Introduction to Overview - E-Commerce, M-Commerce, U-Commerce, Q

E-Business Commerce, Social Commerce; Smart Governance; Online

Trends Business Models - Concept, Key Components, Trends in
Freemium. Drop shipping, D2C, Razor and Blade, Podcasting;
Online Revenue Models; Sustainable Goals

E-commerce :

E-Commerce or Electronics Commerce is a methodology of modern business,

which addresses the need of business organizations, vendors and customers
to reduce cost and improve the quality of goods and services while increasing
the speed of delivery. Ecommerce refers to the paperless exchange of
business information using the following ways −
 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
 Electronic Mail (e-mail)
 Electronic Bulletin Boards
 Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
 Other Network-based technologies
Features
E-Commerce provides the following features −
 Non-Cash Payment − E-Commerce enables the use of credit cards, debit
cards, smart cards, electronic fund transfer via bank's website, and
other modes of electronics payment.
 24x7 Service availability − E-commerce automates the business of
enterprises and the way they provide services to their customers. It is
available anytime, anywhere.
 Advertising / Marketing − E-commerce increases the reach of
advertising of products and services of businesses. It helps in better
marketing management of products/services.
 Improved Sales − Using e-commerce, orders for the products can be
generated anytime, anywhere without any human intervention. It gives
a big boost to existing sales volumes.
 Support − E-commerce provides various ways to provide pre-sales and
post-sales assistance to provide better services to customers.
 Inventory Management − E-commerce automates inventory
management. Reports get generated instantly when required. Product
inventory management becomes very efficient and easy to maintain.
 Communication improvement − E-commerce provides ways for faster,
efficient, reliable communication with customers and partners.

Examples of E-Commerce are online retailers like amazon, flipkart,

Myntra, paytm mall, seller of digital goods like ebooks, online service
etc.

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Activities of E-Commerce are :
 Buying and selling product online
 Online ticketing
 Online Payment
 Paying different taxes
 Online accounting software
 Online customer support

Key Takeaways
 E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the
internet.
 It is conducted over computers, tablets, smartphones, and other smart
devices.
 Almost anything can be purchased through e-commerce today, and it has
lowered the barriers to entry for many types of businesses, such as
retailers.
 E-commerce can be a substitute for brick-and-mortar stores, though
some businesses choose to maintain both.
 E-commerce operates in several market segments, including business-to-
business, business-to-consumer, consumer-to-consumer, and consumer-
to-business.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/e_commerce/e_commerce_business_mode

Understanding E-commerce
As noted above, e-commerce is the process of buying and selling products
and services online. But it involves more than simply a buyer and a seller,
relying on a vast, often invisible, infrastructure to keep it running.
Ecommerce is a subset of E Business.
E-Business : E-Business refers to performing all type of business activities
through internet. It includes activities like procurement of raw
materials/goods, customer education, supply activities buying and selling
product, making monetary transactions etc over internet. Internet, intranet,
extranet are used in e-business. Websites, apps, ERP, CRM etc are required
for e-business.
Examples of E-Business are e-commerce companies and its various internal
business activities, auction site, classified site, software and hardware
developer site etc.
Activities of E-Business are :
Online store setup
Customer education
Buying and selling product
Monetary business transaction
Supply Chain Management
E-mail marketing

The 6 Main Types of eCommerce Models

You might be wondering what the ecommerce business models are.
eCommerce business models and concepts are businesses' strategies to sell
products online. There are several ways startups operate to sell their goods and
services, and it's important to adopt a model that best promotes your
business.

Here are six different ecommerce business models and strategies suitable for
getting your online selling started:
 Business-to-business (B2B)
 Business-to-customer (B2C)
 Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
 Business-to-Government (B2G)
  Consumer-to-business (C2B)
 Consumer-to-Government (C2G)
Let’s dive into each of these business models to learn their peculiarities and idea.

1. Business-to-business (B2B)
The Business-to-business model of ecommerce means selling goods and offering services
to other businesses. In this model, your audience is usually companies who use your
products or sell directly to the final consumer.

B2B requires lots of investing and huge capital as you'll be selling in large quantities.
Software ecommerce giants, including HubSpot, Salesforce, Survey Monkey, etc.,
commonly utilize the model.

You can choose the B2B model if your business involves marketing to other businesses and
you have the budget to maintain a bulk supply of goods.

2. Business-to-customer (B2C)
If your business aims to sell directly to the end users, then the ecommerce B2C business
model is your best bet. This is a business model e-commerce utilizes most often.
The business-to-consumer model is the most common ecommerce model, and it is simply
selling directly to consumers online. Companies such as Alibaba, Amazon, and Walmart
practice the B2C model.

You need to set up an online store and display the products you sell on the website. Then
buyers browse through your site to place orders; you'll receive the orders, package the
products, and deliver them.

With the B2C ecommerce business model, you can sell to people worldwide, and it doesn't
require as much capital as B2B.

3. Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
The consumer-to-consumer model is an emerging ecommerce business model involving
buying and selling between consumers using third-party platforms.

You might want to sell a new or used product by listing it on a third-party platform, such as
OLX, Craigslist, or eBay. Potential buyers will check and contact you to buy. This is simply
how the C2C ecommerce model works.

The third-party platforms will only charge a small amount as a commission for using their
website.

4. Business-to-Governmenr (B2G)
Business-to-Government (B2G), also referred to as Business-to-administration (B2A), is a
type of ecommerce business model involving companies and government agencies or
public administrations. B2A companies are new ecommerce business models.

The B2A model enables companies or manufacturers to sell their services or products to
government agencies by signing a long-term contract. For example, a Saas company can
sign a contract with the government to help maintain the state's military-grade web
communications portal.

