excessive product markdowns by using online auctions to sell products under new "masked" brands or through third-party online storefronts

· Online auctions are proving to be ideal channels for distributing new products, often allowing retailers to achieve higher than retail returns on popular items.

· Online auctions also present a unique opportunity to sell heavily-damaged/non-operational goods that could not be sold through any other channel.

"The report underscores the fact that online auctions are rapidly becoming a strong and highly profitable distribution channel for any type of product at any point in its lifecycle," said Bob Hornsby, Slingshot Solutions President.

Slingshot Solutions recently introduced a new online auction site that allows consumers to chase down the Internet's best bargains. Delivery Dog is a new online storefront found at http://www.deliverydog.net that allows retailers and manufacturers to sell distressed merchandise - most of which was previously thought `unauctionable' - directly to consumers through online channels. Delivery Dog sells the distressed products as is - with a no returns/no exchanges policy.

Slingshot Solutions offers a complete online-auction services solution, including fully integrated logistics, asset recovery, and a physical distribution system.