Electronic commerce (e-commerce) describes the buying and selling element of the e-business process.

E-commerce is making a sale or purchase using the internet. Retailers who offer e-commerce transactions are referred to as e-tailers.

E-commerce provides businesses an alternative route to making sales. Some businesses remain small but use e-commerce to build a larger turnover, reducing the cost of doing business. For example, take a greengrocer who provides a service for people to order fruit and vegetables for home delivery online. The greengrocer continues to run just one storefront but is continually growing its client base via the internet.

Contact your local Business Advisory Service to find out more, and refer to the e-business guide.