Ecommerce: everything you need to know

Electronic commerce, also known as eCommerce, has become one of the most popular ways of doing business today. With the rise of the internet, technology and new ways of working, more and more people prefer to buy products and services online from the comfort of their homes or mobile devices, rather than visiting physical stores. 

What is eCommerce?

Refers to any commercial transaction that takes place online, from the purchase of physical products to the acquisition of digital services. Online stores can range from small businesses selling specific products to large global brands with a wide range of products and services. eCommerce offers consumers greater convenience and shopping options, while for entrepreneurs, it provides them with an accessible platform to reach a wider audience around the world. eCommerce has changed the way we buy and sell, and will continue to be an ever-evolving trend for years to come.

The history of eCommerce began in the 1960s, when companies began using electronic data interchange (EDI) systems to exchange business documents. These systems allowed companies to transfer business information electronically, which improved efficiency and reduced errors.

However, eCommerce as we know it today did not begin until the 1990s, with the emergence of the World Wide Web. The first eCommerce website was launched by the US company Book Stacks Unlimited in 1992, allowing customers to buy books online. In 1994, another U.S. company, Netscape, launched the Netscape Navigator web browser, which facilitated Internet browsing and opened the door to mass e-commerce.

During the 1990s, there was a surge in the popularity of eCommerce, especially in the United States, where there were several technological advances and improvements in digital infrastructure. Major companies such as Amazon and eBay emerged in this period, and the first online clothing store, The Gap, was launched in 1997.

In the 2000s, eCommerce expanded rapidly around the world, driven by the growth of broadband and mobile devices. Companies began selling more and more products and services online, and social networks and search engines became important tools for online marketing and advertising.

Today, eCommerce continues to evolve, with the incorporation of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality and the growing importance of mobile commerce. With more than 2.1 billion online shoppers worldwide, eCommerce has become an essential part of the global economy.

Advantages of eCommerce

Electronic commerce, or eCommerce, offers numerous advantages for both consumers and business owners. The following are some of the most important ones:

• Accessibility

eCommerce allows consumers to buy products and services from anywhere and at any time, without having to leave their homes. This is particularly important for people with reduced mobility, as well as for those who live in remote areas or do not have access to nearby physical stores.

• Wide selection

Online stores offer a wide selection of products and services, allowing consumers to compare prices and choose the option that best suits their needs. In addition, it allows consumers to access products and services that may not be available in their local areas.

• Comfort

Consumers can shop online from the comfort of their homes, without having to encounter negative scenarios such as traffic, parking or long lines at physical stores.

• Time savings

eCommerce allows consumers to save time by not having to travel to a physical store, which can be especially valuable for people with busy schedules.

• Cost reduction

E-commerce allows entrepreneurs to reduce costs by not having to pay rents and employee salaries in physical stores. This translates into lower prices for consumers.

• Global reach

eCommerce allows entrepreneurs to reach a global audience, giving them the opportunity to expand their business worldwide.

Disadvantages of eCommerce

While eCommerce has numerous advantages, there are also some disadvantages that can affect both consumers and business owners. Below are some of the main disadvantages of eCommerce:

• Lack of human contact

eCommerce lacks the personal interaction found in a physical store. This can make consumers feel disconnected from the buying process and decrease brand trust.

• Inability to test products

Unlike physical stores, consumers cannot test products before purchasing them online. This can result in unsatisfactory purchases or in the need for returns and/or refunds.

• Shipping costs

Shipping costs can add an additional expense to products purchased online, which can increase the final price and deter some consumers from making a purchase.

• Security issues

The vast majority of eCommerce involves sharing personal and financial information online, which can put consumers' security and privacy at risk. Cyber attacks and identity theft are common concerns in eCommerce.

• Delivery delays

Inventory problems and shipping delays can result in late delivery of products purchased online, which can be frustrating for consumers.

• Lack of sensory experience

In some cases, the sensory experience of shopping in a physical store, such as touching and feeling the products, can be an important part of the shopping experience for some consumers.

While eCommerce offers many advantages, it also has some disadvantages that can affect the shopping experience for consumers and profits for business owners. It is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages when deciding whether eCommerce is the right choice for a particular business.

Platforms to run eCommerce

In eCommerce, platforms are essential tools for companies, because they allow them to build, manage and operate their online stores. There are several eCommerce platforms available in the market, each with its own unique features and functionalities. 

The following are some of the most used platforms for eCommerce:

Shopify

It is a popular eCommerce platform that allows businesses to create and manage their online stores easily and effectively. Shopify offers a wide variety of templates, marketing tools and payment options, making it ideal for both small and large businesses.

WooCommerce

It is a WordPress plugin used to turn a WordPress website into a fully functional online store. WooCommerce is easy to use, flexible and highly customizable, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Magento

It is an open source e-commerce platform that offers a wide variety of customization tools and features. Magento is a good choice for businesses that need a highly customized online store with advanced features.

BigCommerce

It is an e-commerce platform that offers a wide variety of marketing tools, social media integrations and payment options. BigCommerce is especially popular with businesses that want an all-in-one e-commerce platform that allows them to effectively create and manage their online stores.

PrestaShop

It is an open source e-commerce platform used to create and manage online stores. PrestaShop offers a wide variety of templates, payment options and customization features, making it ideal for both small businesses.

There are several e-commerce platforms available in the market, each with its own unique features and functionalities. It is important to select the right platform that suits your company's needs and allows you to build and manage your online stores effectively.

eCommerce, the expert solution for your business

eCommerce has become an important part of the global economy and has transformed the way companies do business. Through eCommerce platforms, companies can reach a wider audience, reduce costs and improve efficiency in managing their online stores. Consumers, meanwhile, can enjoy the convenience and accessibility of buying products from anywhere.

However, while eCommerce offers numerous advantages, it also presents some challenges, such as lack of human contact, shipping costs, security issues and lack of sensory experience. Therefore, it is important for companies to address these issues and offer their customers a satisfying and secure online shopping experience.

As technology continues to advance and market trends change, eCommerce is expected to continue to evolve and improve. In this regard, companies must be attentive to new trends and adapt to the needs of their customers to remain competitive in the marketplace.

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