How it is different ?

What is E-commerce?

     Electronic commerce has been around for a while if you consider purchases with a credit card.

     But today, e-commerce denotes doing business, specifically selling your product online. It could be business to individual, business to business, individual to business or individual to individual.

     In a nutshell, E-commerce is all about selling on the internet.

 

Why sell your products online?

     Electronic commerce is growing rapidly and many merchants are asking themselves how they can benefit from this new technology.

     Electronic commerce over the Internet is predicted to grow at an ever-increasing rate over the next few years, with on-line sales already heading for several billion. Are forecast growth rates of 300% or 400% over the next few years good enough reasons to start thinking about your business and E-commerce?

     The demand for Web sites with order processing, payment processing or other forms of E-commerce functionality is very high. With the figures running into billions of dollars today and predicted to rise exponentially in the future, E-commerce is really paying off.

     From florists and greengrocers to multinationals and government departments – it’s hard to imagine any business or organisation that will not benefit from using E-commerce. Many companies are using this new sales channel, and a few retailers now have established major on-line sales sites. There have been several successes, particularly in technology, business-to-business and niche markets.

     E-commerce is the single method of business of the future which will be by far the largest, beating out brick and mortar stores and direct marketing.

 

How is E-commerce different?

     Marketing versus Selling Web Sites

     Most companies with an Internet presence have a straightforward marketing site. The objective of the site is to supplement traditional marketing activities, perhaps give additional information, and generally promote the company. There is often a reluctance to give complete product details because the objective is to induce visitors to call or write to the company for more information and thus establish contact.

     A selling site is different. The objective is to close the sale electronically with payment (and sometimes delivery) made over the Internet. This type of site will be designed to include comprehensive product information, as visitors will be expected to make a purchasing decision based on the information presented.

     The Internet is a different sales medium with some direct sales and some retail characteristics. Marketers will have to learn new skills and attitudes to be successful. Any e-commerce solution needs to be functional and secure.

     Planning is vital, the business and technical issues have to be addressed at the planning stage.
There are three main steps involved:

Business Requirements:
     Making sure you understand the market, and that you understand the business processes that you need to implement. Selecting a project manager and ensure that project disciplines are in place. Producing a first-cut budget.

Technical Requirements:
     Identifying the technical requirements you will need to satisfy. Drawing up short lists of products and services. Refining the budget.

Selection / Procurement:
     Finally, selecting the products and services you need to start the project.

     It may seem obvious but it is important to procure products and services only after the business and technical investigations have been complete. Businesses that start by (for example) selecting a software product or a service provider before the business requirements are clear are in danger of not meeting those requirements.