Let’s start with the basics: e-commerce? E-commerce is the buying and selling of products or services over electronic or “e” systems = in other words the internet.
E-commerce has expanded rapidly over the past few years and is set to continue at an even faster pace. Payments are made by credit or debit card, bank transfer or by alternative payment methods such as PayPal.
Although the high street may still be bustling, more and more consumers are now choosing to shop online. As well as avoiding the crowds. Retail websites are often preferred options because of the variety of products on offer. Also many smaller, more niche businesses often will not have a visible shop front in a prime location, so people search online instead. For these reasons. Having a website can be more cost effective for your business and in many cases, a launch pad to success.
According to National Statistics*, 15.2 million households in the UK are now connected to the internet – that’s about 61% of UK homes. With 84% of these online households using a broadband connection shopping online has never been easier or faster.
What does this mean for business? If you have a website, customers can buy from you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, meaning much greater chances of a sale.
*Based on National Statistics Internet Access 2007 – Households and individuals report, issued 28th August 2007.