A presence in the digital world has become an essential requirement for brands in different sectors. Therefore, investing in an e-commerce platform can be an excellent investment.
Next, we will explain how this business works and its advantages. Good reading!
What Is An E-Commerce Platform?
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, is a type of business in which commercial transactions are carried out entirely online.
The modality began to gain strength with the popularity of the Internet in the mid-2000s. From then on, the process of evolution was rapid, allowing more and more people to buy online.
In this type of commerce, all purchasing steps are done online. In other words, from the customer choosing the product to completing the order, including payment.
The only stage carried out in the physical world is the logistics of delivering orders.
What’s Different From Regular Online Stores?
An e-commerce platform is a complete, pre-configured system that makes it easy to create a website. This ease is because the platform offers the entire structure for retailers to create their online store without starting all the configurations from scratch.
When hiring an e-commerce platform, the retailer will be responsible for all the infrastructure to sell online. In other words, register the products, advertise the store and hire a payment method.
It is common for people to need clarification on the terms e-commerce and marketplace. When we refer to e-commerce, we are talking about companies and brands that have their website.
The marketplace platform allows the registration of different brands and products in a single virtual space. Like Amazon, Americanas and Submarino, for example.
It is also worth mentioning that it is possible to create a website for an online store without an e-commerce platform, but it is a more complex process. This is because it requires time, investment and specialized professionals.
Why Do People Prefer An E-Commerce Platform?
It’s nothing new that the Internet offers users convenience. Using your smartphone, you can make purchases more easily, in addition to tracking discounts and promotions published online.
These are some of the reasons that explain the growth in online shopping. But not only that! E-commerce also offers other advantages.
Price
Firstly, product prices on the Internet tend to be lower. After all, when the retailer has an e-commerce platform, investment costs are lower.
It is also possible to save on store rent, salespeople’s salaries and commissions and other expenses that the physical space requires.
Convenience
There is no need to leave home and waste hours in traffic to buy a product. Just turn on your notebook, tablet or smartphone and access e-commerce. In just a few minutes, you can check the available products and make a purchase.
This practicality, without a doubt, attracts more consumers. Furthermore, by promoting your business online, new users may become interested in your products or services.
Accessibility
Unlike physical stores, which are open at specific times, e-commerce can be accessed 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
All steps are completed in a few clicks, which makes searches for a specific product faster and more practical.
Furthermore, the consumer has more time and freedom to choose the product and complete the purchase.
Where To Start Your E-Commerce Platform?
Although it offers practicality, sales in e-commerce must be well-planned to guarantee the expected results. To get started, the first step is to choose the e-commerce platform for your store.
It is through this that you will register the products, images and descriptions. The platform is also related to tracking orders, payment methods and receiving money.
Therefore, the choice is essential for the success of your sales. Next, check out 5 e-commerce options for your business!
Adobe Commerce
This e-commerce platform is open source and a leader in innovation and freedom of customization for brands in the B2B and B2C industries.
Formerly known as Magento, the company was acquired by Adobe in 2018, becoming the most complete solution in the digital market. It has all cloud marketing and artificial intelligence technologies.
The platform also has a robust portfolio of omnichannel tools, which help companies integrate physical and digital shopping experiences.
Integrated Store
Loja Integrada is an e-commerce platform that allows anyone to start a business and continue without paying fees. In fact, in both the paid and free options, it does not charge a commission on product sales.
The e-commerce platform also delivers an easy and human experience for each retailer. This way, creating the store can be done in just a few minutes.
In addition to technology, the company has a support network for other needs, such as agencies, application stores, services, and educational materials, among others. The retailer can also access a public space to ask questions and exchange experiences.
Therefore, each retailer can develop and optimize their business on their own. Therefore, it is a safe and quick bet for anyone who makes the business happen or grows.
VTEX
VTEX is also among the best e-commerce platforms. It offers a fully integrated global commerce solution with a native marketplace and OMS.
In this way, it helps companies from different sectors to operate the entire sales process more efficiently, increasing profits. Furthermore, it offers a differentiated experience to the end customer.
Also Read: Artificial Intelligence For E-Commerce With Shopify Magic AI
