The term e-commerce refers to a series of business transactions made online, electronically, according to the Houston Chronicle. Some of the biggest world-wide names in e-commerce include Amazon, eBay, Flipkart, Alibaba, and Groupon. E-commerce websites sell their digital content, physical products, services, gift certificates, and more primarily online. Read on to learn more about how e-commerce continues to grow and influence modern business and find out if a career in e-commerce is right for you!
What are the Types of e-Commerce?
There are four types of e-commerce. The first, B2B (business to business) is where one business sells to another business. A good example of this form of e-commerce is an online business buying goods wholesale online from a supplier. Second, B2C (business to consumer) is business selling to the consumer. This is the name as a person buying a product from a store, just electronically. Think of Amazon, Groupon, Alibaba, or even purchasing online via Target or Walmart.
Most people are familiar with B2B and B2C, but the other two, C2B and C2C may be unfamiliar to some. C2B (consumer to business) is where a consumer picks a company by posting a job electronically that they need fulfilled. Businesses then place their bids for the project and the consumer chooses who they want to work for them. C2C (consumer to consumer) takes place in a classified-ad-like setting. Consumers buy things from each other without the requirements and restrictions of business licensure. Etsy and eBay are popular C2C e-commerce platforms.
How Does e-Commerce Keep Up With Changing Technology?
Advances in Mobile E-Commerce has made buying goods and services online easier than ever before. People can shop for the things they need on their phones and devices while traveling on the subway to work. In most places, it is even possible to order your groceries from the supermarket online and either have them delivered or ready for pick-up when the time is convenient for you. As our lives get busier, e-commerce becomes increasingly more important.
As more individuals turn to entrepreneurship as a way to make their living, businesses require B2B, B2C, and C2B e-commerce to ensure business survival, as well. Much of our daily lives (financial, social, etc) is conducted over the internet via computer or mobile device.
How Do You Start a Career in e-Commerce?
Successful e-commerce entrepreneurs or employees of e-commerce companies have some background skills and knowledge in common, including:
- Solid background in economics, business or both
- Knowledge of computers and technology
- Competitive drive
Popular careers in e-commerce include:
- Web design
- Web development
- App development
- Marketing
- Business administration
Though some people have gotten lucky and made it big in e-commerce fresh out of high school or earlier, most have completed extensive higher education, according to FatBit Technologies. Degree programs that are helpful in the e-commerce field(s) include:
- Business
- Economics
- Computer Science
- and anything related to STEM
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Get Started Today
Do you have the drive to compete in the growing e-commerce world? Do you have the next great idea in online marketing and sales? What are you waiting for? Look into e-commerce friendly programs in your area, today; and get started towards the career you’ve always wanted.
