Definition of e-commerce: non-face-to-face sales modality
The definition of classic e-commerce is that it is a non-face-to-face sales modality, that is, made through electronic equipment such as desktop computers, notebooks, tablets and smartphones, in addition to telephones, among others.
A common mistake made by those who attempt to discuss e-commerce is to say that it only takes place via the internet. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, as early as 1992, Magazine Luiza maintained an e-commerce platform using offline terminals/kiosks. It was only three years later that the internet would be opened up for commercial purposes in Brazil.
Definition of e-commerce: types of e-commerce
To offer you a better definition of e-commerce, I will need to comment on the most used types today, they are:
• B2B : when one company sells to another company;
• B2C : when a company sells to an end consumer;
• B2E : when a company sells to its employees;
• C2C : when one consumer sells to another consumer;
• B2G : when a company sells to a government institution.
In addition, e-commerce can have other names, depending on its focus.
Other e-commerce nomenclatures
These are nomenclatures related to e-commerce:
• F-commerce : e-commerce sales through Facebook;
• K-commerce : sales of business know-how in product or service format;
• L-commerce : sales aided by GPS and location technologies;
• M-commerce : sales via mobile stores ;
• P-commerce : sales in which consumers help personalize the product;
• R-commerce : sales to customers (recurring consumers);
• S-commerce : sales via social media;
• T-commerce : sales of products advertised in TV commercials;
• U-commerce : sales through a continuous network of integration between retailers and customers;
• V-commerce : sales based on videos showcasing products.
Definition of e-commerce: commerce via electronic equipment
Furthermore, there is also Telemarketing, which does not use the internet, but which can be considered an e-commerce, since it is carried out with electronic technology. In any case, it is possible to make almost any type of sale on e-commerce.
What to sell on e-commerce?
Very good! Now you know the definition of e-commerce. However, you may not yet know what to market. Basically, it is possible to sell both products and services in this sector.
In an online tourism store or travel agency, for example, you can sell trips, accommodations, itineraries, tours, etc. In short, the current Minister of Science, Marcos Pontes , has an unconventional travel agency with unusual services.
It is also possible to sell a wide range of products in dozens of categories such as appliances, electronics, fashion, computers, housewares, plastic utensils, stationery, bed, table and bath items, etc.
How to sell on e-commerce?
The main tool for selling services and products in e-commerce is the online store. The easiest way to have one is to rent an e-commerce platform.
By renting an e-commerce platform you will be able to create and manage a virtual store. This, in turn, will remain online 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Your store will often make sales even while you sleep.
How to create online store?
To create an online store, you need knowledge of how to use an e-commerce platform. Some platforms are simpler, and others are more complex. But don't worry, if you don't know how to use the system and implement a store, then you can simply hire an e-commerce agency and everything will be taken care of.
Definition of e-commerce: a summary
In short, e-commerce is a way of selling products and/or services which is carried out in a non-face-to-face manner, precisely through electronic technologies that, in turn, are not always connected to the internet.
