E-Commerce

E-Commerce is the buying or selling of products or services using electronic systems such as the internet. It includes, online shopping and  banking. It can be between different businesses, businesses and individuals or between individuals.

Online shopping was first made possible using systems developed in 1979 by the British inventor Michael Aldrich. The invention of the world-wide web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1990 meant that the internet became an everyday form of communication. A large number of people now have access to a computer and the internet meaning that e-commerce is becoming more popular and more widely used.



source: openclipart.org

The internet has allowed businesses, known as "brick and click", to expand to online stores.  Businesses who run online stores have access to a wider customer base than in stores and can increase their profits. You don't have to go to the supermarket anymore because you can buy food online and get it delivered to your home! Businesses can sell their goods 24/7. Businesses that sell traditional goods and services, but can only be found online include www.amazon.co.uk. New products have developed with the internet such as iTunes where I love buying digital music and games. Online stores include www.ebay.co.uk, an online market place where you can buy and sell goods. Some companies that went bust re-booted as online stores such as Woolworths, MFI and Zavvi.

E-Commerce is good for customers too. It is quicker, easier and more efficient than having to go to the shops. If you shop online, it is easier to find what you want because you can quickly search for the item. You can check prices to see where it is cheapest. You can buy items when the shops are closed, 24/7. You can buy items anywhere where you have internet connection even if you live far away from the shops. You don't have to leave your home to go shopping which is an advantage for those who don't like or have difficulty going out.  You can buy things from all around the world, although they can take a long time to be delivered. I have bought Pokemon toys from Japan and China. 

However, the item delivered might not be what you expected it to be because you have only seen a picture. Delivery can take a long time and can be expensive. If a large or expensive item is being delivered, you have to arrange a time and this can be difficult if you are at work. Clothes and shoes can't be tried on before being bought. Returns can be difficult so some people prefer to buy in shops.

Payment usually requires a credit card when shopping online which is a disadvantage to those who don't own them. I have to ask my parents to pay because I am too young to own a credit card.  Another disadvantage is that some people don't like giving their personal information because they worry about the security of their data.

Despite the disadvantages, I think that e-commerce is awesome! It has allowed me to buy music, games and individual Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. I couldn't have found these easily without it. The internet has improved shopping for customers. You can even shop or do your banking in your pyjamas! The internet has also allowed businesses to transform the way they sell their goods.