The activity of buying and selling products or services using computer networks, such as the Internet, is known as e-commerce. Electronic commerce makes use of a variety of technologies, including inventory management systems, Internet marketing, online transaction processing, supply chain management, and electronic data interchange (EDI). Modern electronic commerce frequently employs the World Wide Web for at least one stage of the transaction's life cycle, however it may also make use of other technologies including e-mail, mobile devices, social media, and telephones.
E-commerce businesses usually employ some or all of the following practices:
- Provide Retail on websites with online catalogs, sometimes gathered into a "virtual mall".
- Buy or sell on websites or online market places.
- Gather and use demographic data through web contacts and social media.
- Use electronic data interchange, the business-to-business exchange of data.
- Reach prospective and established customers by E-mail or fax (for example, with newsletters).
- Use business-to-business buying and selling.
- Provide secure business transactions.