B2A strategies are good business models for ecommerce SaaS companies and other
startups that render services to the government.

5. Consumer-to-business (C2B)
For freelancers and work-from-home individuals looking to offer their services to
companies, the customer-to-business ecommerce model is a perfect choice.

C2B is a business model that helps businesses reach talents who can offer solutions or
quality services. For instance, Upwork is a marketplace that connects freelancers and
companies. The services offered include content writing, copywriting, graphic designing,
web development, UI/UX designing, consulting, and many more.

The ecommerce model is slowly gaining popularity, and it helps individual customers set
their prices and work with companies worldwide from the comfort of their homes.

6. Consumer-to-Government(C2G)
Customer-to-Government, popularly known as customer-to-administration, is another
business model of ecommerce very similar to B2A. This is one of the most challenging
business models ecommerce can offer.

In C2A, a customer conducts transactions directly with government agencies by providing

something of value via online means. This can be paying taxes, water, electrical bills, or
something as simple as providing feedback on a government website .

Revenue Models in eCommerce

An e-commerce revenue model is a plan for generating revenue for an online
business. While e-commerce revenue models share many similarities with
brick-and-mortar businesses, they also enable you to reach customers around
the globe and offer more diverse methods of generating sales. These models
can be helpful in determining how to structure your ecommerce business.
Types of Revenue Models:
✓ Sales revenue model (Amazon.com),
✓ Advertising revenue model (Yahoo): Cost per Click (CPC) or Cost per Action
(CPA).
✓ Subscription revenue model (Consumer Reports Online): Premium
membership, Internet service providers, Publishers and content services,
Special services.
✓ Transaction Fee (Payment Gateways): Licensing/One-Time Purchase,
Subscription/Recurring Payment, Pay-per-Use, Freemium/Upselling, Hybrid
Pricing.
✓ Referral Fee (E Trade): Cloudtail Amazon.com, SuperComNet Flipkart.com.
✓ Affiliate revenue model (MyPoints.com): Pay Per Click (PPC), Pay per
Impression (PPI), Pay Per Lead (PPL), Pay Per Sale (PPS).
✓ Pay - per - Click (YouTube): CPC (cost per click), CTR (click through rate).

The next step is deciding which type of revenue model for ecommerce best suits your
brand. Although this seems like a straightforward decision, it can also be quite
challenging.
important revenue models for ecommerce:
 Selling your products to customers
 Selling "White label" products
 Wholesaling
 Dropshipping
 Selling by subscriptions
 Using a freemium model
 Ppc (Pay per click)
 Affiliate marketing
 Transaction fee
 Advertising

The most successful ecommerce type is the Business-to-consumer. This is due to its
popularity, and it follows a standard retail model. However, we can see great growth in the
B2B sector lately, as many companies aim to optimize their processes, including
procurement, so they aim to buy in bulk from the bigger resellers.
1. Selling your products to customers

Selling your products directly to customers helps you cut costs by

eliminating middlemen.
The direct-to-customer model is a great way for online stores to
build a loyal relationships with customers, and you can easily
customize your customer experience.
Online retailers like Warby Parker, Glossier, and Casper practice this
type of e-business model.

2. Selling "White label" products

White labeling is a business model and strategy that involves

branding a third-party product and selling it as your product.

White labeling is common in the health and fashion industry. An

example is a cosmetic brand that buys a particular type of body
cream from a third-party brand and sells it under its name. The
image and design of the cosmetic brand will be presented on the
product, depicting their ownership.

3. Wholesaling

Wholesaling is an ecommerce model and strategy that involves

selling goods in large quantities to businesses at a discounted price.
This model is common to manufacturers and online retailers.
Venturing into wholesaling requires huge capital and a
large inventory. However, the model has high risks and thin profit
margins. Many B2B brands and a few B2C companies apply this
business strategy.

4. Dropshipping

Want to sell products without holding inventory? Dropshipping is

your answer.

Dropshipping is an ecommerce revenue model that allows you to

market and sell items by acting as an intermediary between a buyer
and a supplier. You eliminate the costs of holding inventory,
warehousing, and shipping.

You can set up an ecommerce website and display products of

different brands with your own added price. When a buyer places
an order, you notify the supplier who handles the tracking
and delivery of the product, then you gain a commission from the
price.

You are only responsible for running ads and getting traffic to your
ecommerce site.
5. Selling by subscriptions

A subscription-based ecommerce revenue model enables customers

to buy and subscribe to a service or product for a defined period -
usually lasting for a month or year.

Most software companies adopt the subscription e-business model,

including Website builders, Payroll software, Accounting solutions,
and many others. The model is not limited to Tech giants only, as
ecommerce giants like Netflix, Blue Apron, Amazon Prime, and
ButcherBox also use the model.

However, the business model doesn't apply to every business line;

it works well if you're in the fashion, food, pet products, movie, or
beauty industry.

6. Using a freemium model

Freemium is an ecommerce business marketing strategy that

involves making some product or service features accessible to
users for free while charging a premium price for the additional
features.

The model is mostly used by Social media enterprises like

Hootsuite, Music providers like Spotify, and Software companies
that make games and mobile applications.

For instance, Spotify offers users a basic plan with few features and
lots of restrictions. However, the premium plan allows users to
enjoy all features and stream unlimitedly.
7. Ppc ( Pay-Per-Click (PPC): Businesses pay the platform for every user
who clicks on their advertisement.
PPC stands for pay-per-click, a model of digital advertising where
the advertiser pays a fee each time one of their ads is clicked.
Essentially, you’re paying for targeted visits to your website (or
landing page or app). When PPC is working correctly, the fee is
trivial because the click is worth more than what you pay for it. For
example, if you pay $3 for a click, but the click results in a $300 sale,
then you’ve made a hefty profit.
PPC ads come in different shapes and sizes (literally), and can be
made up of text, images, videos, or a combination. They can appear
on search engines, websites, social media platforms, and more.

