What Is e-Commerce?
Simply put, e-commerce is the online transaction of business, featuring linked computer systems of the vendor, host, and buyer. Electronic transactions involve the transfer of ownership or rights to use a good or service.
E-commerce can be divided into:
- e-tailing or "virtual storefronts" on Web sites with online catalogs, sometimes gathered into a "virtual mall"
- The gathering and use of demographic data through Web contacts
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), the business-to-business exchange of data e-mail and fax and their use as media for reaching prospects and established customers (for example, with newsletters)
- Business-to-business buying and selling (B2B)
What Are the Benefits?
E-commerce can provide the following benefits over non-electronic communication:
- Reduced Costs: reduced labour, reduced paper work, reduced errors in keying in data, etc.
- Reduced Time: shorter lead times, faster delivery of product.
- Flexibility with Efficiency: the ability to handle complex situations, product ranges and customer profiles without the situation becoming unmanageable.
- Lock in Customers: the closer you are to your customer and the more you work with them to change from normal business practices to best practice e-commerce the harder it is for a competitor to upset your customer relationship.
- New Markets: the Internet has the potential to expand your business into wider geographical locations. However, it is necessary to develop the appropriate production capacity and distribution channels to support market demands generated by promoting your business to a larger marketplace.
WHY ICTIP?
ICTIP consultants are experts in providing comprehensive e-commerce solutions. We understand the benefits and what discourages buyers from purchasing online. Our solutions and advice will lift sales completion rates and minimise shopping cart abandonment.
ICTIP works closely with you to develop an ecommerce system capable of driving your entire sales process, yet function in conjunction with your existing payment and delivery processes. Every business is different, which is why our ecommerce systems are not one size fits all packages - we devise tailored solutions to meet your business needs.
Our Business Consultancy service is designed specifically to isolate and specify your unique e-commerce requirements.
Our e-Commerce solutions come inclusive of:
Product database
The Product Database containing details of registered products, where information is both easily retrieved by our powerful search capability and maintained.
Shopping cart
An online shopping cart is a software package and web application that facilitates the selection and purchase of products through a website. It allows users to move through a catalogue of products, viewing, adding, removing and editing items in their selection as they go.
Online payment system
Payment Gateway can help you accept credit card and electronic check payments quickly and affordably. Our secure online payment systems can allow PayPal payments as well as direct deposit orders, quotes and purchase orders.