An Intro to e-Commerce

Original Article from IntelliSites, the smart choice for web design (and SEO!)
Actually, you probably don’t need an intro. I bet you’ve used e-commerce sites many times before. If you’ve ever bought something from amazon.com, you’ve been a part of e-commerce. Even if you’ve just done some product research before buying something at a store, you’ve been a part of e-commerce.

What it is

e-Commerce is a name that covers a wide range of internet services. In it’s broadest sense, e-commerce is any of a number of web applications that allow people to research and buy products online. Examples being amazon.com, eBay, overstock.com, woot.com, and on and on. Essentially, any web site that gives visitors the ability to buy something online is a part of the e-commerce landscape.

Benefits to your Business

The benefits of e-commerce to businesses are obvious. By allowing your customers to buy your products at their convenience, you take advantage of sales opportunities previously unavailable to you. It’s like having a store that’s open 24 / 7. If someone want’s to buy your widget at 3am they can.

It also takes advantage of sales space you didn’t have before. Now your buyer doesn’t have to leave their house to purchase your products. Your store comes to them. They can browse as long as they like, add items to their shopping cart, and check themselves out. Your storefront is now in my living room.

Benefits to your Customer

The benefits to your customers are the same in some ways. Being able to purchase necessities quickly and easily leaves more time to accomplish other tasks. Being able to do so without driving someplace also saves fuel, and the frustration of standing in line. It makes shopping a less intrusive experience.

It also helps customers easily find what they’re looking for. With a searchable database of products, visitors simply type what they need, and your website brings it to them. No more wandering through a store, wondering if toasters would be with appliances or kitchen goods.

The research potential is not to be overlooked, either. e-Commerce sites allow people to browse prices and offers at different stores without having to actually visit them. By comparison shopping on the web, often stores find that customers need less guidance and have fewer questions.

e-Commerce is a win for both sides of the sales process.