What’s an ecommerce model?

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An e-commerce business model is a strategic plan that outlines and defines how an individual or company will conduct electronic commerce or Internet commerce (e-commerce). The model provides organized and structured guidance to ensure the business is profitable, while generating enough revenue to be self-sustaining. Overall, the e-commerce business plan outlines how to reduce operating costs and increase profits, as well as clearly define the roles of each person involved in the business. The specific details of each e-commerce business structure depend on the type of business covered by the plan.

Also referred to as the Internet business model, the e-commerce business model typically modifies a business plan that is already successful in commercial businesses and adjusts it to fit the specific business category. The model takes into account the differences in conducting business online versus face-to-face, addressing both the risks and rewards. Several categories have proven to be successful as e-commerce businesses. These include the sale of Internet advertising; sale of various types of specialized products and services; information industries that provide knowledge and expertise in many subjects; electronic publishing; and internet-based careers, previously unknown before the advancement of internet technology and accessibility.

The best ecommerce business model typically includes a specific ecommerce business structure or an internet business design that is customized for the particular type of business. A popular business magazine has described three main types of business plans on the Internet. Each of these ecommerce business models has its own set of responsibilities or obligations, along with associated operating costs and potential profit margins.

Each common ecommerce business model described includes product sales, service sales, and information delivery. An entrepreneur can also combine two or more of these models, depending on the nature of his ecommerce business. Each setup has variations within its respective e-commerce business model.

For example, someone involved in e-commerce product sales may choose to sell through an online store, mall, or auction site. Similarly, an entrepreneur offering various types of services can do so through online storefronts or shopping malls. The third most common type of e-commerce business is information delivery. In this technological age, providing information on matters of interest is quicker and more convenient than ever before, whether through online publications or portal sites offering numerous topics. These e-commerce businesses can be extensions of existing businesses that already exist, or standalone ones.

Regardless of the type or structure of ecommerce, any entrepreneur or entrepreneur who has an ecommerce business model in place is more likely to be successful than one who does not. An old adage says, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.” This bit of wisdom underscores the importance of a strategic ecommerce business model that concisely addresses the needs of a specific enterprise.

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