What is e-commerce?

                                 
                                        E-commerce is a way for any size of organization to do business over the internet, selling products or services,
                taking payment and providing customer support. But about the whole process of finding and relating to customers – 
                before, during and after the sale


      E-commerce website

• EBay
  
• Amazon
• Wal-Mart
  

          Clicks and mortar

               > ’pure-click’  

               Pure click companies are companies, which have their business    segments only in online markets. 

               The most prominent companies are EBay and Amazon. These companies have ONLY an online model and no offline model. EBay does not sell products 
               offline and neither does Amazon.

               ‘Clicks and bricks’


       Definition of 'Brick and Mortar': >>Offline business

                          A traditional "street-side" business that deals with its customers face to face in an office or store that the business owns or rents. The local grocery store 
           and  the corner bank are examples of "brick and mortar" companies. Brick and mortar businesses can find it difficult to compete with web-based businesses 
           because the latter usually have lower operating costs and greater flexibility.


       E- commerce and Payments

                          Internet payment processing services such as PayPal are available. There are easy to set up and are widely used, but they cost more than directly 
            accepting debit or credit cards.

•  WebMoney
  
• Payoneer
  
• Moneybookers
  

 
       Types of products sold through e-commerce

                           Efficient packaging, transport and delivery of products are an important aspect of e-commerce, particularly for delicate or expensive products.

• Microsoft
  
• iTunes
  

        E-commerce and customer service

                           Efficient selling and good support are two key elements in building lasting customer relationship. The most successful e-businesses are those 
            which have a customer base which feels valued, are which is rewarded for loyalty.

        
          Other E-commerce

    Online Auction:

                       The internet made auction accessible to a large number of buyer and seller

    Internet banking:

                       Website with bank accounts and by extension credit card

    Online ticketing:

                       Ticket can be booked online.


        Benefits of e-commerce

1.  The business can operate on a global scale
2. Save the company money
3. The business has no time barriers (the internet never sleep)
4. The customer  has greater power
5. Ideal for niche products
6. Environmental Benefits
   

        
        Disadvantages of E-commerce

• Data security
  
• Data privacy
  
• Some product do not sell well over the net
  
• Some customers like to shop in the high street