It involves online transactions conducted between businesses (B2B), businesses and consumers (B2C), or consumers themselves (C2C).

E-commerce has become increasingly popular and widespread due to the rapid growth of the internet and advancements in technology. It offers numerous advantages over traditional brick-and-mortar retail, including:
  1. Global Reach: E-commerce enables businesses to reach customers worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding market reach.
  2. Convenience: Customers can browse and purchase products or services from the comfort of their homes or on the go using their computers or mobile devices.
  3. 24/7 Availability: Online stores operate round the clock, allowing customers to make purchases at any time convenient for them.
  4. Wide Product Selection: E-commerce platforms can offer a vast range of products and services, often more than what physical stores can stock.
  5. Personalization: E-commerce websites can tailor recommendations and offers based on customer preferences and past purchases, enhancing the shopping experience.
  6. Price Comparison: Online shoppers can easily compare prices and find the best deals by exploring different websites or using price comparison tools.
  7. Lower Costs: E-commerce businesses often have lower operational costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores, allowing for competitive pricing and potentially lower prices for customers.
  8. Targeted Marketing: E-commerce platforms can leverage data analytics to target specific customer segments with personalized advertising and promotional campaigns.
Common types of e-commerce models include:
  1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C): Online retailers selling products or services directly to individual customers.
  2. Business-to-Business (B2B): E-commerce transactions between businesses, such as manufacturers selling to wholesalers or retailers.
  3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): Online marketplaces where individuals can buy and sell products or services to each other (e.g., through classified ads or auction sites).
  4. Consumer-to-Business (C2B): Occurs when individuals provide products or services to businesses. For example, freelance platforms where individuals offer their skills to companies.

Popular e-commerce platforms include Amazon, eBay, Alibaba, Shopify, and Etsy. These platforms provide the infrastructure and tools for businesses and individuals to set up online stores, manage inventory, process payments, and facilitate shipping. It's worth noting that e-commerce is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and trends emerging regularly to enhance the online shopping experience.