8.Affiliate marketing: Affiliate Revenue Model

 The nexus between content creators and eCommerce has
strengthened, giving rise to the powerful Affiliate Revenue Model. This
Revenue Model is similar to a modern-age referral program but turbo-
charged. In its essence, it revolves around commission-based
compensation. Websites, bloggers, or influencers promote products or
services. The affiliate earns a commission when their audience engages
—through a click, sign-up, or purchase. It’s a seamless blend of
marketing and eCommerce, predicated on trust and genuine
recommendation.
 For example, ‘ThisIsWhyImBroke’ is a blogging platform that’s as
unique as its name. It curates an array of unusual and fascinating
products from across the web. Each product link is an affiliate, directing
eager shoppers to external sites. When purchases ensue,
‘ThisIsWhyImBroke’ reaps the rewards in commissions, all while
offering readers an enticing journey through the world of eccentric
commodities.

9. Transaction fee: Transaction Fee Revenue Model

The Transaction Fee Revenue Model functions on a straightforward
principle. eCommerce platforms provide a virtual marketplace for sellers to
list and sell their products. The platform takes a cut for every transaction, be
it a sale, a booking, or any form of exchange. This fee is either a fixed amount
per transaction or a percentage of the transaction value, sometimes even a
combination.
Every time a handcrafted necklace, a vintage teapot, or a bespoke piece of art
changes hands on Etsy, the platform charges the seller a modest transaction
fee. This model allows Etsy to focus on enhancing the platform, ensuring
smooth transactions, and expanding its user base, all while reaping profits
from daily transactions.

10.Advertising Revenue Model:

 If the Sales Revenue Model is the beating heart, the Advertising Revenue Model is
the intricate neural network that connects and amplifies various facets of the
digital landscape.
 At its core, the Advertising Revenue Model is about monetizing eyeballs. It entails
platforms capitalising on their user traffic by offering space for advertisers to
display their promotions through banners, video ads, sponsored listings, or other
innovative ad formats. The more users a platform attracts, the more valuable its
advertising space becomes.

Examples of eCommerce Business Models

The ecommerce market is enormous, and many examples of ecommerce business models
exist. For example, popular e-stores like Amazon, Aliexpress, and Walmart can be
either wholesalers or dropshippers. We can also name streaming platforms like Netflix,
Spotify, and YouTube.
Furthermore, some e-businesses serve as marketplaces for connecting freelancers and
companies such as Upwork and Fiverr. Lastly, there are tech giants like Microsoft, Apple,
and Samsung. Here, we provide a list of successful businesses based on their revenue
model:

eCommerce Business Business Examples

Model
Business-to-business Amazon, Aliexpress, and more
(B2B)
Business-to-customer Amazon, Aliexpress, Walmart, Netflix, Spotify,
(B2C) YouTube, eBay, and more
Consumer-to-consumer eBay, Etsy, Airbnb, Letgo, and more
(C2C)
Business-to- Accela, OpenGov, SeamlessDocs, and more
administration (B2G)
Consumer-to-business Fiverr, Airbnb, Upwork, Kashkick, and more
(C2B)
Consumer-to- Tax payment systems, feedback systems, and
administration (C2G) more

Benefits of Business Models of eCommerce

eCommerce enables online store owners to expand their business and also
maximize profits. You can increase your business's profitability easily by using
an ecommerce business model that aligns with your brand.

Here, we take a look at some of the benefits of business models of ecommerce .

Low operating cost and higher profits
Most business owners spend a handsome amount of money setting up their stores. You have
to pay your staff, foot electricity bills, pay rent, buy stock, and manage product delivery.
With ecommerce, you can eliminate operating costs. Set up an ecommerce website,
promote your products, and make profits at minimal costs.

Faster selling process

eCommerce helps customers spend less time shopping. Buyers can browse through
the digital website catalog to place orders. You receive orders and dispatch the goods fast
and easily.

Affordable advertising and marketing

Marketing your products has never been easier. You don't need the traditional hiring of sales
marketers to promote your brand. You can run paid ads to generate traffic and connect with
buyers faster.

Unlimited reach
eCommerce platforms help boost your brands' reach. Your website can be accessed by
millions of people worldwide. A larger reach contributes to higher sales.

International transactions
Given the fact that you can reach a whole lot of people around the world using ecommerce,
it gives room for you to sell your products globally.
Amazon, for example, ships products to over 100 countries worldwide.
Examples of E-commerce includes Amazon, Flipkart, Quikr, Olx websites.

Advantages of E-commerce
Wider Reach: E-commerce enables organizations to expand their market streams thus
enabling the selling of goods and services worldwide.
Cost Efficiency: Lower operating expenses as compared to physical shops since the investing
on physical infrastructural development is not very much compulsory here.
24/7 Availability: E-commerce stores are opened 24/7 this convenience is available to the
customers when they are making their purchase.
Personalized Shopping Experience: Customer data and analytics thus can be used to try and
sell products to the customers.
Diverse Payment Options: E-commerce payment mechanisms generally allow the use of
credit/debit cards, digital wallets and bank transfers.

