Any website that allows people to buy and sell physical and/or digital products and services over the internet, instead of a physical location, is an eCommerce website. An eCommerce website accepts payments, manages orders, shipping, logistics and all other elements that allow people to buy and sell.
Much like a traditional brick-and-mortar store, an eCommerce website allows buyers and sellers to do business transactions, but it all happens over the internet. eCommerce websites, also known as online stores, are thus changing the way people do business today, allowing for greater reach and easier accessibility.
Types of eCommerce website models
Although the purpose of every eCommerce website is the same – to buy and sell products and services online – the type varies depending on the business model.
Business-to-Consumer (B2C) – a business sells its products/services directly to the end user/consumer.
Business-to-Business (B2B) – a business sells its products/services to another business. This could include selling to a wholesaler, a distributor or a retailer.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) – Often known as a marketplace, C2C allows consumers to buy and sell goods from other consumers directly.
Consumer-to-Business (C2B) – a consumer offers goods or services to businesses.
It doesn’t matter where your customers live or where your store is located – it’s accessible for anyone and everyone, globally!.
Key features of an eCommerce website
All eCommerce websites must be able to perform certain key functions that assist the process of buying and selling, these include:
– Accepting orders
– Receiving payments
– Providing shipping and logistics details
– Offering customer service
How an eCommerce website offers these features or how much more they offer is an individual business decision. For example, an eCommerce website may choose to offer different payment options, or an AI-powered virtual shopping experience – there is so much and more one can do. However, the four basic features listed above are necessary and common to all eCommerce websites.
Now that you know what an eCommerce website is, what the types of eCommerce websites and basic elements are, let’s look at why you should consider getting an eCommerce website for your business.
Why do you need an online store?
If you already run a physical business, it’s understandable that you’re wondering, ‘Why do I need an eCommerce website?’
And if you are about to start a business, you may be wondering why be online and not set up a physical store.
Well, you can do both! If you have the scope, the time and the bandwidth to run both a physical and online store, that’s great – you can enjoy the benefits and joys of both. However, a physical business can be restricting. Unlike an eCommerce website, which does not restrict you in terms of location, exposure, customers, reach or growth.
Think about it. There are only so many people who can visit your store. These are customers who probably live in your locality, city or even state. However, with an eCommerce website it doesn’t matter where your customers live or where your store is located – it’s accessible for anyone and everyone, globally!
Leave feedback about this