Electronic commerce impacts how transactions are carried out between B2C and B2B models. There are many understandable concerns to justify why most transactions still live outside the realm of E-commerce.

Some basic filtering can be applied to end users who don’t fit into the B2C model: Never tried it, too complicated, slow Internet connection, new/unfamiliar vendor, or simply more comfortable dealing with people. In some cases, finding the product is a challenge. And because of competitive reasons the price and product information is not always available, users prefer to go to actual stores and see it for themselves. In these cases, it is probably just a matter of time before they will be exposed. In that likely case, the highest ranking reasons behind not using E-Commerce enabled sites rest behind credit card fraud and identity theft.

Several technical factors scare off the potential user base. For one, the server hosting the requests (this includes proxy servers, as well) logs various attributes about the consumer; some of which are easily accessible. A lower risk but potentially dangerous compromise exists in the cookies stored by browsers which may be used to determine a subset of previously mentioned attributes in server logs. In addition to these basic technical factors, the human factor also exists. Responsibility is on the business when it comes to properly managing their employees, making sure they do not store unencrypted credit card information on their hard drives. At this level it doesn’t matter how strong the system is – the weakest link rests with the employees.

The good news is that there have been significant progressions toward assuring security amongst consumers. Commercial transactions can exist without processing credit card numbers through various programs such as DigiCash.

As far as B2B is concerned, many of the worries existing in B2C still hold true. Accounting systems come into play on both sides which make matters a little more complex. With the range in varying systems between communicating business systems, some standards have been put into place. A Value-added Network Service (VAN) is a hosted service acting as an intermediary between business partners sharing standards. Despite this support, there still exist many interoperability issues which prevent the businesses to successfully operate long term.

E-Commerce does have its benefits. Stores are opened virtually around the clock providing extremely fast service and up to date information about a desired product. A tighter feedback loop can be created through customer feedback in order to improve service, and advertising can increase impulses to purchase one product over another if the price is right.

Electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, means buying and selling products and services over the Internet. It is generally thought of as the sales aspect of electronic business and includes the exchange of information concerning the finance and payment aspects of transactions.

Nowadays, this concept involves everything from buying digital content such as software, music or movies for immediate usage to ordering conventional goods that will be shipped afterward, and various types of services. Another good example would be online banking, which is the management of personal finances through a special platform that allows users to shop, pay bills and transfer money from one account to another.

Buying products and services online has got many upsides. First of all, you can do it sitting at home in your pajamas, without having to travel to a store. Then, it is easier for you to compare prices between multiple vendors and analyze the products you are going to buy. Some websites also offer you the chance to read customer reviews, so you can learn from their experience. The only disadvantage is that you can’t have any kind of direct contact with the merchandise, such as smelling, touching or trying it on. While this won’t be a problem for many items, it can sometimes interfere with you buying stuff like clothes or cosmetics.

E-commerce has got a great deal of advantages for sellers as well. First of all, it lowers costs, as the company doesn’t have to open as many stores and pay employees to handle the sales. Secondly, it is easier for professionals to analyze the customers from a statistic point of view and elaborate reports based on the results. Still, the disadvantage is that it may be harder to attract customers to your website than to a physical store. Also, you will need to implement a sound security system so as to keep all of your and the customers’ data safe.

Finally, know that, while e-commerce might work perfectly for some types of businesses, that might not necessarily be the case for you. Take some time and analyze the needs of your company and the economical environment, then make an informed decision. This way, you won’t risk investing money in a strategy that doesn’t increase your profits.

E-Commerce is booming, and you can use credit card processing to grow your business online. E-Commerce credit card processing provides your business respectability and purchase convenience that can increase your sales by over 23% tests have shown. Let us examine how accepting credit cards can help your E-commerce business.

E-Commerce Credit Card Processing Increases Trust

When your business accepts Visa or Mastercards online it provides an instant boost in perception to your customer where perception is everything, and trust is king. A potential customer is given the truthful impression that providing value and convenience is your concern and that you are more than just a weekend hobbyist that cannot be relied upon to meet their needs. It’s dramatic, but true, sales have been shown to increase by 23% per transactions simply by providing payment processing capabilities.

As an E-Commerce professional, you have come to realize that trust and reliability are hard won online. Your customer, no matter your product, has countless of other websites that they can spend their hard earned money on your product or service, so why do they want to shop with you? The major hurdle to online business success is trust.

With all the scams and half efforts that exist, you must work to set your business apart from the herd, and an E-Commerce business that provides secure credit card processing does that.

You prove to your customer that you are a real business, with real costs and that you expect sales. When you expect sales you get sales. Statistically the numbers back up the need for accepting Visa and MasterCard for your E-Commerce business to grow. In some cases, sales are shown to jump by over 30% with no other changes than accepting credit cards.