Disadvantages of E-commerce
Security Concerns: Cyber attacks/ hacks and leakage of customer data can be a real
possibility in today’s world.
Lack of Physical Interaction: Customers are unable to touch and feel the products and
therefore may make wrong choices that causes dissatisfaction.
Shipping Costs and Delays: Extra charges for delivery and transportation services influences
the goodwill of the customers since delivery may take a long time.
High Competition: I have highlighted that globalization also has its strengths, among them
being able to add competition that has to be almost constant and aggressive.

Disadvantages of E-commerce
Device Limitations: Differences in screen size and computing capabilities of the
mobile device might present a challenge to the user.
Security Issues: There are other risks that affect the security of mobile devices
including phishing and malware which pose a threat to the user data.
Connectivity Dependence: Use of mobile data or Wi-Fi connection, which is at
times slow or intermittent.
Higher Development Costs: Development of websites and applications for the
use on mobile devices may entail more time and expenses.

M-COMMERCE
M-commerce (mobile commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and
services through wireless handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets.
M-commerce is a form of e-commerce that enables users to access online
shopping platforms without the use of a desktop computer.
Over time, content delivery through wireless devices has become faster, more
secure and scalable. As a result, mobile commerce has grown rapidly.
Examples of m-commerce include in-app purchasing; mobile banking virtual
marketplace apps, such as the Amazon mobile app; and digital wallets, such as
Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet.
Examples of m-commerce use in specific industries include the following:
 Financial services. Mobile banking and brokerage transactions are done
from mobile devices.
  Telecommunications. Handheld devices are used to make service
changes and bill payments, and to do account reviews.
 Service and retail. Consumers place and pay for orders on-the-fly
through online stores.
 Information services. Financial, sports, traffic, weather and many other
news updates are accessed through mobile devices.

Types of m-commerce
M-commerce is categorized based on the following three basic functions:

 Mobile shopping enables customers to buy a product using a mobile

device with an application such as Amazon or a web app. A subcategory
of mobile shopping is app commerce, which is a transaction that takes
place over a native app.
 Mobile banking is online banking designed for handheld technology. It
enables customers to access accounts and brokerage services, conduct
financial transactions, pay bills and make stock trades. This is typically
done through a secure, dedicated app provided by the banking
institution. Mobile banking services may use SMS or chatbots and other
conversational app platforms to send out alerts and track account
activities. For example, the WhatsApp chatbot lets customers view their
account balance, transfer funds, review loans and conduct other
transactions in real time through WhatsApp.
 Mobile payments are an alternative to traditional payment methods,
such as cash, check, credit and debit cards. They enable users to buy
products in person using a mobile device. Digital wallets, such as Apple
Pay, let customers buy products without swiping a card or paying with
cash. Mobile payment apps, such as PayPal, Venmo and Xoom serve the
same purpose and are popular options. Mobile consumers also use QR
codes to pay for things on their mobile phones. With mobile payments,
 users send money directly to the recipient's cell phone number or bank
account.

Applications of M-Commerce
1. Retail and Shopping
 Mobile Shopping Apps: Retailers like Amazon and eBay have mobile
apps that allow users to browse products, compare prices, read reviews,
and make purchases.
 Flash Sales and Offers: Mobile platforms often host exclusive flash sales,
providing deals and discounts to app users.
2. Banking and Financial Services
 Mobile Banking: Banks offer apps for account management, fund
transfers, bill payments, and more.
 Mobile Wallets: Services like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet
enable users to make payments, transfer money, and manage finances
securely.
3. Travel and Ticketing
 Booking Apps: Mobile apps for airlines, hotels, and travel agencies allow
users to book flights, accommodations, and rental cars.
 E-Tickets: Users can store and access tickets for flights, trains, concerts,
and events on their mobile devices.
4. Entertainment and Media
 Streaming Services: Platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube provide
mobile apps for streaming video and audio content.
 Gaming: Mobile gaming apps offer a wide range of games, from casual
puzzles to complex multiplayer experiences.
5. Healthcare
 Telemedicine: Mobile apps enable patients to consult with doctors,
schedule appointments, and access medical records.
  Fitness and Wellness: Apps for tracking exercise, diet, and health metrics
are popular among users aiming to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How mobile commerce works

With most m-commerce enabled platforms, the mobile device is connected to
a wireless network that is used to conduct online product purchases and other
transactions.
For those in charge of developing an m-commerce application, important key
performance indicators to monitor include the following:
 total mobile traffic;
 total application traffic;
 average order value; and
 the value of orders over time.
Similarly, tracking the mobile add-to-cart rate will help developers see if users
are becoming customers. M-commerce developers may also be interested in
logging average page loading times, mobile cart conversion rates and SMS
subscriptions.

Advantages of M-Commerce
1. Convenience
Users can shop, bank, and manage various tasks from anywhere, anytime,
without needing a desktop computer.
2. Personalization
Mobile apps can offer personalized experiences based on user preferences and
behavior, enhancing customer satisfaction.
3. Speed and Efficiency
Transactions are typically faster on mobile devices, providing quick and efficient
service to users.
4. Push Notifications
Businesses can engage users through push notifications, informing them about
new products, sales, and important updates.
5. Wider Reach
With the increasing number of smartphone users, businesses can reach a larger
audience, including those without access to traditional computers.
Disadvantages of M-Commerce
1. Security Concerns
Mobile transactions can be vulnerable to security breaches, including hacking,
phishing, and malware attacks. Ensuring robust security measures is critical.
2. Technical Issues
Users may face technical issues like app crashes, slow loading times, and
compatibility problems with different devices and operating systems.

