The document discusses e-commerce, defining it as buying and selling goods and services online. It notes the four types of e-commerce transactions: business to business, business to customer, customer to customer, and customer to business. The key advantages of e-commerce are listed as cost efficiency, convenience, 24/7 accessibility, and reduced time and effort for both customers and businesses. However, the document also outlines disadvantages such as security risks, dependence on technology, increased competition, potential customer service issues, lack of physical interaction with customers, and shipping and handling challenges.

1. BUSINESS ENVIORNMENT
ECOMMERCE

2. INTRODUCTION
1. E-Commerce stands for electronic commerce.
2. E-Commerce or E-business involves carrying on a business with the help of the internet and by using
information technology like Electronic Data Interchange (EDI).

3. What is Ecommerce?
1. E- commerce is a method of buying and selling goods and services online. The definition of ecommerce business
can also include tactics like affiliate marketing.
2. You can use ecommerce channels such as your own website, an established selling website like Amazon, or social
media to drive online sales.
3. E- Commerce or Electronic Commerce means buying and selling of goods, products, or services over the internet.
E-commerce is also known as electronic commerce or internet commerce. These services provided online over the
internet network. Transaction of money, funds, and data are also considered as E-commerce. These business
transactions can be done in four ways: Business to Business (B2B), Business to Customer (B2C), Customer to
Customer (C2C), Customer to Business (C2B).

4. How E-Commerce works?
1. Customer come to the website or online market place and purchase products using electronic payments.
2. Upon receiving the money, the merchant ships the goods or provides service.

5. Types of E- Commerce
Business to Business
Business to Customer
Customer to Customer
Customer to Business

6. Advantages of E- commerce
1. Cost efficiency
2. Convenience
3. 24/7 Accessibility
4. Reduced Time and Effort
5. Global reach

7.  Cost efficiency
Operating online reduces costs associated with traditional brick-and-mortar stores, such as rent, utilities, and
staff. Cost efficiency means being able to deliver projects and services at the lowest possible price without
compromising quality. It's about driving down costs while maintaining a high level of service, quality, and innovation.
Cost efficiency isn't the same as cost cutting.

8.  Convenience
Customers can shop anytime, anywhere, providing them with convenience and flexibility. Convenience refers to the ease and
comfort associated with performing tasks, obtaining goods, or accessing services with minimal effort. It often involves
reducing the time, effort, and complexity involved in various activities to make them more user-friendly and efficient.

9.  24/7 Accessibility
Online stores are open 24/7, allowing businesses to cater to customers around the clock. In e-commerce, 24/7
accessibility means that online stores or platforms are available for use and transactions around the clock, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. Customers can browse products, make purchases, and manage transactions at any time, providing
them with the flexibility to shop whenever it is convenient for them, regardless of traditional business hours. This
accessibility is facilitated by the continuous operation of e-commerce websites, allowing users to engage with the
platform whenever they choose.

10.  Reduced time and effort
◦ Both customers and businesses save time and effort with online transactions, as the entire shopping process is
streamlined.
◦ Reduced time and effort in e-commerce refers to streamlining and simplifying the online shopping process to
minimize the duration and energy customers need to invest in making a purchase. This involves features like user-
friendly interfaces, efficient search options, and simplified checkout processes. By optimizing these aspects, e-
commerce platforms aim to enhance the overall shopping experience, making it quicker and more straightforward for
customers to find products, make selections, and complete transactions with minimal hassle. The goal is to save users
time and effort, fostering a more convenient and satisfying online shopping experience.

11. Dis-Advantages of E-commerce
1. Security Risks
2. Dependence on Technology
3. Increased Competition
4. Customer Service Issues
5. Lack of Physical Interaction with Customers
6. Shipping and Handling Challenges

12. Security Risks
The risks of security breaches and online fraud have also increased with the increase in online transactions. Cybercriminals can use
various tactics to access sensitive customer data and business information, such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. This can
lead to a loss of customer trust and damage your business’s reputation. To mitigate these risks, E-Commerce businesses in India must
invest in robust security measures, such as SSL certificates, firewalls, and encryption, and train employees on best practices to protect
against security threats.
Dependence on Technology
E- Commerce businesses in India depend highly on technology, including web development tools, hosting services, and online
payment systems. Therefore, any technical issue or system outage can disrupt operations and result in a loss of revenue. Additionally,
the rapid pace of technological change means that businesses must stay updated with the latest trends and updates, which can be time-
consuming and costly. To address this, businesses in India must have contingency plans for technology failures and allocate sufficient
resources for ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Increased Competition
The growing popularity of E-Commerce in India means that businesses must compete with many online retailers, including
established players and new entrants. This can make it challenging for businesses to differentiate themselves and attract
customers. To stand out in a crowded market, E-Commerce businesses in India must invest in marketing and branding
strategies that effectively communicate their unique value proposition and provide a superior customer experience.

13. Customer Service Issues
Providing excellent customer service is critical to the success of any E-Commerce business, and it can be challenging
in the Indian market. For example, online customers may have difficulty navigating the website, finding the needed
products, or processing their payments. Additionally, shipping and delivery issues, such as delayed or damaged
packages, can lead to customer complaints and negative reviews. To address these issues, businesses must invest in user-
friendly websites and efficient order fulfillment processes and provide timely and effective customer support.
Lack of Physical Interaction with Customers
Unlike traditional retail stores, E-Commerce businesses in India have limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions
with customers. This can make building strong customer relationships and establishing brand loyalty difficult. To
overcome this challenge, businesses can leverage social media and email marketing to engage with customers and
provide personalized offers and incentives.
Shipping and Handling Challenges
Shipping and handling can be a significant challenge for E-Commerce businesses in India. The vast geographic area,
poor infrastructure, and regulatory restrictions can make timely and cost-effective delivery difficult. To address this,
businesses must partner with reliable logistics providers and develop efficient supply chain management systems that
track inventory, optimize shipping routes, and provide real-time updates to customers.

14. It offers a range of benefits that can help companies grow and succeed. However, as with any business
model, E-Commerce also has its drawbacks. For example, it poses security risks and requires businesses to
depend on technology, which can be expensive and complex.

15. AJAY. H