E-commerce definition
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "e-commerce definition"
E-Commerce Definition: Electronic Commerce Explained
E-Commerce Meaning and Core Concepts
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying, selling, and exchanging of goods, services, and information through electronic networks, primarily the Internet. It involves conducting business transactions using digital technologies, such as websites, electronic data interchange (EDI), and online payment systems, allowing companies and consumers to interact and trade without physical presence 1Moundekar2020Bhumika2022+3 MORE.
Types and Scope of E-Commerce
E-commerce covers a wide range of activities and can be defined both broadly and narrowly. The broadest definitions include all electronic transactions and the infrastructure that supports them, such as hardware, software, and network systems. A narrower definition focuses specifically on the online purchase and sale of goods and services, regardless of whether payment or delivery occurs online Semerádová2022Trushkina2020Bidgoli2013. E-commerce is often seen as a subset of e-business, which includes not only commercial transactions but also business processes like customer support and supply chain management Trushkina2020Kedah2023.
E-Commerce Models and Interactions
There are several main types of e-commerce models:
- Business-to-Business (B2B): Transactions between companies.
- Business-to-Consumer (B2C): Sales from businesses directly to consumers.
- Business-to-Government (B2G): Businesses providing goods or services to government agencies.
- Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Individuals selling to other individuals, often through online marketplaces.
- Mobile Commerce (M-commerce): Transactions conducted via mobile devices 1Bhumika2022.
Key Features and Technologies
E-commerce relies on a dynamic set of technologies, applications, and business processes. These include online shopping carts, digital payment systems (credit cards, electronic funds transfer), and secure data transmission. E-commerce platforms enable users to browse products, compare prices, and place orders from anywhere with Internet access, making shopping more convenient and accessible 1Moundekar2020Muhammad2023+1 MORE.
E-Commerce vs. Traditional Commerce
Unlike traditional commerce, which requires physical presence and manual effort, e-commerce allows transactions to occur electronically, saving time and reducing the need for travel. This shift has made shopping and business operations more efficient and has expanded market reach for both companies and consumers Moundekar2020Dudhal2020.
Conclusion
E-commerce is the process of conducting business transactions electronically, using digital technologies and the Internet to connect buyers, sellers, and intermediaries. It encompasses a variety of models and activities, from online retail to business-to-business exchanges, and continues to evolve as technology advances 1Semerádová2022Trushkina2020+5 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic