E-commerce

Introduction
By using computer networks such as the internet one can trade products this is called electronic commerce or simply e-commerce. In modern times the world wide web is used for this service for part of the transactions involved in online trading.

Usages
Online shopping is the most known use of e-commerce where users can visit different websites via the internet do browse through the various pages to pick products they want to purchase. In this market there are typically two forms of e-commerce the most known business-2-customer and other business-2-business buying and selling.

Examples
In the online trading space many websites offer the services for users to use their bank card information to purchase digital and physical items from their companies. Some specialise in this entirelly and act as a market place for both buyers and sellers. The most widely known names are amazon.com, ebay.com and alibaba.

Advantages
Since you use websites and don't physically go to stores, customers won't have to stand or queue. Also people can quickly compare prices and find the most affordable purchase meaning they save money. Additionally users can now access countries and remote stores that they couldn't physically reach before opening up potential markets. Finally there is so much choice and you aren't limited on what you can buy based on where you live

Disadvantages
Many would argue since you can't experience certain product before you buy it such as the feel, smell, taste and sound, e-commerce becomes a downside. Users will need a stable internet connection to buy and sell. Many people around the world are then disadvantaged in that department. Devices that can use and display the webpages are needed to be used a well such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. Finally digital security is another downside many sites can be dodgy or vulnerable to hackers.