E-Commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of online business activities, including retail sales, online marketplaces, auctions, and various service transactions. E-Commerce allows consumers to browse products, compare prices, and make purchases using digital platforms, often involving credit cards or other online payment methods.
Businesses can operate strictly online, utilizing websites and mobile applications, or can complement physical stores with an online presence. E-Commerce can be categorized into several types, such as Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Business-to-Business (B2B), Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), and Consumer-to-Business (C2B), each representing different transaction dynamics.
The growth of E-Commerce has been facilitated by advancements in technology, including the internet, mobile devices, and payment systems, leading to an increase in global trade and enabling consumers to shop from anywhere, at any time, with ease. Overall, E-Commerce represents a significant shift in how goods and services are marketed, sold, and distributed in the modern economy.