Electronic Commerce

Abstract

In the modern society, electronic commerce (e-commerce) has become a primary factor of the global economy, opening up new possibilities for businesses, consumers and society. This is due to the widespread use of computing, which in turn has changed technologies and user behavior. Online trading platforms have become increasingly accessible and user-friendly. The use of IT (Information Technology) in commerce has enabled consumers to procure products and services conveniently and quickly. Depending on the type of interacting entities, we can have the following categories: Business-to-business, Business-to-consumer, Consumer-to-business, Consumer-to-consumer, Business-to-government, Government-to-business, Government-to-consumer. The use of computing in commerce has the following advantages: it leads to an increase in income, it is more convenient for the user and the seller, it is cheaper for the user, it saves time, it allows to improve the ecology, etc. For example, in online sales it allows to increase sales, which leads to an increase in income. When the user is looking for a product, he can see what parameters it has, what price it has in different stores, so he can find the right product much faster. In addition to saving time, it saves money because it finds the store with the lowest price, it does not spend on shipping. Because it uses less transport, so it pollutes the environment less. It is also more profitable for the seller, he has no expenses for the rent of the store, communal services, it needs a minimum number of staff, etc. More than that, not using e-commerce (compared to other companies) could leads to loss of income, or even bankruptcy of the business. Other of the important factors in the growth of e-commerce is the use of mobile devices (m-commerce), such as smartphones and tablets. Companies quickly moved to develop mobile apps and websites adapted for mobile devices, making them easy to use and hassle-free. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53486/cike2023.41; UDC: 339.1:004.738.5(478); JEL: L81