Make Buying Easy

So why is there such an increase in the sales for an E-Commerce site that sets up a merchant account and starts processing credit cards? The experts believe it has to do with ease of purchase along with perception. You have done the hard work convincing your customer of the need for Read the rest of this entry »

E-Commerce

Introduction

An e-commerce solution for a business is the incorporation of all aspects of the business operation into an electronic format. Many well-established businesses have been selling on-line for years. For example, Dell Computers Corp., has been selling computers directly to end-users for years. Currently, Dell is selling excessive of 1 million dollars worth of computers everyday on the World Wide Web (WWW).

When a business has incorporated an e-commerce solution, the business will experience a lower operation cost while at the same time increasing its profit. The e-commerce solution will allow businesses to eliminate unnecessary paperwork. All paperwork and data can be transformed into an electronic format. Thus, it will eliminate valuable shelf space and data can searched and accessed in matter of seconds. E-commerce will also automates the sales process. Customers can “point & click” on the products they wish to purchase, fill out the customer information, and the product will be shipped and received in a matter of few days. The administration department does not have to fill out any paperwork because the customer had done it already. Thus, the efficiency will be greatly improved. With an e-commerce solution, the business will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People from anywhere in the world with an Internet access will be able to visit the site at any time. They will not be restricted to the “normal” business operating hours. A “brick + mortar” business is normally limited to serving the customers in its local geographical location. With an e-commerce solution, that business will not be limited a geographical restriction, rather it opens itself to the global on-line market. Essentially, the business’ market exposure will be greatly increased.

In conducting my study, I have researched extensively on the Internet for resources. I chose the Internet as my primary research medium because e-commerce is still a fairly new technology. Since it is technology related, the Internet will provide the most recent data available. Printed publications will not be able to adapt to changes as fast and efficient as electronic publications. I researched many e-commerce related web sites along with some companies that conduct statistical studies. Some of the e-commerce web sites that I looked into are E-Commerce Times, eRetail, and eMarketer. The statistical research firms that I researched are Forrester Research and Jupiter Communication. Both firms provided valuable statistical data that shows the rise of consumers shopping on-line and the predicted dollar amount that will be spent in the coming years.

Methods

In conducting my study, I completed the following tasks:

- I searched extensively on the Internet for sites that are e-commerce related. Upon visiting the sites, I evaluated each sites for the contents, thoroughness, and objectiveness. There are literally hundreds of sites that are devoted to e-commerce. However, after my careful examination of most of them, I narrowed down to four sites that I will research for this report.

- I have also researched many firms that conducts statistical researches. The two firms that I will be utilizing for this report are Forrester Research and Jupiter Communication. Both firms are known for their preciseness, non-objectiveness, and thoroughness. The statistical data I collected from these two firms will support my recommendation that every business should have an e-commerce solution implemented.

Results

From my research, I have developed twenty reasons why every business should incorporate an e-commerce solution into the business operation. They are listed below.

1. To Establish A Presence

There are approximately 70 million people worldwide that have access to the World Wide Web (WWW). No matter what industry or business one is in, one can not ignore 70 million people. To be part of that on-line community, one would need to be on the WWW for them. Because if one doe not do it, one’s competitor definitely will.

2. To Network

A lot of what passes for business is simply nothing more than making connections with other people. Every smart businessperson knows, it is not what one knows, it is whom one knows. Passing out one’s business card is part of every good meeting and every businessperson can tell more than one story how a chance meeting turned into the big deal. Well, what if one could pass out the business card to thousands, maybe millions of potential clients and partners, saying this is what I do and if you are ever in need of my services, this is how you can reach me. One can, 24 hours a day, inexpensively and simply, on the WWW.

3. To Make Business Information Available

What is basic business information? Think of a Yellow Pages ad. What are one’s business hours? What does one do? How can someone contact the business? What method of payment does one take? Where is the business located at? Now think of a Yellow Pages ad where one can have instant communication. What is today’s special? Today’s interest rate? Next week’s parking lot sale information? If one could keep one’s customer informed of every reason why they should do business with them, doesn’t one think one could do more business? One can on the WWW.

4. To Serve The Customers

Making business information available is one of the most important ways to serve the customers. But if one looks at serving the customer, one will find even more ways to use WWW technology. How about making forms available to pre-qualify for loans, or have one’s staff do a search for that classic jazz record one’s customer is looking for, without tying up one’s staff on the phone to take down the information? Allow the customer to punch in sizes and check it against a database that tells him what color of jacket is available in one’s store? All this can be done, simply and quickly, on the WWW.

