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Electronic commerce is a complex subject, because it means quite different things to different audiences.
Business to Customer (B2C) - The first step)
Many business use the internet to display existing products, furnished from an existing facility (brick and mortar) to current customers.
The first internet step for these businesses is the creation of a web site to enhance existing business volume and practices. This site requires good design and the ability to communicate.
The next step is the addition of electronic transactions. This requires several features not found in the basic web site. The first of these new features is the "Shopping Cart".
The Shopping Cart is actually a package of software that performs several functions not available on a basic web site. It provides a continuous contact with the customer during the purchase session. A basic web site creates a new communication each time you choose a new page. Without the Shopping Cart you would have the ability to purchase only one product, supplying all necessary information (shipping address, credit card, and so forth) on a single page. Any error would cause the transaction to fail. The Shopping Cart provides a "Session" that keeps information as you change pages.
The second function of the Shopping Cart is to provide the "secure" connections necessary to exchange private information over the internet without the risk of getting that information into the wrong hands.
Lastly, the Shopping Cart performs the math and clerical functions necessary to calculate the totals of your purchase, necessary shipping, tax and other charges, and perform the task of verifying the credit card.
Business to Business (B2B) - the next step
Business to business transactions are even more complex because they involve the creation of a lasting relationship.
The term Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is used to describe the process of creating new business relationships, as well as the ongoing maangement of former relationships.
Contact us for information about CRM alternatives.
Using Electronic Mail (email) to promote E-commerce
As you are no doubt aware, use of email can be very "touchy".
In order to discuss the issues, we have an entire page devoted to the "DO"s and "DON'T"s of using email. Failure to follow the contemporary standards for email may actually cost you customers.