E-Commerce

Fall 2024 - 2025

Instructor: Dr. Robert Madi | email: [email protected] | mobile: 03 272372

Course content

-1- Overview of e-Commerce – S 1 -8- Elements of Success in e-commerce – S 8

-2- Overview of e-Commerce – S 2 -9- e-Commerce marketing – S 9
-3- e-Commerce business model & framework - S 3 -10- e-Commerce marketing – S 10
-4- e-Commerce business model & framework – S 4 -11- How technology changes business – S 11
-5- The online consumer behavior – S 5 -12- How technology changes business – S 12
-6- The online consumer behavior – S 6 -13- Dealing with e-Commerce problems – S 13
-7- Elements of Success in e-commerce – S 7 -14- Dealing with e-Commerce problems – S 14
Chapter 1

Overview of
Overview of e-Commerce

Ecommerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the

buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It
has transformed the way businesses operate and how
consumers shop. Ecommerce offers convenience, accessibility,
and a global reach, allowing businesses to connect with
customers from around the world, 24/7.
Various models of e-Commerce
• Business (B) • Consumer ( C )
• Amazon • YOU
• Ali Express • Anyone (any customer)
• SheIn • Any Business
• Roadster
• YOU
• Any Business
Various models of e-Commerce
1.Business-to-Consumer (B2C): This is the most common form of
ecommerce, where businesses sell products or services directly to
individual consumers. Examples include online retailers like Amazon
and fashion brands with their online stores.
2.Business-to-Business (B2B): B2B ecommerce involves transactions
between businesses. It enables companies to streamline procurement
processes, purchase supplies, and collaborate with suppliers or
distributors online. B2B marketplaces and platforms facilitate these
transactions.
Various models of e-Commerce
3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): C2C ecommerce allows consumers
to sell products or services directly to other consumers through
online platforms. Platforms like eBay, Dubizzle or OLX enable
individuals to trade items, create online auctions, or provide services
to each other.
4. Consumer-to-Business (C2B): C2B ecommerce reverses the
traditional consumer-business relationship. In this model,
individuals offer products or services, and businesses purchase them.
Freelance marketplaces, where businesses hire independent
professionals, are examples of C2B ecommerce.
Key advantages of ecommerce for businesses
1. Expanded Market Reach: Ecommerce eliminates geographical
limitations, allowing businesses to reach a global customer base.
2. Lower Overhead Costs: Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar
stores, ecommerce businesses often have lower operating costs, as
there's no need for physical storefronts or extensive inventories.
3. Enhanced Customer Insights: Ecommerce platforms provide valuable
data on customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history, enabling
businesses to personalize marketing efforts and improve customer
experiences.
Key advantages of ecommerce for businesses
4. Increased Sales and Revenue: Ecommerce offers the potential for
increased sales through broader market reach, efficient marketing
campaigns, and cross-selling or upselling opportunities.
5. Improved Customer Convenience: Customers can shop anytime,
anywhere, and enjoy the convenience of doorstep delivery, easy
returns, and multiple payment options.
In Brief
• E-Commerce presents challenges such as intense competition,
ensuring website security, building customer trust, managing inventory
and logistics effectively, and maintaining a seamless user experience.
• Overall, ecommerce has revolutionized the way businesses operate
and how consumers engage in commerce. It continues to evolve with
advancements in technology, shaping the future of retail and creating
new opportunities for entrepreneurs and consumers alike.
Figures since 2020
• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated ecommerce
adoption, with an estimated 22% increase in ecommerce penetration in
2020.
• Mobile ecommerce, or m-commerce, has been rapidly growing. In
2020, mobile devices accounted for 73% of ecommerce sales globally.
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased sales in categories like
groceries, household essentials, and healthcare products.
Figures of 2023
• It is projected that global ecommerce sales will reach $6.38 trillion by
the end of 2023.
• By 2023, mobile ecommerce sales are projected to reach $3.56 trillion,
representing 56% of total ecommerce sales.
• These statistics highlight the significant growth and impact of
ecommerce since 2020. The pandemic has played a pivotal role in
driving ecommerce adoption, shifting consumer behaviors, and
shaping the future of retail. Ecommerce continues to evolve and offers
immense opportunities for businesses worldwide.
We will be covering
• Website eCommerce • Social Media eCommerce
• Pre-requisites needed • Building your channels
• Starting your business • Updating your pages
• Building your catalog • Marketing your store
• Starting your marketing • Building your audience
• Maintaining your store • Challenges of Sales
• Upgrading & Enhancing • Analytics & Data
• Challenges • Maintain & Upgrade
• Return on Investment • When to move to website
 ENHANCING
YOUR SITE
PRODUCTS

PAYMENT
CUSTOMER
GATEWAY
YOUR E-SHOP SERVICES

LOGISTICS
ANALYSIS
SOFTWARE & BACK OFFICE
Key Components
• Online Stores: Websites or apps where products and services are
listed for sale.
• Payment Gateways: Secure online payment processing systems that
allow transactions to be completed, such as PayPal, Stripe, or Square.
• Logistics and Supply Chain: The infrastructure and processes
involved in delivering products to customers, including warehousing,
inventory management, and shipping.
• Customer Service: Support provided to customers before, during,
and after a purchase, often including return policies and after-sales
service.
Technology and Tools
• E-commerce Platforms: Software solutions like Shopify, WooCommerce,
and Magento that provide businesses with the tools to create and manage
online stores.
• Mobile Commerce (M-commerce): E-commerce conducted via mobile
devices, which is increasingly popular due to the widespread use of
smartphones.
• AI and Personalization: Use of artificial intelligence to analyze customer
behavior and preferences, enabling personalized shopping experiences.
• SEO and Digital Marketing: Techniques to drive traffic to e-commerce
sites, including search engine optimization, social media marketing, and
email campaigns.
Challenges
• Security Concerns: Protecting sensitive customer data from breaches
and fraud is a major priority.
• Logistics and Fulfillment: Managing supply chain complexity,
ensuring timely delivery, and handling returns can be challenging,
especially for small businesses.
• Competition: The online marketplace is highly competitive,
requiring businesses to continuously innovate and improve their
offerings.
• Customer Retention: With so many options available, maintaining
customer loyalty can be difficult, necessitating strong customer
service and engagement strategies.
Future of eCommerce
• Emerging Technologies: Integration of augmented reality (AR),
virtual reality (VR), to enhance the shopping experience and improve
transparency.
• Voice Commerce: Growth in the use of voice-activated devices like
Amazon Echo and Google Home for shopping.
• AI and Machine Learning: Continued evolution in personalization,
customer service (chatbots), and predictive analytics to anticipate
consumer needs.
 Smart eCommerce
• The future of staff-free retail
• Walk-in Smart store concept.
• Smart Store is a way of eCommerce
The New Dimension
of Shopping: AR
and VR in Retail
and E-Commerce

It’s about the emergence of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the realms of
retail and e-commerce, transforming them from mere commercial transactions into immersive,
engaging experiences.