E-commerce, which has become one of the biggest industries in today’s world, has been growing exponentially since the initial online transaction was made almost 25 years ago.
E-commerce has become so common that many people may never realize that they are involved in an online transaction.
E-commerce is a broad term that can be hard to define. But ecommerce is expanding at a rapid rate, so understanding what constitutes a transaction in ecommerce is critical for most businesses.
What does e-commerce mean?
The purchasing and selling of goods and/or services using the internet. This definition requires that money and information be transferred online.
This definition leaves out the implications of what isn’t considered ecommerce. The fact that a company exists online does not mean they are involved with e-commerce.
A transaction via ecommerce doesn’t need a business. All that is required is two parties who complete the transaction online. E-commerce may refer to anything from a sales transaction to drop shipping.
It is important for businesses to learn about different types of electronic commerce in order to understand the impact of ecommerce development service.
Business-to-business (b2b)
B2b e-commerce is one of most widespread types. This is when two businesses exchange goods or service.
B2b transactions could be a mining company purchasing equipment at a heavy machinery manufacturer or a business receiving supply-chain logistics services.
Business-to-consumer (b2c)
B2c is probably the most commonly used form of online commerce. A business sells a product to a consumer.
B2c ecommerce allows for the purchase of goods. B2c transactions can include purchasing physical goods on amazon.
B2c shoppers often choose goods and services that are low in price. Research shows that customers value affordable and expedient shipping.
Facebook commerce
Social media’s growth has changed the face of e-commerce. Facebook, the most popular social media site, realized it could increase its user base by providing a platform to sell and purchase goods and services. Facebook-commerce was born. F-commerce does not refer to Facebook. However, it is used frequently to describe ecommerce via social media sites.
F-commerce may include other types, like b2b or 2c, much in the same way as m-commerce. F-commerce could also include sales made through a mobile device, such as via Facebook.
F-commerce does not command the same market as other types, but it could also be because it’s relatively new. F-commerce is a market where ecommerce companies are always looking to expand.
E-commerce’s effect on business
The rapid growth of online commerce has forced businesses to change their long-term strategies. Online sales are more complicated than traditional in-person sales. Shipping is the most important.
Businesses must be attentive to their supply chains if they are to fulfill their customers’ shipping requirements. Because someday shipping is now available, traditional supply chains can’t be efficient enough to keep businesses in business. E-commerce businesses don’t often have the funds to keep their own fleet, manage and own their warehouses, or hire employees at each stage of shipping.
E-commerce does not always require that goods are shipped on time. But, those who do rely heavily on 3pl partnerships to reduce costs while increase efficiency.