Skip Navigation

The Basics of E-Commerce

The Basics of E-Commerce

E-commerce is fast on the rise as a viable business model. Here are its basics.

Mid a world of buying and selling, e-commerce is ever-rising as a successful business model. In the first quarter of 2018, e-commerce sales were over 9% of total retail sales. It is expected to rise to 14% of total sales by 2021. What really is e-commerce, anyway? There’s more to it than meets the eye. 

What Is E-Commerce?

E-commerce is short for “electronic commerce.” Whether based on a brick-and-mortar store, or depending solely on a website for a storefront, businesses can make and accept electronic transactions through a series of simple clicks. Of course, this method of making purchases is so common now that its process needs little explanation, considering the major role that Amazon and others play in the market. For entrepreneurs and businesses, however, this is a set-up that can accomplish specific goals. For example, their market can reach a targeted audience around the globe, 24/7. It may also be less of a cost than establishing a physical storefront. 

Types of E-Commerce

In light of these goals, there are several types, or subsets, of e-commerce. There are three main types: business to consumer (B2C), business to business (B2B), and consumer to consumer (C2C). 

The business to consumer model is the one we are most familiar with. The business owner must set up a payment method on their website so that consumers can safely make purchases through their credit, debit, or gift card. With several clicks, business is swift and efficient. Subsets of this model include f-commerce (Facebook commerce) and m-commerce (mobile commerce).

Business to business commerce works on a bigger scale of transactions. A good example is that of a car repair shop ordering auto parts from a manufacturer. While people once ordered beforehand in bulk, orders are now automated to restock every time the inventory reaches a minimum supply level.

Consumer to consumer, meanwhile, is the online version of the auction. eBay is a good example of this, in which consumers bid to attain a product.  

The Whole Gamut

The base and types of e-commerce only scratch the surface when it comes to this type of business. While many think that e-commerce is all about procuring or creating products and selling them, there is so much more that goes into an online store. E-commerce is the whole gamut: creation, graphic design, marketing, customer service, packaging, shipping, and more.

Trust FORMost Events & Promotions for Print and Marketing Needs Today!

FORMost Graphic Communications proudly provides high-quality print and marketing solutions that produce results for your business. Since 1985, we have been providing an array of services for both national and international clients across a wide variety of industries, including all levels of government. As a privately-held company based in the Washington DC area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional services and products to each of our clients’ unique marketing needs. To learn more about our products and services for your marketing and print needs, contact us today at 301-424-4242, or visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin for more information.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 16th, 2019 at 4:19 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.