E-Commerce

Posted: September 5th, 2013

E-Commerce

Name:

Course:

Instructor:

Institution:

Date:

E-Commerce

Business to Consumer (B2C)

B2C stands for business to consumer. This model involves consumers and businesses. Businesses sell their products online, directly to consumers. B2C enables consumers to buy goods and services directly from the website of a supplier. An example of this model is Walmart website, www.walmart.com. Contained in the website, is information about the company and its products. Details of product include price, product availability, shipping et cetera. To purchase a product from the store, the consumer first logs into the website and selects the product to purchase. The next step is give is to give the credit card as well as personal details. These details are then verified and stored in the store’s database. This website is type of a B2C model, because the transactions are between the business and consumers.

Business-to-Business (B2B)

The B2B model involves businesses only, that is transactions are between businesses, without consumer involvement. A business buys a product from another business and then brands it as its own and sells it to a consumer. Some of these businesses only exist in the internet and do not have a physical form, that is, they only exist virtually. An example of a B2B model is the Part Store website, www.partstore.com. This store deals with electronic and appliance parts. When businesses want to market and sell their goods on the website, they must make a transaction with the store. In this case, a business-to-business transaction takes place. Part Store then sells and displays the goods to consumers.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

P2P model enables the sharing of computer files and sources between individuals without having to go through a central web server. In order for it to be successful, the required software needs to be installed in both sides. Cloudmark website, www.cloudmark.com is a good example of a P2P model. Cloudmark provides solutions on security of messages through networks. Its website, gives information about the company’s products and methods of access. People subscribed to this website, would be able to share files without worrying about file corruption.

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

C2C model enables transactions between consumers, that is, consumers buy and sell directly to other consumers. In order the transaction to be successful, both individuals must be subscribed to online site that enables such transactions. These are C2C models. An example of this model is the Mazad Kuwait website, www.mazadq8.com. This website enables consumers to market their products. The consumer first registers with the website at the register tab before advertising or purchasing anything, through the website. The website also contains information about the site, where the terms for using it, are given. Details such as price of product are also included. This website is a type of a C2C model because it enables the purchasing and selling of products by individuals.

M- Commerce.

M-commerce model enables transactions through mobile devices. This is enabled through internet in the phones. The m-commerce websites are optimized for view on the devices. Hence, customers are able to access information on companies and products on the websites through their mobile devices. Services offered by m-commerce include mobile ATM, mobile coupons, vouchers and loyalty cards, mobile ticketing, mobile banking, auctions and so on. The Apple iPhone store is a good example of such a model. An iPhone gives services such as Shopify, which enable mobile commerce services. The iPhone store also enables purchases through the iPhone mobile. The consumer accesses the store, chooses a product and then purchases it.

Reference

Designzzz. (2012). The Five Different Types of E-Commerce. Retrieved from http://www.designzzz.com/the-five-different-types-of-e-commerce/