Silin Styles makes sports clothing, such as tracksuits, for both the home market and export markets.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2013). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] (a) (i) Any two reasons × 1 mark each –
2. so that it can use mass production methods
3. so that workers become skilled at one part of the process/efficiency
4. so that output is increased
5. so that standardised products can be produced
6. so that mechanisation/technology can be used
7. so that a uniform quality may be achieved
8. to save costs
9. to save time
10. to save moving people around
11. any other relevant reason
12. [2] (a) (ii) Any two ways × 1 mark each –
13. cutting out the cloth
14. stitching it together
15. inserting elastic
16. inserting zippers
17. adding trim
18. adding any buttons
19. adding maker's label
20. using good quality cloth
21. waterproofing
22. adding more pockets
23. adding hood
24. putting designs on tracksuits
25. any other relevant way
26. [6] (b) Any six points × 1 mark each or three well developed points × 2 marks each –
27. shorter distances are likely to be involved so savings on transport
28. payments in the same currency would be easier and the methods of payment simpler
29. documentation is likely to be less complicated
30. no need for customs clearance and for storage in bonded warehouses
31. fewer trading restrictions such as quotas
32. able to sell in smaller quantities and make changes to orders more easily
33. may be able to communicate more easily with the buyer who might visit the factory
34. more familiar with the customs/tastes of the home market
35. there is no language barrier
36. any other relevant point
37. [4] (c) Any two reasons explained × 2 marks –
38. wholesalers deal in larger bulk
39. by using the wholesalers, the tracksuits may end up being sold through many different outlets in all kinds of shops e.g. small-scale retailers
40. the large-scale retailers may have been too demanding in terms of price and what they required of the product/wholesalers offer better prices
41. purchasing by the wholesalers means that production lines are cleared and then wholesaler provides the warehousing for the tracksuits
42. they may not have produced enough to satisfy the demands of both large-scale retailers and of wholesalers
43. they may have decided that it would be more profitable to sell abroad than to sell to large-scale retailers
44. wholesalers provide transport so easier distribution
45. reducing costs such as administration
46. any other relevant point
47. [6] (d) Level 2 (4-6 marks) Has discussed some of the commercial services (minimum of two) in relation to the sports clothing and has shown whether or not they are necessary for the sports clothing to reach the consumer. Commercial services are aids to trade such as communication, banking, transport, advertising, warehousing and insurance. Silin Styles manufactures the sports clothing and in order for these goods to reach the consumer, commercial services are needed. In order for the clothing to reach the consumer, transport is needed. Transport will be used to bring the sports clothing to the shops where it is on display. Many consumers will use transport such as cars to reach the shops. Communication with potential customers is also essential. Many consumers may buy online. If they require further information, they will contact the retailer before making a decision about their purchases. The sports clothing may need to be stored awaiting sale or transport. It will need to be stored so that it is available when the consumer requires it. Finance relating to the purchase of sports clothing is unlikely to be required by the consumer but payments may be organised through banks or payment made using credit cards. The clothing may be insured by the retailer so that in the event of loss, compensation will be paid. This would not be essential for the transaction between the retailer and the consumer to take place. But in order for the clothing to be made known to buyers, advertising must be used to inform and persuade potential customers. It can, therefore, be seen that some of the commercial services are very necessary if the sports clothing is to reach the consumer. Other commercial services help the trade between the retailer and the consumer to take place but are not essential. Level 1 (1-3 marks) Has commented on some commercial services in relation to the sports clothing. Goods are made in manufacturing industry. So that goods are sold, commercial services are needed. Manufacturers will advertise their goods. Goods will be transported. Goods will be stored before they are sold. Commercial services are needed.