3. Privacy Issues
Collecting and storing user data on mobile devices raises privacy concerns,
requiring businesses to adhere to strict data protection regulations.
4. Limited Screen Size
The small screen size of mobile devices can make navigation and browsing
more challenging compared to desktops, potentially affecting user experience.
5. Dependence on Internet Connectivity
Mobile commerce relies heavily on internet connectivity, which can be a
limitation in areas with poor or unreliable internet access.
The Latest Updates in M-Commerce
M-commerce, or mobile commerce, has seen significant advancements and
trends shaping its landscape in 2024. Here are some of the latest updates:
1. Rise of Smartphone Dominance: Smartphone sales continue to outpace
tablets, emphasizing the importance of optimizing m-commerce for
smaller screens. The percentage of mobile commerce volume from
tablets has steadily declined from 18.2% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2023. This
 trend is crucial for businesses to note when designing their mobile
commerce strategies (BuildFire).
2. One-Click Ordering: One-click checkout is becoming a significant trend,
allowing users to complete purchases with a single action. This
convenience boosts conversion rates and reduces shopping cart
abandonment, which is notably higher on mobile websites than
on mobile apps (Fit Small Business).
3. Social Commerce: Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and
TikTok are enhancing their shopping features, allowing users to purchase
directly from posts without leaving the app. This seamless integration is
helping businesses increase sales by reducing friction in the buying
process (Shopify).
4. Voice Shopping: The adoption of voice assistants like Siri and Alexa for
shopping purposes is growing. Voice shopping is expected to reach $40
billion, with many searches becoming more conversational and
optimizing the shopping experience (Fit Small Business).
5. Mobile Payment Applications: The use of mobile wallets such as Apple
Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet is rising, accounting for a significant
share of online transactions. This trend is expected to continue, driven
by the convenience and security these payment methods offer (Shopify)
(Fit Small Business).
6. AI Chatbots: AI-driven chatbots are becoming increasingly popular in m-
commerce, providing instant customer support and personalized
shopping experiences. They help guide customers through the shopping
process, answer queries, and enhance user engagement (Fit Small
Business).
7. Security Enhancements: With the rise in mobile commerce transactions,
security concerns have also increased. Businesses are focusing on
advanced security solutions like two-factor authentication, biometric
verification, and AI-powered fraud detection to protect user data and
transactions (Fit Small Business).
8. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): These technologies
are being integrated into mobile shopping apps to offer immersive
shopping experiences. AR and VR help bridge the gap between online
 and in-store shopping by allowing customers to visualize products in real-
time (Fit Small Business).

Difference between E-commerce and M-commerce :

E-commerce M-commerce

Electronic Commerce in short it is Mobile Commerce in short it is called

called as e-commerce. as m-commerce.

M-commerce activities are performed

In general, e-commerce activities
with the help of mobile devices like
are performed with the help of
smartphones, tablets, PDA’s (Personal
desktop computers and laptops.
Digital Assistant) etc.

E-commerce is an older concept. M-commerce is an newer concept.

It is broad term which refers doing It is subcategory of ecommerce which

E-commerce M-commerce

shopping and making payments

online with help of electronic does the same this via mobile devices.
devices like Laptop and computers.

But in case of m-commerce some

In e-commerce the use of internet
activities can be performed without
is mandatory
internet also.

E-commerce devices are not easy

M-commerce devices are easy to carry
to carry and portability point of
and portability point of view it is good.
view it is not so good.

E-commerce developed in 1970’s. M-commerce developed in 1990’s.

Its reachability is comparatively Its reachability is more than that of e-

low than the m-commerce as it is commerce only due to the use of
not so good in portability. mobile devices.

In m-commerce location tracking

In e-commerce location tracking capabilities is so good as mobile apps
capabilities are limited due to the track and identify user locations with
non-portability of devices. the help of GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and
so on.

E-commerce fails in push In m-commerce push notification can

notification. be achieved.

E-commerce is conducted using desktop or M-commerce is conducted using mobile devices

laptop computers. such as smartphones and tablets.
E-commerce M-commerce

E-commerce typically requires a stable M-commerce allows consumers to shop and

internet connection and a computer. make purchases from anywhere

E-commerce transactions typically rely on M-commerce offers a wider range of payment

credit cards and other traditional payment options, including mobile wallets and contactless
methods. payments.

Examples of M-commerce includes mobile

Examples of E-commerce includes Amazon,
banking like paytm, in-app purchasing Amazon
Flipkart, Quikr, Olx websites.
mobile app.

Conclusion

E-commerce as well as M-commerce are two dominant segments of the present day digital economy
with the respective advantages and limitations. E-commerce brings a large platform with large
coverage area and a number of characteristics that make environment friendly for the users of a
desktop. Whereas, the M-commerce meets the demand of many users of mobile devices as it is
flexible and delivers customized services. Businesses need to be aware of these differences and then
use the right channel depending on target demographic and business objectives. In conclusion, using
both E-commerce and M-commerce models will indeed go a long way in increasing the market cover
and customers satisfaction.

What is Quick commerce (Q-commerce)?

Quick commerce (Q-commerce) is a rapid eCommerce concept with ultra-fast and extremely
efficient delivery of online orders to customers. Companies have to deliver products within an hour,
or as instant as 15 minutes. So, they have to maintain fantastic procurement and logistics capacities
to fulfill orders.

Instant, fast and efficient — are the three features that play a pivotal role in defining the dynamic for
quick commerce. This is also known as its shorter form of Q-commerce or on-demand delivery. The
changing shopping patterns of people owing to COVID-19 are making people embrace it.

Understanding Quick commerce (Q-commerce) and its dynamics

People globally and in the USA are living in fast mode. We make decisions within seconds and the
smartphones in our hands dictate what we do, and how we do it. That’s why quick commerce (Q-
commerce) has become such a rage during 2023.

