What is an eCommerce application?
eCommerce (electronic commerce) is when a transaction occurs using the internet. An example is when a customer (the buyer) purchases one or more products or services online from a virtual storefront (the seller). eCommerce applications or e-commerce apps are design patterns of functionality needed to list items for purchase, facilitate a transaction by accepting payment methods, and initiate fulfillment or delivery of those purchases.
What is mobile eCommerce app?
Mobile e-commerce applications and shopping apps also function as marketing tools when they allow for paid strategic placement of items for sale or use push notifications to market products. Mobile app development for e-commerce is also called m-commerce or mCommerce.
Transactions that occur in the eCommerce industry can usually be classified as business-to-consumer (B2C), consumer-to-consumer (C2C), or business-to-business (B2B). eCommerce apps are optimized around the buyer and seller relationship. These categories are a way to break down the different types of eCommerce app experiences in the eCommerce industry and the various applications of e-commerce.
Key Features of eCommerce Apps:
Product Listings: Detailed descriptions, images, prices, and availability of products. Categories and search functionality to help users find products easily.
Shopping Cart: Allows users to add products they wish to purchase and review them before proceeding to checkout.
Payment Processing: Integration with various payment gateways (credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers) to facilitate secure transactions.
User Accounts: Features for user registration, login, and profile management. Order history, wish lists, and personalized recommendations.
Order Management: Tools for tracking orders, managing returns, and handling customer inquiries.
Notifications: Push notifications to inform users about order status, promotions, and new products.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Allow customers to leave feedback and rate products, helping others make informed decisions.
Shipping and Delivery Options Information on shipping methods, costs, and delivery times. Order tracking capabilities.
Return feature is essential for managing product returns and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Customer Support Access to customer service through chat, email, or phone.
Analytics and Reporting Tools for businesses to track sales performance, customer behavior, and inventory levels.
Types of eCommerce Apps:
Business to Consumer (B2C) eCommerce Applications
A B2C eCommerce app is like a virtual retail store, listing items for sale, managing shopping carts, handling transactions, and shipping items. Examples include Amazon, Ebay, Allegro, Shopee and others.
Consumer to Consumer (C2C) eCommerce Applications
C2C eCommerce apps facilitate transactions between consumers, acting as intermediaries for payments and dispute resolution. eBay is a prime example, offering features like real-time online bidding and linking with social media for competitive marketing. Other C2C eCommerce Apps examples: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Etsy, OLX
Business to Business (B2B) eCommerce Applications
B2B eCommerce apps cater to the unique needs of businesses selling to other businesses, often involving ongoing relationships and detailed negotiations. Features like chat and push notifications are essential. Alibaba is a leading example, providing a marketplace for small manufacturers and exporters to sell internationally. Other B2B eCommerce apps examples: BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce (formely MAGENTO), WooCommerce and others
Other popular names and synonyms to eCommerce app
Web Store
Online Store
Shopping App
Marketplace App or just "marketplace"
Retail App
eCommerce Platform
Live Auction App Demo
