So, what is E-Commerce?

 

In simple terms, e-commerce is defined as the online transaction of business where an online seller (business) enters into a transaction with the online buyer (consumer), using computer systems (either a personal computer, Laptop, mobile, handheld e-pad or other internet/intranet connected device).  Electronic transactions involve the transfer of ownership or rights to use a product, service or facility. As the use of the internet has become common place, most people have become familiar with e-commerce or business-to-consumer electronic business (B2C). Prime examples of e-commerce sites include ebay, amazon, waterstones and, in more recent years, the supermarket giants have established their online presence via e-commerce

 

E-commerce can be divided into:

 

• Business-to-business buying and selling (B2B)
  • Most commonly is E-tailing (a twist of the word retail).  E-tailing involves the build and design of a website 'storefront' where internet users browse the 'virtual store' as they would a catalogue.  e-buyers then add items to a 'virtual cart' and pay for the product(s) when they checkout.
• Business-to-consumer selling (B2C)
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), the business-to-business exchange of data
    e-mail and fax and their subsequent use as media for reaching prospects and established customers (for example, with newsletters, email contact and information/marketing campaigns).