5. To Heighten Public Interest

One won’t get Newsweek magazine to write up about one’s local store opening, but one might get them to write up one’s Web Page address if it is something new and interesting. Even if Newsweek would write about one’s local store opening, one would not benefit from someone in a distant city reading about it, unless of course, they were coming to one’s town sometime soon. With Web page information, anybody anywhere who can access the internet and hears about one’s site is a potential visitor to one’s Web site and a potential customer for one’s information there.

6. To Release Time Sensitive Material

What if one’s materials need to be released no earlier than midnight? The quarterly earnings statement, the grand prize winner, the press kit for the much anticipated film, the merger news? Well, one sent out the materials to the press with “The-do-not-release-before-such-and-such-time” statement and hope for the best. Now the information can be made available at midnight or any time one specifies, with all related materials such as photographs, bios, etc. released at exactly the same time. Imagine the anticipation of “All materials will be made available on our Web site at 12:01 AM”. The scoop goes to those that wait for the information to be posted, not the one who releases one’s information early.

7. To Sell Things

Many people think that this is the number one thing to do with the World Wide Web. However, I have made it number seven to make it clear that I think one should consider selling things on the Internet and the World Wide Web after one has done all the things above. Why? Read the rest of this entry »

E Commerce, a term that is almost on everybody’s lips these days irrespective of the fact whether they know what it is exactly or how it works. So what is E Commerce?

At it’s most simplistic level; eCommerce is simply the buying and selling of goods, services or information via the World Wide Web, email or other pathways on the Internet. To be very clear lets say you are in the mood of shopping today and you switch on your PC, connect to internet and open the homepage of a website and browse for the product you are looking for. If you happen to find something you wish to buy, you pay for it online, no traffic, no hustle bustle of the market nothing. You did it all by sitting in front of your PC. Electronic commerce or e-commerce consists of the buying, selling, marketing, and servicing of products or services over computer networks.

According to Forrester Research (as cited in Kessler, 2003), electronic commerce generated sales worth US $12.2 billion in 2003. The meaning of e-commerce changed with time from commercial transactions electronically to the purchase of goods and services over the World Wide Web via secure servers (SSL communications) with e-shopping carts and Read the rest of this entry »

The word e-commerce is the abbreviation of Electronic Commerce. It is also known as electronic marketing, and involves buying and selling of products and services through the means of an electronic system, such as, the Internet. In its simplest form, e-commerce performs the work of commerce electronically.

With the widespread use of the Internet, the amount of trade carried electronically has grown to substantial levels. E-commerce is usually the sales aspect of e-business. It also contains exchange of data, which helps facilitate the payment and financing ways of business transactions.

Segments of E-commerce

E-commerce is not constrained to limited groups. It can be among many groups and hence, there are not one or two types of e-commerce, but plenty of them, such as, Business-to-Business (B2B), Business to consumer (B2C), Peer-to-Peer (P2P), Consumer to consumer (C2C) and m-commerce.

1. Business-to-Business (B2B): This is one of the biggest forms of e-commerce, which has a business turnover of trillions of dollars. As the name itself indicates, in B2B, both the buyers as well as the sellers are business entities. It doesn’t include an individual consumer. In business to business, the manufacturer supplies goods to the wholesaler or to the retailer. For instance, say a leading computer giant sells computers and associated accessories on the Internet, but it doesn’t manufacture all the products. Hence, in order to sell these products, it first buys them from various other businesses such as the manufacturers.

2. Business to Consumer (B2C): It is a type of e-commerce, which involves businesses and consumers. It is one of the most common segments of e-commerce. As you can make out from the name, here, online services sell their products or services to individual consumers. In this segment, marketers and online retailers can sell their products or services to online consumers with the help of a transparent data made available to consumers by them through the means of different online marketing techniques. This segment of e-commerce has grown exponentially since the mid-90s.

3. Peer-to-Peer (P2P): It is more than a segment of e-commerce; it is a technology in its own sense. In Peer to peer, people can directly share computer resources and computer files sans any central web server. The only requisite is both the sides need to install the required software to communicate on the same fence. Because of its free usage ability, cyber laws have grappled it.

4. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): In this, the online transaction of goods and services takes place between two people. Though it does not contain any visible intermediary, parties cannot carry out a transaction without a base provided by some or other online marketer.

5. M-Commerce: In this segment, mobile devices are used to conduct transactions. The mobile device holders contact each other and carry out their business transactions.

Apart from these, there are also various other segments of e-commerce such as Government to Business (G2B), Government to Citizen (G2C) and Business to Employee (B2E). However, all of these are almost very much similar to the above-mentioned segments in functioning.

Advantages of E-commerce

E-commerce provides huge advantages to business entities as well as consumers. Some of them are as follows:

Ability to do business 24×7 and 365 days a year: The systems of e-commerce operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. People can log on to Internet at any point in time, and buy and sell anything just by a click of mouse. Hence, it provides tremendous exposure to any business.