Quick commerce allows users to instantly shop for items. This fast mode of eCommerce enables
customers to get the delivery of products to their doorsteps without any hassle. Why bother about
going to the grocery store when your items can come to your home?
Online businesses are going above and beyond to better serve customers. As the concepts like Q-
commerce and live-streaming are evolving consumer-facing businesses. Expert on-demand
programmers can build robust solutions that ensure instant ordering and delivery of products.

Vital factors affecting the dynamics of Q-commerce

Different aspects of quick commerce that need consideration through 2023 include the following.

 Your genie in a bottle

 Warehousing

 Goods mobility

Now, we discuss these facets of Q-commerce in brief.

Your genie in a bottle

Doesn’t this sound amazing? It’s like rubbing a lamp with a genie in command that makes your wish
appear right in front of you. What’s better than your demand getting fulfillment in just a matter of
minutes?

By this time, you know that quick commerce is so spectacular. Why isn’t Q-commerce as widespread
and popular as it should have been? What’s the catch here?

Realize that quick commerce is not suitable for all products. Q-commerce is mainly for consumer
items that businesses can deliver instantly. For instance, think of the worth of food ordering for
customers.

Restaurants and food delivery services are part of q-commerce. Generally, an order needs delivery
within 30 minutes — otherwise, it’s of no use to the consumer. Fresh groceries delivery is another
example, with customers waiting for it so that they can quickly get down to cooking.

Warehousing

The majority of eCommerce stores don’t need to have their warehouses within the city. Because
their delivery time is usually 24-48 hours from order placement. So, it gives them enough time to
collect products and dispatch the order from the warehouses wherever they are.

Even, they can procure goods from the suppliers, if they are short. They can send items to the
customer’s address through their delivery service. However, q-commerce businesses need to have
warehouses within the city.

So that they are extremely reachable and nearby to serve prospective customers. They need to build
a wide chain of micro-fulfillment centers or dark stores inside the city, as the service areas. So that
each of the marked areas can get the goods without any delay.

Goods mobility

Talk about inter-city delivery that you have to match with equal efficiency. Quick commerce
businesses can’t have big loading trucks delivering groceries to customers. Rather, they need a fleet
of riders or delivery personnel with motorbikes.

The riders can carry a few items on their two-wheelers to places within reach. Moreover, the ability
to use smarts is essential for them. Such that they can find routes that have the lightest traffic.
This is a huge factor in the success of q-commerce businesses internationally and the US. They entail
a network of riders who are connected to the system through customized rider apps. Whereas,
businesses have admin dashboards/apps and customers track their orders with user apps.

Top benefits of quick commerce

Here are the best advantages of Q-commerce in 2023.

 The power of science

 Eco-friendliness

 Anytime at your command

Statistics of Q-commerce showing its growth

Let’s just get our facts on different regions to see what it’s like for quick commerce. Statista is always
one of the most reliant survey-conducting organizations. It even speculates on global trends as per
the current data.

The international Q-Commerce market value stands at $91.22bn USD in 2022. This is forecast to
reach $185.10bn USD by 2027, with a CAGR of 15.20%. The number of users will grow to 789.1m by
then.

Global Quick Commerce Market (2022-2027) – Statista

People are willing to purchase quality FMCG products like groceries, drinks, vegetables, etc. That too
right from the comfort of their homes. Therefore, the biggest reason for this growth is that the
consumer market is heartily welcoming this expansion.
A study finds that 52% of customers opting for digital grocery shopping will not revert to in-store
shopping. The revenue for quick commerce in MENA (the Middle East and Northern Africa region)
will hit $20 billion by 2024. Q-commerce startups are raising serious funding around the world.

People rather pay more on delivery charges than get out of their homes to buy such goods. Comfort
over slightly extra delivery charges is a better tradeoff than actually going around to shop for
consumer items. Above and beyond, they find quick delivery of Q-commerce a better option than
waiting for a few days.
Ubiquitous commerce

Uninterrupted communication and exchange of data and information anywhere at any time

Ubiquitous Commerce also known as U-Commerce, u commerce or uCommerce, refers to a variety of

goods and/or services. Sometimes, it is used to refer to the wireless, continuous communication and
exchange of data and information between and among retailers, customers, and systems (e.g.,
applications) regardless of location, devices used, or time of day.
E-Governance

Electronic Governance or E-Governance is the application of

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for providing
government services, interchange of statistics, communication
proceedings, and integration of various independent systems and
services. Through the means of e-governance, government services
are made available to citizens in a suitable, systematic, and
transparent mode. The three main selected groups that can be
discriminated against in governance concepts are government,
common people, and business groups.
E-governance is the best utilization of information and
communication technologies to mutate and upgrade the coherence,
productivity, efficacy, transparency, and liability of informational and
transnational interchanges within government, between government
agencies at different levels, citizens & businesses. It also gives
authorization to citizens through access and use of information.
Generally, E-governance uses information and communication
technologies at various levels of the government and the public
sector to enhance governance.
Theoretical studies state that E-Governance is the procedure of
change of the correlation of government with its ingredients, the
citizens, the businesses, and its own organs, through the use of tools
of information and communication technology.
The UNESCO states that E-governance is the public sector’s use of
information and communication automation in order to upgrade
information and service delivery, stimulating resident involvement in
the decision-making process and making government more liable,
unambiguous and productive.
Elements of E-Governance:
Basic elements of e-governance are:
1. Government
2. Citizens
3. Investors/Businesses
Types of E-Governance:
E-governance is of 4 types:
1. Government-to-Citizen (G2C): The Government-to-citizen
mentions the government services that are acquired by the
familiar people. Most of the government services come under
G2C. Similarly, the primary aim of Government-to-citizen is to
supply facilities to the citizens. It also helps ordinary people to
minimize the time and cost to carry out a transaction. A citizen
can retrieve the facilities anytime from anywhere. Similarly,
spending the administrative fee online is also possible due to
G2C. The facility of Government-to-Citizen allows the ordinary
citizen to outclass time limitations. It also focuses on geographic
land barriers.
 Government to Citizen (G2C) e-governance is a model where
the government provides services to citizens
electronically. Examples of G2C e-governance include:
 Online services: Citizens can pay taxes, apply for services, or
change their name or address online
 Mobile services: Citizens can access government services
through mobile apps
 Electronic voting: Citizens can cast their vote remotely
 Land records: Citizens can access digital copies of their land
records and update them online
 Biometric authentication: Citizens can use their fingerprints to
authenticate themselves
 Feedback: Citizens can provide feedback to the government
electronically
 Selling government bonds: The government sells bonds to the
general public

