E-commerce
E-commerce covers the buying and selling of products or services through digital channels
What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.
What it is and how it works
It brings together catalogue, transaction, payment, delivery and customer service, with models for businesses and consumers. Designing an online shop requires coordinating experience and operations. Conversion loses value if delivery, returns or support do not live up to what was promised.
Topics
Variants and linked concepts
- Shopping basket. The basket lets people review a selection before buying. It should show prices, quantities and conditions clearly.
- B2B e-commerce. B2B e-commerce may involve negotiated prices, purchasing permissions and approvals. Its design should reflect the real process.
- E-commerce manager. E-commerce management coordinates catalogue, acquisition, operations and experience, with responsibilities that vary by organisation.
- Abandoned baskets. Basket abandonment may be due to costs, doubts, comparison or technical problems. The cause should be investigated before intervening.
- M-commerce. Mobile commerce takes place on mobile devices. It needs to address touch interaction, context, performance and task continuity.