Cost-to-Serve Model


This concept discusses the usefulness of cost-to-serve model and offers additional insights into the model’s measurements and implementation steps.

Technique Overview

Cost-to-Serve Model

Cost-to-Serve Model Definition

Cost-to-serve (CTS) is a method for assessing “the sum total of a large number of transaction costs which will vary by product, by market, by channel of trade, and …will vary between individual customers” (Gentles and Oliver, 1998: 763). It is these specific costs, as opposed to those linked traditionally to distribution cost-cutting programmes, that form the total cost-to-serve and help companies to make more informed strategic decisions (Gentles and Oliver, 1998).

Cost-to-Serve Model Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Cost-to-Serve Model *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Cost-to-Serve Model *

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Professional Tools

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Further Reading

Cost-to-Serve Model web and print resources *

Cost-to-Serve Model references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Anderson, S. and Putterman, L. (2005) Building the Profit Focused Supply Chain: A Game Plan for Capturing Real Value. [online] Available at: (www.supplychainstandard.com/Articles/3724/Building+the+Profit-Focused+Supply+Chain.html) [Accessed on 13 January].
  • Braithwaite, A. and Samakh, E. (1998) The Cost-to-Serve Method. International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 9(1), pp. 69-84.
  • Christopher, M. and Gattorna, J. (2005) Supply Chain Cost Management and Value-based Pricing. Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 34(2), pp. 115-121.
  • CIPS: Activity Based Costing.

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