2. Government-to-business (G2B): Government-to-business is the

interchange of services between Government and Business
firms. It is productive for both government and business firms.
G2B provides access to pertinent forms needed to observe. It
also contains many services interchanged between business
sectors and government. Similarly, Government-to-business
provides timely business information. A business organization
can have easy and easy online access to government agencies.
G2B plays an important role in business development. It
upgrades the efficiency and quality of communication and
transparency of government projects.
Examples of G2B (Government to Business) e-governance include:
  Procurement marketplaces: Governments use these online
marketplaces to buy goods and services from private
businesses.
 Electronic auctions: Governments use electronic auctions to
buy goods and services.
 Online information and advisory services: Governments
provide online information and advisory services to businesses.
 Business licenses, permits, and regulation
updates: Governments provide businesses with information
about licenses, permits, and regulation updates.
 Electronic incorporation forms: Businesses can use electronic
forms to incorporate with the government.
 Updating corporate information: Businesses can use electronic
forms to update their corporate information with the
government.
 Sending electronic payments: Businesses can send electronic
payments to the government.
 Sending filled-out electronic forms: Businesses can send filled-
out electronic forms to the government, such as tax forms and
social insurance forms.
G2B e-governance uses the internet to facilitate communication
between businesses and the government. This can lead to more
efficient cooperation and communication.

3. Government-to-Government (G2G): The Government-to-

Government mentions the interaction between different
government departments, firms, and agencies. This increases
the efficiency of government processes. In G2G, government
agencies can share the same database using online
 communication. The government departments can work
together. This service can increase international discretion and
relations. G2G services can be at the local level or at the
international level. It can convey to both global government
and local government. It also provides a safe and secure inter-
relationship between domestic and foreign governments. G2G
builds a universal database for all members to upgrade service.

Why is Government to Government G2G Initiatives Needed?

In today’s digital world, the following are the most important needs
to shift to G2G:
o The ever-increasing amount of data with the governments.
o To reduce IT costs.
o To improve transparency.
o To ensure accountability in government departments.
o To speed up government functioning.
o To increase openness and make government functioning
accessible to the citizens.
o To be able to share data benefits easily with the citizens.
o To increase the use of digital technology in government
functioning.
o To effectively implement this Citizen Charter

Examples of G2G Initiatives

Some of the prominent examples of the Government to Government
G2G Initiatives are listed below:
Smart Government Initiative by Andhra Pradesh Government
o TCS developed the software known as Smart Gov. The Andhra
Pradesh government supports this government-to-government
programme. Smart Gov aims to improve efficiency and
streamline operations through automation and knowledge.
o The transition from a "hard copy" environment to a "digital
paperless environment" is aided by operations automation.
o Secretariat Knowledge and Information management system
was its previous moniker.
o Smart Gov will also better utilise the network to improve
productivity and communication.

Khajane
o The state of Karnataka's integrated financial management
system, Khajane, is available online. The CMS group developed
and designed it.
o Payments, pensions, postage, savings accounts, etc. are all
covered.
o It is being implemented to manage all aspects of the Karnataka
Government's financial operations.
o The treasury system is much easier and better than it was
before.
o Using VSAT technology, the 216 treasury officials throughout
Karnataka are linked to a single central office.
o It has aided in achieving total control and transparency over
every transaction made by the Treasury Department.
o The Treasury Department's approach is now time and money
efficient due to the Khajane platform.
Northeast Gang Information System (NEGIS) in the North East
States
North East Gang Information System (NEIGS) is a G2G example from
the United States. The main objective of the NEIGS is to offer the
state and municipal police in the North Eastern part of America
thorough and high-quality information about gang members, their
whereabouts, and criminal activities.
The NEIGS's successful implementation highlights the following
issues.
o Importance of high-level dedication.
o The importance of decision-making through consensus.
o The essential quality is intelligence.

3.1 Government-to-Employee (G2E): The Government-to-

Employee is the internal part of G2G section. It aims to bring
employees together and improvise knowledge sharing. It
provides online facilities to the employees. Similarly,
applying for leave, reviewing salary payment record and
checking the balance of holiday. The G2E sector yields
human resource training and development. So, G2E is also
the correlation between employees and government
institutions.

Advantages of E-Governance:
The supreme goal of e-governance is to be able to provide an
increased portfolio of public services to citizens in a systematic and
cost effective way. It allows for government transparency because it
allows the public to be informed about what the government is
working on as well as the policies they are trying to implement.
The main advantage while executing electronic government will be to
enhance the efficiency of the current system.
Another advantage is that it increases transparency in the
administration, reduces costs, increases revenue growth, and also
improves relationships between the public and the civic authorities.

