Ordering and pricing decisions for perishable goods retailer with zero‐inventory and capital constraints

Abstract

AbstractConsidering the restriction of optimal profit realizing due to capital constraints in the perishable supply chain, this paper discusses two financing models, crowdfunding financing and bank credit financing from the small–medium enterprise (SME) bank, for the dynamic ordering and pricing system of perishable goods in zero‐inventory under capital constraints. Heuristics algorithms are designed to solve the model. In dynamic crowdfunding financing, retailers bear different demand for capital in different periods and the capital gap for the retailer will narrow over time. In the SME financing model, the requirement for capital depends on retail size. We characterize the conditions of the financing preference between crowdfunding and SME financing channel. Smaller retailers, relative to the bigger players, are more willing to assure higher financing returns to gain the investment.