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Unit 1.3

Types of E-commerce

IT 204: E-Commerce

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • ✅ Identify and define the primary types of e-commerce models.
  • ✅ Differentiate between B2C, B2B, C2C, and P2P e-commerce.
  • ✅ Explain the significance of Mobile Commerce (M-commerce).
  • ✅ Recognize real-world examples of e-commerce types, especially within Nepal.

1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

Definition: Businesses selling products or services directly to individual consumers.

This is the most traditional and widely recognized form of e-commerce.

🛒 Classic Example:

You purchase a new pair of headphones from an online retailer like Amazon or Best Buy.

2. Business-to-Business (B2B)

Definition: Businesses selling products, services, or information to other businesses.

  • Transactions between companies.
  • Often involves larger quantities.
  • Can include more complex negotiations and contracts.

🏢 Example:

A construction company purchasing bulk cement from a manufacturer's online portal.

3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

Definition: An online platform facilitates transactions between individual consumers.

The platform provider typically earns revenue through listing fees or commissions.

⚡ Key Idea: C2C empowers individuals to become sellers, creating vast marketplaces for new and used goods.

🤝 Example:

Selling your old video game console to another person on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

🎮 Classification Game: Nepal Platforms

Click a platform chip to select it, then click the correct e-commerce type bucket.

B2C
B2B
C2C
M-Commerce
Score: 0 / 0

4. Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Definition: Individuals connect to share or rent assets and services directly with one another.

P2P is the engine of the "sharing economy."

Distinction from C2C:

  • C2C: Focus on selling a product.
  • P2P: Focus on sharing/renting an asset or service.

🏡 Example:

Renting out a spare room in your home to a traveler using Airbnb, or offering a ride with Uber.

🏗️ Model Builder: Which Model Fits?

📊 At a Glance: B2C vs. B2B vs. C2C

B2C

  • Participants: Business → Consumer
  • Focus: Product/Service Sales
  • Example: Daraz

B2B

  • Participants: Business → Business
  • Focus: Wholesale, Supplies, Services
  • Example: Alibaba

C2C

  • Participants: Consumer → Consumer
  • Focus: Second-hand Goods
  • Example: Hamrobazar

📋 Interactive Comparison: B2C vs B2B vs C2C

Show:
TypeParticipantsOrder SizeRelationshipPayment MethodNepal Example
B2C Business → ConsumerSmall (1–few units) One-time / anonymouseSewa, Khalti, COD, CardDaraz, Sastodeal
B2B Business → BusinessLarge (bulk / wholesale) Long-term contractsInvoice, Bank Transfer, LCFoodmandu Corp, Alibaba
C2C Consumer → ConsumerVariable (used items) Peer marketplaceCash, eSewa, KhaltiHamrobazar, FB Marketplace

5. Mobile Commerce (M-commerce)

Definition: Any e-commerce transaction conducted using a wireless mobile device, like a smartphone or tablet.

📱 Important: M-commerce is not a separate business model, but rather a channel. It can be B2C, B2B, or C2C, but happens on mobile.

  • Rapidly growing segment of all e-commerce.
  • Driven by high smartphone penetration.
  • Includes in-app purchases, mobile banking, and mobile wallets.

📱 M-Commerce Feature Explorer

← Click a feature to explore what it enables in M-commerce.

🔍 Application: E-commerce in Nepal 🇳🇵

All major e-commerce types are active in the Nepali market.

  • B2C: Dominated by platforms like Daraz and Sastodeal.
  • B2B: Growing sector. Example: Foodmandu offers corporate catering services.
  • C2C: Extremely popular via Hamrobazar and Facebook Marketplace for used goods.
  • P2P: The sharing economy is thriving with ride-sharing apps like Tootle and Pathao.
  • M-commerce: The primary way people shop online, with most platforms being mobile-first. Social commerce on Instagram/TikTok is also huge.

💡 Revenue Model Quiz

Select a scenario card, then choose the e-commerce type.

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • E-commerce is categorized by the participants in the transaction: B2C, B2B, C2C, and P2P.
  • B2C is the most common model, while B2B often involves larger, more complex sales.
  • C2C and P2P models empower individuals to sell goods and share services, respectively.
  • M-commerce is the channel (the "how"), not the model (the "who"), and it is the dominant form of e-commerce in many regions, including Nepal.

Thank You

Any questions?

Next Topic: Unit 1: "Case Study: Neighborhood Grocery → Online Orders During COVID

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