Disadvantages of E-Governance:
The main disadvantage regarding e-governance is the absence of
fairness in public access to the internet, of trustworthy information
on the web, and disguised agendas of government groups that could
have an impact and could bias public opinions.

PODCAST
A podcast is a program made available in digital format
for download over the Internet. Typically, a podcast is
an episodic series of digital audio files that users can download to a
personal device to listen to at a time of their choosing. Podcasts are
primarily an audio medium, but some distribute in video, either as
their primary content or as a supplement to audio; popularised in
recent years by video platform YouTube
Podcasts have become a popular way for people to consume
information and stay entertained while on the go. But did you know
that they can also be a powerful tool for e-commerce businesses? In
this blog post, we’ll explore the role of podcasts in e-commerce and
how they can help businesses increase brand awareness, build trust,
and boost sales.
Build Brand Awareness
Podcasts are a great way to build brand awareness and establish your
business as an authority in your industry. By creating valuable and
informative content, you can attract a loyal audience of listeners who
are interested in your products or services. This audience is more
likely to become customers because they have already developed a
relationship with your brand.
Increase Customer Engagement
Podcasts offer a unique opportunity to engage with your audience in
a more personal way. By providing a voice to your brand, you can
connect with listeners on a deeper level and build trust. You can also
use podcasts to answer customer questions, share success stories,
and provide helpful tips and advice.
Boost Sales
Podcasts can be a powerful tool for driving sales by promoting your
products or services to a captive audience. By featuring your
products in your podcast episodes, you can generate interest and
drive traffic to your e-commerce store. You can also offer exclusive
promotions and discounts to listeners, further incentivizing them to
make a purchase.
Content Strategy
Podcasts are an effective way to add variety to your content strategy.
By creating high-quality audio content, you can provide a fresh
perspective on your industry and offer your audience something
different than your competitors. Additionally, you can repurpose your
podcast episodes into other forms of content, such as blog posts,
social media posts, or video content.
Digital Marketing
Podcasts can be a valuable addition to your digital marketing
strategy. By promoting your podcast on social media and other digital
channels, you can attract new listeners and expand your reach.
Additionally, you can use analytics to track the performance of your
podcast and adjust your marketing strategy accordingly.

Example of
B2B Ecommerce:
B2B Examples Across Industries
 Salesforce
 Alibaba
 Microsoft
 HubSpot
 Oracle Corporation
 SAP
 Boeing
 Mailchimp
 IBM
 Slack
 Asana
 Airtable
 Intel
 General Electric
 Adobe
  FedEx
 Cicsco
 Qualtrics
 Amazon
 Upwork

“BBS” means Bulletin Board System, a key tech in the 1980s and 1990s. It let people connect through
dial-up, share messages, and swap files
In the article "Social Commerce: A New Electronic Commerce," Yao
Zhong said the concept of consumer marketing promotions online
first appeared on the internet in November 2005 in Yahoo! The site
promoted their Shoposphere pick lists, which highlighted the most
popular products
Social commerce uses networking websites(Social networking uses
internet-based social media sites to stay connected with friends,
family, colleagues, or customers. Social networking can have a social
purpose, a business purpose, or both through sites like Facebook, X,
Instagram, and Pinterest.)to promote and sell products and services.
Social commerce involves the entire shopping experience over social
media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and the X platform (formerly
Twitter). This means products and services are marketed on these
sites, which allow consumers to browse, shop, and make purchases.
A social commerce campaign's success is measured by the degree to
which consumers interact with the company's marketing through
retweets, likes, and shares.
How Social Commerce Works
As noted above, social commerce involves selling products and
services over social media. It encourages social shopping tools, such
as forums and communities, where buyers and sellers discuss
their online shopping experiences and compare notes. It is an
evolving field of online marketing that works in conjunction with
social media and online shopping growth. Fashion and shopping-
related blogs use social commerce and media to entice shoppers to
purchase linked items online.
Social commerce professionals create and post messages and
interactive features that promote online sales and other e-
commerce initiatives. Some of the marketing tactics social commerce
employs include:
 Inviting users to vote on product style or choices
 Offering personalized buyer options
 Applying large and striking graphics to attract viewer clicks
 Using videos to show the product in use and from multiple
angles
 Encouraging user-submitted photos, commentary, and feedback
 Using celebrity endorsements of the product line
 Linking directly to the checkout or shopping cart
 Offering promotions or giveaways to users who share the
product on their feeds
Sustainability in e-commerce

Sustainability in e-commerce is a business model that considers the

environmental, social, and economic impact of online shopping. It
involves reducing waste, carbon emissions, and resource
consumption throughout the product lifecycle.
What are some examples of sustainable e-commerce practices?

Reducing packaging
Using recyclable packaging, reducing the amount of packaging, and
printing labels using thermal printers to save ink

Reducing returns
Working on your return policy to ensure it's reasonable and that
customers understand the consequences of unlimited returns .

Reselling or recycling used merchandise

Using an e-commerce marketplace to resell items, or creating
recycling policies

Product buybacks
Offering circular payment plans that allow customers to return
products after use, so they can be refurbished or recycled

Ethical sourcing
Promoting ethical sourcing and fair trade
Using renewable energy
Using renewable energy systems and electric motors to operate more
efficiently
Why is sustainable e-commerce important?
 It helps to reduce the negative environmental impact of online
shopping
 It can help to balance business growth with ecological
responsibility and social equity
 It can help to create a more secure e-commerce experience for
customers
 It can help to create a more sustainable future for generations
to come