Published by: krisha Silwal
Published date: 22 Jul 2024
| E-Business | E-Commerce | |
| 1. | E-Business refers to the practice of conducting online business operations over the internet. | E-commerce refers to conducting all types of commercial activity over the internet. |
| 2. | Conducts all kinds of business activities and services over the internet | Carrying out commercial transactions online |
| 3. | It comprises activities like as raw material/good procurement, customer education, supply activities, buying and selling products, conducting monetary transactions via the internet, and so on. | It encompasses activities such as purchasing and selling products, conducting monetary transactions, and so on over the internet. |
| 4. | Business transactions are carried out in e-business. | Commercial transactions are carried out in e-commerce. |
| 5. | It necessitates the usage of numerous websites, CRMs, and ERPs that link various company operations. | It usually requires the use of only a website. |
| 6. | It involves the use of internet, intranet or extranet. | It involves mandatory use of internet. |
| 7. | Transactions are not limited. | Limited transactions. |
| 8. | E-Business is a broad concept and it is considered as a superset of E-Commerce. | E-Commerce is a narrow concept and it is considered as a subset of E-Business. |
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It has revolutionized the way we shop, offering a convenient and accessible way to purchase almost anything imaginable.
There are several different categories of e-commerce, each with its own unique characteristics and target market. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones:
Business-to-Consumer (B2C): This is the most familiar type of e-commerce, where businesses sell products and services directly to individual consumers. Examples include online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, as well as travel booking sites and digital download platforms.
Business-to-Business (B2B): In this model, businesses sell products and services to other businesses. This can include things like raw materials, office supplies, and marketing services. B2B transactions are often much larger than B2C transactions, and they may involve complex negotiations and long-term contracts.
Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): This type of e-commerce allows consumers to sell goods and services to each other. Popular examples include online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Craigslist. C2C platforms provide a way for individuals to declutter their belongings, sell homemade crafts, or find unique items that may not be available in traditional stores.
Consumer-to-Business (C2B): In this model, consumers sell products or services to businesses. This is a relatively new type of e-commerce, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Examples include freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr, where individuals can sell their skills and services to businesses.
Business-to-Administration (B2A): This type of e-commerce involves businesses selling goods and services to government agencies. This can include things like office supplies, software licenses, and training materials. B2A transactions are typically subject to strict regulations and procurement procedures.
E-commerce technologies offer some features that are quite distinct from traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Here's a breakdown of some unique aspects:
Ubiquity and Global Reach: E-commerce stores are accessible 24/7, 365 days a year. This allows customers to shop from anywhere in the world, removing geographical limitations and opening businesses to a global audience.
Information Richness: E-commerce platforms can provide a wealth of information about products. Detailed descriptions, high-quality images, videos, and customer reviews can all be readily available to inform buying decisions.
Personalization and Customization: E-commerce technologies can track customer behavior and preferences. This allows businesses to personalize product recommendations, offer targeted promotions, and create a more tailored shopping experience.
Scalability and Flexibility: An e-commerce store can be easily scaled up or down depending on business needs. This makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to enter the online marketplace.
Data-driven Insights: E-commerce systems create a large amount of data regarding user behaviour. Companies can use this data to get significant insights about client preferences, purchasing habits, and marketing performance.
Integration with Other Technologies: E-commerce platforms can be integrated with other technologies such as social media, marketing automation tools, and logistics software. This allows for a more streamlined and efficient shopping experience.
Lower Barrier to Entry: Compared to traditional storefronts, the cost of starting an e-commerce firm might be much less. This makes it more convenient for new enterprises and entrepreneurs to enter the market.
Emergence of New Technologies: E-commerce is constantly evolving with new technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) being explored to enhance the customer experience.