What is eCommerce?

eCommerce, short for electronic commerce, is the process of conducting commercial transactions electronically, primarily via the internet. The essence of eCommerce matches traditional commerce with the only difference being the platform: instead of physical brick-and-mortar stores, business happens online.

Transactions in eCommerce include everything from ordering a book on Amazon to booking a hotel room on sites like Booking.com. eCommerce activities include online shopping, electronic payments, online auctions, internet banking, and online ticketing.

Formula

Example

Amazon, one of the most popular examples, has revolutionized the eCommerce industry. It offers millions of products at competitive prices, quick and often free delivery options, user reviews of products and sellers, and a sophisticated recommendation system.

Why is ecommerce important?

• In the digital age, eCommerce has become increasingly crucial due to its convenience, and the global reach it offers. Its importance can be summarised as follows:
• Lower Business Costs: Traditional retail comes with hefty costs of managing and maintaining physical stores. eCommerce eliminates these.
• Always Open: Unlike physical retail stores with fixed operating hours, eCommerce sites function 24/7, enabling consumers to shop at their convenience.
• Expanded Reach: The internet knows no geographical boundaries. A well-optimized eCommerce site can attract customers globally.

Which factors impact ecommerce?

• Improvements can be made in several areas of eCommerce that, when combined, result in a superior customer experience and increased sales. Areas that can be enhanced include:
• Platform: Ensuring your eCommerce site is user-friendly, attractive, and easy to navigate.
• Technology: Using AI/Machine Learning algorithms for personalized product recommendation can boost sales.
• Customer Service: Providing top-notch customer support, rapid responses to inquiries, and quick resolution of complaints can boost customer loyalty.

How can ecommerce be improved?

• Factors That Impact eCommerce:
• Website Speed: Slow sites contribute to cart abandonment.
• Payment Options: Lack of preferred payment options can deter potential customers.
• Security: Protection against cyber threats plays a major role in instilling trust.
• Website Design: An unattractive or confusing design can turn customers away.
• Mobile Optimization: As mobile shopping increases, a mobile-optimized site plays a crucial role in enhancing user experience and sales.

What is ecommerce’s relationship with other metrics?

• Understanding key eCommerce metrics is vital to making informed business decisions.
• Conversion Rate: This indicates the percentage of website visitors who make a purchase. Improvement here directly affects eCommerce profitability.
• Shopping Cart Abandonment Rate: This shows percentage of potential customers who add products to their cart but leave the site without completing the purchase. Lowering this metric can drastically improve sales in eCommerce.
• Customer Retention Rate: This reveals how well an eCommerce engages its customers over time. High retention rates signify customer loyalty.
• Average Order Value: By improving this metric, eCommerce businesses can increase revenue without acquiring new customers.
• In summary, eCommerce is a vast domain with various components intertwined. Navigating its landscape requires a deep understanding of its numerous facets, from basic setup to optimization and beyond.