The Main Types of eCommerce

With e-commerce, manufacturers and suppliers can reach an international audience with relatively little investment. Because e-commerce is a global market, there is no geographical boundary. Whether the goods are manufactured in a factory or distributed through the mail, consumers can choose from the best products available on the market, compare prices, and make decisions based on their needs. Furthermore, ecommerce creates a direct channel between the producer and the end-user.

One of the most common forms of eCommerce is business-to-consumer or B2C ecommerce. In this type of transaction, businesses sell products and services directly to consumers. This type of transaction typically involves high-priced goods and services, and is usually associated with industries that generate most of their revenue from business purchases. The advantages of B2C eCommerce are obvious. Businesses can sell products and services to both businesses and consumers, and they can offer customers more information than they would be able to get from a storefront. Consumers benefit from low prices, quick delivery, and greater choice when they purchase products online.

The retail component of ecommerce is known as B2C. Here, businesses sell their products directly to consumers. Its popularity was fueled by the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s when consumers were more likely to shop online. Many virtual malls exist online, and the most well-known example is Amazon. This form of ecommerce is booming and growing, thanks to the sheer popularity of online marketplaces.

Is E-Commerce Still Worth It in 2022?

This question looms large for online retailers. In the UK, only 3.5% of visits to e-commerce sites convert to purchases. But if that trend continues, e-commerce will still be worth it by 2022, according to the latest statistics. In the United States, 63% of online shoppers expect their purchases to be returnable. Moreover, 97% of online shoppers abandon their shopping carts on mobile devices. Global ecommerce statistics show that only 3% of mobile users finish shopping on the sites.

As digital technology continues to improve, so do e-commerce trends. The latest revolution in e-commerce was ignited by smartphones. AR and AI are poised to ignite a new revolution in e-commerce. By 2022, 75% of all e-commerce sales will be done on mobile devices. In the US alone, Amazon alone will account for 40% of all e-commerce sales.

AI will continue to evolve, transforming the shopping experience. This technology has already created chatbots and virtual shopping assistants. According to Gartner, by 2020, 100 million consumers will be shopping with AR. Moreover, voice-activated search is expected to gain momentum in 2019.

With so many advantages, e-commerce is a great option for budding entrepreneurs. It is cheaper and has lower start-up costs, compared to brick-and-mortar stores. With a comparatively higher ROI, e-commerce is a great choice for newbies. Just remember that starting a new business may require a significant investment, including a loan.

Alternatives to Starting an eCommerce Business

If starting an eCommerce UK business isn’t for you, there are other ways to make money online. Wholesaling is one way to make money online. This type of business allows you to purchase products at discounted rates, then resell them at a higher price. However, this type of business requires a large initial investment. Another option is to start a subscription-based eCommerce business, in which you sell products or services on a recurring basis. These businesses include membership-based clubs and online courses.