Decision-making in cross-border e-commerce supply chains and coordination under revenue sharing and deferred payment contracts

Deferred payment and revenue-sharing contracts are significantly important for promoting the collaboration and the management of retail export supply chains for cross-border e-commerce. This research addresses the real-world challenges faced by managers in this domain by using a joint optimization model to investigate the best ordering and pricing tactics within cross-border e-commerce retail export supply chains, particularly taking into account export tax rebates and import tariffs. Our findings reveal that while revenue-sharing contracts and deferred payment mechanisms can significantly enhance supply chain profitability, their effectiveness is contingent on variables such as export rebate rates, tariffs, and tariff transfer factors. The practical implications of this study suggest that business administrators should carefully assess these factors when designing contracts to ensure robust supply chain coordination. When traditional contract mechanisms fail, hybrid approaches combining revenue-sharing and deferred payment can offer superior outcomes, thus providing a strategic advantage in volatile markets. These insights are crucial for managers seeking to navigate the complexities of international trade and optimize their supply chain performance.