E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods, services, or data over the internet using digital storefronts, marketplaces, or social media channels. In today’s retail landscape, online sales drive trillions of dollars annually, with mobile purchases alone accounting for over 60% of all e-commerce transactions. Core Business Models
E-commerce is categorized based on the entities involved in the transaction:
B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Retailers selling directly to individual end-users (e.g., shopping on Amazon or Nike).
B2B (Business-to-Business): Trade between companies, such as wholesalers selling inventory to retailers.
C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Individuals selling to other individuals via third-party digital marketplaces like eBay or Etsy.
D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): Manufacturers cutting out middlemen to sell directly through their own online stores. Key Revenue & Fulfillment Methods
How products are managed and delivered varies heavily by business strategy: