Ecommerce Business Model-Table of Contents
What Is Ecommerce?
Before exploring the different types of ecommerce business model, it’s important to first establish a clear understanding of what constitutes an ecommerce business. Ecommerce, or electronic commerce, is the practice of buying and selling goods and services using the internet. It has transformed the traditional way of doing business by enabling transactions to be carried out online. This method covers a wide range of activities, from ordering products from online retailers to downloading digital content. Ecommerce is highly convenient, as it allows consumers to shop from anywhere at any time, using devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones.
One of the key features of ecommerce is its accessibility. Customers can browse a vast selection of products and services, compare prices, and make purchases without the need to physically visit a store. This digital approach to commerce not only saves time but also offers a level of flexibility and choice that traditional brick-and-mortar stores can’t match. For businesses, ecommerce opens up opportunities to reach a wider audience, transcending geographical boundaries. It’s a cost-effective way for businesses to expand their market presence and customer base without the significant overhead costs of maintaining physical stores.
What Is Ecommerce Business Model?
Every company operates based on its own business model, which is a plan for how it will run its business and make money. This model includes what the company will sell, who its customers are, and how it plans to generate profits. Choosing the right business model is crucial, especially for beginners or those new to the business world. The right model depends on the type of business, the target market, and the specific goals of the company.
Successfully executing a business model is key to making a business venture profitable. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about having a solid strategy to make that idea work financially. This involves understanding the market, knowing the customer needs, and adapting to changes over time. A well-executed business model can turn a business venture into a steady source of income and drive long-term success.
Different Types Of Business Models
- 1.B2C – Business to Consumer
- 2.B2B – Business to Business
- 3.B2G – Business to Government
- 4.B2B2C – Business to Business to Consumer
- 5.C2C – Consumer to Consumer
- 6.C2B – Consumer to Business
- 7.C2G – Consumer to Government
- 8.G2C – Government to Consumer
- 9.G2G – Government to Government
- 10.G2B – Government to Business
Different Types Of Ecommerce Business Model With Examples
1.Ecommerce Business Model-Business to Consumer (B2C)
The ecommerce business model, particularly in the Business to Consumer (B2C) sector, involves diverse approaches through which companies and individuals sell products and services directly to consumers over the internet. It’s essential to understand these B2C ecommerce models as they provide insights into how businesses engage with customers online and generate revenue. This understanding is key to navigating the online retail landscape, where the interaction between businesses and end consumers is the central focus.
There are subsets to these services:Direct to Consumer (DTC): In this ecommerce business model, manufacturers sell directly to consumers, bypassing retailers or distributors. A classic example is a brand like Warby Parker, which sells eyewear directly to customers through its website.
Online Intermediaries: These are platforms that connect sellers and consumers. They facilitate transactions and often take a share of each sale. Amazon and eBay are prime examples, where numerous sellers list their products for consumers to purchase.
Advertising-Based Model: This ecommerce model offers information or services for free, but generates revenue through advertising. A well-known example is Google, which provides free search services but earns money through ads displayed in search results.
Community-Based Sites:These sites target ads to users based on demographics and location. Facebook, for instance, generates revenue by displaying ads relevant to its users’ interests and locations.
Fee-Based Model:Here, companies sell access to their content or service for a fee. Netflix exemplifies this model, charging customers a subscription fee for access to its library of movies and TV shows.
Example of B2C Ecommerce Business ModelFlipkart – Flipkart started as a direct-to-consumer ecommerce platform selling books and a few other products. Later, it shifted to a marketplace model, which connects sellers and buyers. On Flipkart, various businesses and service providers list their products or services. When a customer places an order, Flipkart verifies it and arranges the delivery either from its own warehouse or the supplier’s warehouse, or connects the customer to the service provider.
The ecommerce platform checks and approves the businesses that want to list their offerings on the website. Flipkart handles the payment process, taking a commission for facilitating the sale on its marketplace and then paying the supplier or service provider for their product or service. Flipkart’s main sources of income include commissions from sellers, fees for advertising on their site, and charges for logistics and convenience.
Just Dial – Justdial is India’s search engine for the local search market, which initially started as a classified website but soon transformed into a local search engine. They used a word-of-mouth strategy to advertise themselves, focusing on local brands and small businesses, making the company famous among the masses.
Urban Clap– Urban Clap is a company that provides a variety of services of professionals and blue-collar workers at the convenience of customers’ home. One can hire electricians, yoga trainers, lawyers, engineers, chartered accountants, beauticians, photographers, interior designers, etc.
2.Ecommerce business model-Business to Business (B2B)
In the Business-to-Business (B2B) ecommerce model, transactions occur directly between businesses, a process often referred to as B-to-B. This model typically involves relationships like manufacturers selling to wholesalers or wholesalers dealing with retailers. The B2B ecommerce model is distinct in that it focuses on facilitating business transactions between companies, rather than between a company and individual consumers. It’s a model where one business strategically markets and sells its products or services to another business entity.
Example of B2B Ecommerce Business ModelIndiaMART is a leading example of a B2B (Business-to-Business) ecommerce business. Established in 1999, it operates with the mission of making business transactions easy. As India’s largest B2B marketplace, IndiaMART holds a significant presence in the online B2B Classified space in India, commanding about 60% market share. The platform is designed to cater to the needs of a diverse range of businesses, including Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), large corporations, and even individual entrepreneurs, providing them a comprehensive space to connect and conduct business.
3.Ecommerce Business Model-Business to Government (B2G)
The Business to Government (B2G) ecommerce model is where businesses provide products, services, or information to government agencies. This includes dealings with all levels of government – federal, state, or local. In a B2G model, the transactions are specifically tailored to meet the needs of government bodies. This type of ecommerce often involves things like government contracts, where a company might supply goods to government offices, or provide services such as IT support or consultancy. The key aspect of B2G is that it focuses on meeting the specific demands and standards required by government entities, differentiating it from other ecommerce models that target individual consumers or other businesses.
Example of B2G Ecommerce Business modelLockheed Martin specializes in aerospace, defense, and security technologies and provides various products and services to government entities, primarily in the defense sector. Their dealings often include supplying advanced aircraft, defense systems, and related technology solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. This relationship exemplifies the B2G model, where a business’s primary customers are government bodies, and the products and services are tailored to meet governmental needs and specifications.
4.Ecommerce Business Model-Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C)
The Business to Business to Consumer (B2B2C) ecommerce model is an innovative approach where a company operates in two different markets simultaneously. In this model, the company sells products or services to other businesses (B2B) and also directly to end consumers (B2C).
Example of B2B2C Ecommerce Business ModelA cloud services provider may offer hosting solutions to businesses for their ecommerce websites (B2B) and at the same time offer cloud storage services directly to individual consumers (B2C). This dual approach allows companies to maximize their market reach, tapping into both the business and consumer sectors, and providing a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the varied needs of both types of customers.
5.Ecommerce Business Model-Consumer to Consumer (C2C)
The Consumer to Consumer (C2C) ecommerce model is a key component in the broader spectrum of ecommerce business models. In this model, individual consumers become both sellers and buyers, engaging in online transactions with one another. Unlike traditional retail, where businesses sell to consumers, C2C platforms enable everyday people to buy and sell products or services directly to and from each other using online platforms or apps.
Examples of C2C Ecommerce Business ModelSeveral platforms exemplify the C2C ecommerce model. eBay is a prime example where individuals can list items they want to sell, and other individuals can purchase those items. Another example is Craigslist, where people post ads for various products or services, including used furniture, cars, or even freelance services like house repairs. These platforms create a space for individuals to connect and engage in direct transactions with each other online.
6.Ecommerce Business Model-Consumer to Business (C2B)
In this ecommerce business model, a website serves as a digital marketplace where multiple business organizations offer a particular service. This platform is designed to cater to consumers seeking specific services and provides a user-friendly interface for them to interact with various service providers.
Example of C2B Ecommerce Business ModelFreelancer: Freelancer.com is a website where businesses can post jobs, and people who want to do these jobs, called freelancers, can offer to do them. Freelancers are usually individuals who are good at specific things, like writing or designing. They look at the jobs businesses have posted and say how much they want to be paid to do them. This website helps freelancers find work and helps businesses find people to do their jobs.
Upwork: Upwork.com works similarly to Freelancer.com but focuses more on professional services. It’s a place where businesses can find professionals for different projects, like making websites, marketing, or writing. People with these skills, or freelancers, use Upwork to find work and offer their services. Upwork makes it easy for businesses to find the right person for their project and for freelancers to find jobs that match their skills.
7.Ecommerce Business Model-Consumer to government (C2G)
The Consumer to Government (C2G) model is an integral part of modern e-governance, focusing on the digital interaction between individuals (consumers) and government bodies. This model facilitates a streamlined and direct communication channel where consumers can offer services, feedback, or obtain information from government authorities. C2G covers critical areas such as participating in elections, casting votes, and managing taxation processes.
Example of C2G Ecommerce Business Modelwhen a consumer pays an electricity bill through a government website or app, it exemplifies the C2G ecommerce business model in action. This approach significantly simplifies the process of reaching out to higher authorities, allowing consumers to interact with government sectors without the traditional bureaucratic hurdles. The C2G model not only enhances the efficiency of public services but also promotes transparency and ease of access, making government interactions more user-friendly and responsive to citizen needs.
8.Ecommerce Business Model-Government to Consumer (G2C)
G2C websites are part of the e-business model, falling under a specific type of ecommerce. Unlike B2C or B2B, G2C focuses on transactions between government and citizens, offering services like online auctions and document registrations. This showcases the versatility of ecommerce models, adapting to different sectors including public services.
Examples of G2C Ecommerce Business ModelOnline Tax Filing Services: Websites where citizens can file taxes, view their tax history, and make payments directly to the government.
E-Government Portals for Document Registration: Platforms for services like applying for passports, driver’s licenses, birth/death/marriage certificates.
Public Service and Information Websites: Offering information and applications for social services, public housing, unemployment benefits.
Online Voting Systems: Systems where citizens can register to vote or even cast their votes in elections.
Municipal Service Websites: For paying utility bills, parking tickets, and accessing local government information.
These examples reflect how G2C models facilitate direct interaction between governments and citizens through digital means.
9.Ecommerce Business Model-Government to Government (G2G)
Government to Government (G2G) is about different government departments or agencies sharing information and systems with each other electronically. This method is used to make communication and working together easier and more efficient for government bodies.
In G2G, important elements include:
Sharing Data:Governments exchange all kinds of information, from public record to important government statistics.
Integrated Systems:Different government departments use shared systems to work together more smoothly.
Efficiency:By sharing data and systems, government work becomes faster and less duplicated.
Improved Services: This leads to better government services for citizens as departments coordinate better.
Secure Exchange: It’s also about keeping the shared data safe and secure while it’s being exchanged.
So, G2G helps governments work better together by sharing information and systems, which ultimately benefits the public by improving the services they receive.
Example of G2G Ecommerce Business ModelAn example of the Government to Government (G2G) model is the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) used by many countries. This system allows different government departments, such as the Revenue Service, Customs, and Finance Ministry, to share taxpayer information and coordinate their efforts. By using ITAS, these departments can efficiently manage tax records, track payments, and share relevant data securely. This leads to better tax administration, prevents tax evasion, and enhances overall financial management within the government.
10.Ecommerce Business Model-Government to Business (G2B)
Government to Business (G2B) is when the government and businesses talk online. Businesses can use government websites to do things like getting licenses, paying taxes, and bidding for government contracts. It’s a way to make these interactions easier and faster, using the internet.
Example of G2B Ecommerce Business ModelA good example of the Government to Business (G2B) model is when a small business owner goes online to a government website to renew their business license. Instead of visiting a government office in person, they can simply log in, pay the renewal fee, and get their updated license—all through the government’s website. This makes the process quick and convenient for the business owner, thanks to the G2B ecommerce model.
Delivery Methods of Ecommerce Business Model
Now, let’s dive into the various delivery methods utilized by ecommerce businesses to connect products with customers:
Drop Shipping: Dropshipping is an efficient method where retailers don’t maintain inventory. Instead, when a product is sold, it’s purchased from a third party, which then ships it directly to the customer.
Example: A boutique e-store that offers diverse products without the burden of physical stock.
Subscription Services: Subscription-based ecommerce involves customers paying periodic fees for regular product or service deliveries. Think of it as having goods delivered to your doorstep on a schedule.
Example: Services like “Blue Apron,” which deliver fresh meal ingredients to subscribers weekly.
Wholesaling: Wholesaling entails buying products in bulk quantities from manufacturers or distributors at discounted rates. These products are subsequently sold in smaller quantities to retailers or consumers.
Example: A restaurant purchasing bulk food supplies from wholesalers for meal preparation.
Private Labeling: Private labeling involves businesses buying products from manufacturers and branding them with their labels or logos, offering a unique brand experience.
Example: Supermarkets selling their branded versions of common products, such as cereals.
White Labeling: White labeling is when one company creates a product or service, and another company sells it under its brand name, allowing businesses to offer products or services without developing them from scratch.
Example: A software development firm creating a mobile app that can be rebranded and sold by different companies under their names.
These delivery methods represent the diverse strategies that ecommerce businesses employ to connect products with customers, catering to various preferences and needs in the online shopping world.
Why Start Ecommerce Business in 2024?
Ecommerce is thriving and growing—and it’s not too late to be part of it. According to Morgan Stanley, ecommerce makes up 22% of sales ($3.3 trillion) and is likely to reach $5.4 trillion by 2026
- Earn money without constant work
- Set your own flexible schedule
- Be your own boss
- Work from anywhere with an internet connection
- Potential for rapid growth as more people shop online
- Opportunity to expand into different products or categories
- Support from websites like Amazon with tools and access to a vast customer base
Selling websites like Fathershops are here to support your growth with tools, services, and the ability to reach millions of shoppers worldwide.
How To Start An Ecommerce Business From Scratch
Starting an ecommerce business from scratch is an exciting journey filled with opportunities. Whether you have a unique product idea or want to tap into existing market trends, building your online store opens doors to a global audience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and strategies to launch your ecommerce venture successfully
Researching and Validating Your Business Idea: Before you start, it’s crucial to research and validate your business idea. This means figuring out what products are likely to sell well. Look for trends, understand your potential customers, and make sure there’s demand for what you plan to sell.
Procuring Products or Finding Reliable Suppliers: Once you have your idea, you need to get your hands on the products you want to sell. You can either make or buy them. If you’re buying, find trustworthy suppliers who can provide you with quality products.
Choosing Selling Channels:
Decide where you want to sell your products. You can use platforms like Fathershops, Amazon, eBay, or your own website. Each channel has its advantages, so choose the one that suits your business.
Setting Up an Online Store and Listing Products:
If you’re going with your website, you’ll need to set up an online store. This includes creating a website, setting up payment options, and listing your products with descriptions and images. Make sure it’s user-friendly for your customers.
Marketing and Promoting Products:
To make sales, people need to know your products exist. This is where marketing and promotion come in. Use strategies like social media advertising, email marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) to get the word out and attract customers.
These steps are the foundation of starting your own ecommerce business. They help you ensure you have the right products, know where to sell them, and reach potential customers effectively.
Start eCommerce Business With Fathershops?
Following are the easy steps to build ecommerce business at Fathershops ecommerce platform:
Step 1-Visit accounts.fathershops.com: Open your web browser and navigate to the website accounts.fathershops.com
Step 2-Fill in Your Personal Information: You’ll likely be prompted to create an account. Provide your personal information, including your name, email address, and a secure password.
Step 3-Choose Your Plan: Most ecommerce platforms offer various pricing plans, such as basic, premium, or enterprise. Choose the plan that best suits your business needs and budget.
Step 4-Register Your Domain and Store Name: Register a domain name for your online store. A domain name is your website’s address on the internet (e.g., www.yourstorename.com). You can typically check domain availability and purchase it through the ecommerce platform.
Step 5-Pick a Theme for Your Website: Choose a website theme or template that aligns with your brand and the products you’re selling. Most ecommerce platforms offer a range of themes to select from.
Step 6-Import Products from Fatherstock
You’ll need to access Fatherstock’s product data. This often involves the following steps:
a.Contact Fatherstock:Reach out to them to discuss product data access. They may provide product feeds, spreadsheets, or APIs.
b.Import Products:Use the provided data to import products into your ecommerce platform. The specific process varies depending on the platform you’re using, but it generally involves uploading product information, images, and pricing.
c.Organize and Customize: Arrange the imported products into categories and optimize product listings with descriptions, titles, and images.
d.Set Pricing and Inventory:Adjust pricing and ensure that inventory levels are synchronized with what Fatherstock offers.
And you are all set to start your businessFAQs
What is the role of the business model of ecommerce in starting an online business?
The business model of ecommerce defines how you will operate your online business, including the types of transactions and customers you’ll serve. For example, a Business-to-Consumer (B2C) model like Amazon focuses on selling directly to individual consumers.
Can you provide examples of different types of ecommerce businesses and their models?
Certainly! One example is Amazon, which follows a B2C model. Another is Alibaba, which operates as a Business-to-Business (B2B) platform, connecting businesses for wholesale transactions.
What are the categories of ecommerce businesses, and how do they differ in their business models?
Ecommerce businesses can be categorized into B2C, B2B, Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), and more. Each category has its own unique model. For instance, C2C platforms like eBay enable individuals to buy and sell products to each other.
How does choosing the right model impact my ecommerce business?
Selecting the appropriate model is crucial as it determines your target audience, pricing strategy, and overall business approach. For instance, a B2B ecommerce model may involve negotiations with other businesses for bulk purchases.
What are the different types of ecommerce transactions, and how do they relate to the business model?
Ecommerce transactions can include selling physical products, digital downloads, services, and subscriptions. The chosen business model dictates which of these transaction types you’ll engage in. For example, a subscription-based ecommerce model offers regular service deliveries.
Can you explain the e business model and its role in ecommerce?
Certainly! The e business model encompasses various digital aspects of running a business, including online marketing, customer interactions, and payment processing. It complements the traditional business model of ecommerce by defining how a company operates in the digital realm.
