Ecommerce

What is meant by ecommerce?

Ecommerce, or electronic commerce, is the process of purchasing and selling products or services through the internet. It covers everything from individual brand websites and online marketplaces to mobile apps and digital subscriptions. Whether someone is buying clothing, booking a service, or subscribing to a product plan, ecommerce enables fast, convenient, and secure transactions online, connecting buyers and sellers directly without a physical storefront.

Why is ecommerce important?

Ecommerce is essential because it allows businesses to reach a global audience, operate 24/7, reduce overhead costs, and offer personalized experiences. It also provides customers with convenience, product variety, and the ability to compare prices and reviews before purchasing.

What are the types of ecommerce business models?

There are four primary ecommerce business models:

• B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Selling directly to customers (e.g., Amazon, Shopify stores).
• B2B (Business-to-Business): One business selling to another (e.g., wholesale suppliers).
• C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Individuals selling to each other (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace).
• D2C (Direct-to-Consumer): Brands selling directly to end customers, skipping retailers.

How ecommerce works

Customers visit a website or app, browse products, add them to a cart, and pay online. Orders are processed through ecommerce platforms, and products are delivered or accessed digitally.

Example of ecommerce

Buying a subscription box from a Shopify store or downloading software after online payment is a form of ecommerce.

Driftcharge Tip

Start small with a niche and scale your ecommerce business by focusing on customer experience, SEO, and mobile optimization.

Ganesh Pawar

• 

Ganesh Pawar is the founder of Driftcharge, a subscription management app designed to help Shopify merchants streamline and scale their subscription businesses. With a deep focus on solving real-world pain points—like legacy account page support, flexible subscription options, and advanced analytics—Ganesh is passionate about building tools that drive growth and retention.