E-Commerce is simply the trading of products and services over electronic or digital media, such as the internet. Essentially, we know E-Commerce businesses as ‘online shopping’ as it usually involves a buyer and a seller making a transaction of money through digital means for either a product or service.
E-Commerce originated back in the 1960s which is a period when businesses started to use Electronic Data Interchange or ‘EDI’ to transmit documents. The growth of online businesses began in the 1990s and has revolutionised the way we purchase and sell goods today. Online shopping has become extremely convenient and simple, as anyone with access to the internet can shop around without needing to leave their home. The adoption of mobile e-commerce also means that you can shop from anywhere and anytime, as long as you have a mobile device connected to the internet.
What are the Different Types of E-Commerce Websites?
There are various types of e-commerce websites for every sector, with the most common type of website being retail. There are also many other e-commerce websites such as marketplaces, auctions, business to business services, consultancy websites and more.
Here are some of the different types of e-commerce website:
- Business to Business (B2B) – Business to business e-commerce websites facilitate the transactions of products or services between companies through electronic means. An example of this website would be Alibaba, an e-commerce website for selling materials and supplies to businesses, third parties, and even to individuals.
- Business to Consumer (B2C) – Business to consumer is the electronic transaction of products or services between businesses and the customers. An example of this is Amazon, where businesses can list products to sell to customers.
- Consumer to Consumer (C2C) – Consumer to consumer e-commerce is the transaction of goods through electronic means between individuals or third parties. An example of this is eBay. This platform allows individuals or businesses to sell products to each other.
- Consumer to Business (C2B) – Consumer to business e-commerce website facilitate the electronic transactions of goods between individuals and business or companies. An example of this is Amazon Affiliates. This is a service which allows website owners to earn money by promoting products that are for sale on Amazon.
What are the Advantages of E-Commerce Websites?
There is always an increasing need to have an online store, with many businesses taking advantage of electronic channels to expand their reach. Customers are expecting businesses to have a presence online so it’s important to meet the customer’s expectations with an online store where they can conveniently shop around from the comfort of their own home or wherever they may be with whatever personal device they want to use. Not only can this provide unmatched convenience for customers, it can also help your business save money.
Here are some advantages of having an e-commerce website:
- Convenience & Simplicity – This is one of the main advantages of having an e-commerce website, as for many people around the world, they enjoy shopping online because they don’t need to leave the comfort of their own homes. Online stores are easily accessible from anywhere and anytime.
- Staying Competitive – As more businesses take advantage of e-commerce, your competitors may consider the option to sell online. This is where you can stay competitive. By having an online store for your customers, you are expanding your presence and the accessibility to your products or services.
- Decreasing Costs – A major benefit of an online store is that it can help you and your customers save money. If you have an e-commerce website, then you already have an electronic channel of advertisement, meaning that you won’t necessarily need to spend as much on marketing or advertising. For customers, this means that they won’t need to travel to your stores as much to buy products, saving them travel costs.
Contact Develo Design for E-Commerce Website Design & Development
If you need to discuss your requirements for e-commerce web design and development, then please get in touch with one of our friendly experts and we will be glad to help. Our designers take the time to understand your business and your needs in order to assist with your e-commerce website development.
Call us on 0121 663 0817 or email us at info@develodesign.co.uk.
