Types of E-Commerce

(Wisz, 2019)

B2C (Amazon)

The way businesses sell directly to customers online is called the business-to-consumer (B2C) approach. Amazon is a well-known example of this model, where they offer a wide range of products to people worldwide.

Figure 1. Demonstrating relation between Business and Costumer in Amazon Website

B2B (Microsoft) 

A business-to-business approach is referred to as companies that exchange products or services, very similar to the B2C approach. An acceptable example of a company acting in this type of E-commerce is the renowned Microsoft, which not only possesses many of its services but has deep relations with other renowned companies. A good example is the relationship between Microsoft and Xbox. Actually, Xbox is a large provider of games and pertains to Microsoft, and they keep a deep bond.

Figure 2. Microsoft and Xbox

C2C (eBay)

A Consumer-2-Consumer approach seemingly follows the B2B approach, but in this case, it denotes exchanges between consumers and not businesses. In this approach, the security appears to be much less secure and reliable, because the chances of scams are higher, as this type of e-commerce is mostly made up of common people. A good example is eBay, which also, follows the B2C approach. 

Figure 3. eBay allows C2C approach within its website

G2C (UK Government)

G2C, an abbreviation for Government-to-Citizen, denotes the utilization of digital technologies and electronic communication channels by governmental organizations to provide public services, information dissemination, and engagement opportunities directly, and individually to citizens. 

Figure 4. G2C approach between UK Government and citizen

M-Commerce (Amazon)

M-commerce, short for mobile commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is a subset of e-commerce, which encompasses all electronic transactions conducted over the internet.

Figure 5. Uber Eats shops on the mobile app

Reference(s): 

Taher, G. (2021) ‘E-commerce: Advantages and limitations’, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, 11(1). doi:10.6007/ijarafms/v11-i1/8987.

Available at Person holding smartphone beside tablet computer photo – Free Payment Image on Unsplash (Accessed: 12/07/2023)

Vehicle tax, MOT and insurance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Xbox Official Site: Consoles, Games, and Community | Xbox

Amazon.com: G-STORY 14‘’ Portable Monitor for Xbox Series S, 1080P Portable Gaming Monitor IPS Screen for Xbox Series S（not Included） with Two HDMI, HDR, Freesync, Game Mode, Travel Monitor for Xbox Series S : Video Games

Getting paid and managing your finances on eBay | UK Seller Centre