Different Types of eCommerce
Introduction

The considerable hype surrounding eCommerce could lead many SMEs to believe that they are lagging behind if they are not part of the new trading revolution. Much of the hype relates to success stories about Internet selling, but SMEs should know that other types of eBusiness relationships exist which can bring their own benefits.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)
Where much of the initial success was generated as companies sold selected consumer products to an Internet-literate audience, willing to buy on-line. SMEs can still succeed in this area without an on-line selling capacity simply by improving the marketing of their products to potential customers.

Business-to-Business (B2B)
Interaction between businesses, either in an established supply chain or with new trading partners. An area which didn't get as much publicity as the Business to Consumer activities but one which is now gaining more recognition because it is far more important to most small businesses, especially in the manufacturing sector.

Business-to-Administration (B2A)
A third category of eCommerce, still in the early stages of development, in which the business community interacts electronically with public sector organisations. Submission of planning applications, VAT returns, income tax, or patent registration, all come within this category and B2A applications have the potential to bring even more companies into the world of electronic trading.