Conceptualizing sharing supply chains – lessons from an exemplary case

Abstract

PurposeOver the last decade, a “new” sharing economy has emerged. So far, the supply chain literature has focused on platforms delivering crowd-logistics services that connect businesses and consumers (B2C). The literature has paid little attention to platforms that facilitate products exchanges between consumers. This article aims to develop a first supply chain conceptualization for consumer-to-consumer (C2C) product exchanges stimulated by the sharing economy. How to conceptualize C2C product exchanges from an Supply Chain (SC) perspective? Do such C2C product exchanges form what might be called “sharing supply chains”? What are the characteristics of these sharing supply chains?Design/methodology/approachThe authors rely on a single case study of Vestiaire Collective (VC), a C2C platform that links consumers buying and selling second-hand luxury goods. This case was not selected because it is a typical C2C product platform, but because it is an “extreme” case (Yin, 2014) meeting Siggelkow's “talking pig” criterion (2007).FindingsThe authors demonstrate that VC intermediates a “sharing supply chain”, whose features differ from forward and reverse supply chains. The authors stress that strong physical intermediation is crucial in this extreme case. The authors then contrast this extreme case with other forms of sharing supply chains to identify the variables leading to these alternative configurations. Finally, the authors develop theoretical propositions regarding the physical intermediation role that these platforms may play.Originality/valueThe authors' article extends the scope of the supply chain concept by identifying sharing supply chains alongside other types of chains. The article also points to the strategic role of SC dimensions in the sharing economy. The authors hope that this article will lead to further research on sharing supply chains.

An empirical research on the determinants of driver-partners' participative behaviour in crowd logistics: from a motivation theory perspective

“…By using the mobility of citizens, crowd logistics can provide low-cost (Rechavi and Toch, 2022) and quick delivery services that are especially appealing for cargo shipments and the distribution of commodities, such as groceries and foods (Dablanc et al, 2017). Consequently, the success of crowd logistics is contingent on the creation and success of a local network of crowd driver-partners (Roussat et al, 2023) in cities that are sufficiently dense to ensure timely delivery (Rai et al, 2017;Mittal et al, 2021).…”

“…By promoting collaboration and distribution through community-based online platforms (Hamari et al, 2016), the sharing economy brings down both the compensation for accessing products and services as well as consumer demand for resources (Martin, 2016). In other words, the sharing economy brings people into the "crowd community and gives them the opportunity to change from owning goods to having access to or using them (like car sharing or car rental) and also lets people recycle, sell, or share their items (Roussat et al, 2023). Thus, the sharing economy provides a solution to sustainable consumption and an equitable economy (Hamari et al, 2016;Martin, 2016;B€ ocker and Meelen, 2017;Tirachini, 2020;Betti Sorbelli et al, 2022;Roussat et al, 2023).…”

“…In other words, the sharing economy brings people into the "crowd community and gives them the opportunity to change from owning goods to having access to or using them (like car sharing or car rental) and also lets people recycle, sell, or share their items (Roussat et al, 2023). Thus, the sharing economy provides a solution to sustainable consumption and an equitable economy (Hamari et al, 2016;Martin, 2016;B€ ocker and Meelen, 2017;Tirachini, 2020;Betti Sorbelli et al, 2022;Roussat et al, 2023).…”

“…, 2016), the sharing economy brings down both the compensation for accessing products and services as well as consumer demand for resources (Martin, 2016). In other words, the sharing economy brings people into the “crowd community and gives them the opportunity to change from owning goods to having access to or using them (like car sharing or car rental) and also lets people recycle, sell, or share their items (Roussat et al. , 2023).…”

“…, 2023). Thus, the sharing economy provides a solution to sustainable consumption and an equitable economy (Hamari et al ., 2016; Martin, 2016; Böcker and Meelen, 2017; Tirachini, 2020; Betti Sorbelli et al ., 2022; Roussat et al ., 2023).…”