Tap the world market: Internet is used globally, and hence, it is possible to do business with any person or business that has access to Internet. Through e-commerce, even small local businesses can market and sell their products at an international level.

Chance for reducing costs: The Internet has made shopping of products and services easier and cheaper. Through online research, people can recognize the original manufacturers of some of the goods and can bypass wholesalers and obtain goods at a much lower price. Read the rest of this entry »

Want to sell something online? Try Custom Joomla e-commerce development. E-commerce or electronic commerce is no longer restricted to a few top multinationals. It has become one of the hottest trends in sales of products and services. Joomla developers can do wonders for you by developing highly interactive e-commerce websites and shopping carts for you, which will not only attract visitors but also give them a wonderful shopping experience.

Most small and medium businesses are getting their e-commerce websites developed to take on their giant competitors. This gives the small and medium businesses a chance to cater to a larger audience and not be bound by geographic constrains. Joomla has emerged as a frontrunner when it comes to the development e-commerce websites. Most of the small and medium businesses prefer this technology to others for their custom development projects. Every year thousands of websites are developed using Joomla, which are making their way into the market. Read the rest of this entry »

E-commerce or Electric Commerce, is one of the most important aspects of the internet .It allows people to exchange goods and services immediately and with no restrictions of time or distance ,24 x 7 from anywhere on the globe.

Imagine you are living in a small city in India and are shopping in America sitting at home on your favorite chair —-it is possible through e-commerce.

E-commerce Steps

There are various steps you have to take as a merchant to create a successful e-commerce business.

Getting an Internet Merchant Bank Account

Web Hosting

Obtaining a Digital Certificate

Finding a Provider of Online Transactions

Creating or Purchasing a Shopping Cart Software

Internet Merchant Bank Account

Internet Merchant Accounts are bank accounts specially designed for the merchants; they are approved and can receive payment via credit cards. Credit card companies have strict rules and requirements that have to be met before a merchant can open an account. Merchant Account companies act as a middle man between the merchant and the Credit Card Providers making sure needs are met on both sides. Read the rest of this entry »

An e-commerce web design involves providing internet based secure payment facility for the customer and other interactive features. In addition facility to accept and execute orders also need to be catered to in an e-commerce web design. The major objective of an effective E-commerce web design is to facilitate attracting sales all through the 24 hours of the day. Consider the following factors to aid your success.

1. Customers will be looking for their advantages and while you answer their questions, bear in mind the “me-orientation” of the customer. Emphasize the advantages to him and convince him that your product is what he needs.

2. The content you provide should be structured with great care. If you try to put all your products, prices, Read the rest of this entry »

There is a paradigm shift happening today with the BOOM in internet business. You have new businesses starting online all most every day. Most of your everyday storefronts are closing and only doing business online. Why is that? One reason could be the change in the economy. For a business owner in today’s economy, you can save a lot of money only doing business online, depending on your business. You save on overhead, employees; you can stay open 24 hours and much more. In today’s world you can take care of just about every one of your shopping needs online. A survey conducted showed that roughly 22.3 % of all Adult Americans are relaying to the Internet before they decide what to buy and where to buy it. That number will soon be increasing because the web is becoming an important part of this world; almost every person has a computer in their home in today’s society.

Business owners are being forced to close their store fronts due to competition online. For a lot of stores it is not just the economy hurting them, but their competitors who are moving ahead full steam with the internet. As technology goes ahead, the way of doing business has changed too. Today’s online businesses are responsible for most of the revenue generated online which is now called E-Commerce. Take a store like Circuit City, everyone thought they had went out of business but they instead took advantage of this amazing wave!

E-Commerce consists of the buying and selling of products or services over electronic systems such as the Internet and other computer networks. The purchasing and selling of products over the internet has growing tremendously over the past 10 years. For example the way we purchase travel has evolved and became so easy today. Instead of going to an office or store to purchase travel you can now go online, purchase your travel and save a lot of time and money. This same concept is now happening with the everyday things we purchase from our favorite stores. New stores are being born on the internet that is similar to our favorite stores and sometimes cheaper. This is where competition becomes big with the businesses that has been around a long time with new businesses. Then you also have companies like Amazon and eBay who is taking e-commerce to the next level. Not to mention the growth in social media that helps the marketing with a lot of these online businesses.

E-Commerce is going to continue growing rather you or business owners accept it or not. My friends, welcome to the new world of buying and selling! 52% of the dollar made online comes from travel; the other 48% comes from e-commerce. You can now take care of all your shopping needs online with the click of buttons while saving time and money. Everyone wants to save time and money. Find out more about using an e-commerce shopping cart to do it.

The Future of Shopping is Here!