What is e-commerce?

The term e-commerce comes from English and means electronic commerce. In addition to the sale and shipment of goods, e-commerce also includes a wide range of services such as online banking and customer service.

Electronic commerce offers various advantages for both retailers and customers. These include, among others:

• Fast processing
• Time and location independence (orders can be placed via smartphone while on vacation, for example)
• Fast communication between retailers and customers, even internationally
• Lower costs than brick-and-mortar stores
• Transparent prices that can be compared

The main disadvantages for companies are the significant logistical challenges, such as high shipping costs, which drive down margins.