The term "e-commerce" refers to any business that buys and sells products or services online. Typically, a website will have a database of products or services and features where customers can browse through and select different items to purchase. Once payment is tendered, the product will be shipped to the customer or they will be able to download it from the website. To understand the concept of e-commerce in more detail, let us take a look at the different aspects and components involved in having an e-commerce website.

Your e-Commerce Website Database

Most e-commerce websites sell products. One of the most important components of an e-commerce website therefore is its database of products. The database needs to be integrated with the rest of the website software. When setting up and designing the site, you will need to decide how you will categorize the different products. If, for example, you sell photographic equipment, you will need to look at your product range and decide on the best way to segment it. Perhaps you will carry several different brands so you will want to categorize your site according to each kind of brand. If you decide to do this, keep in mind that sometimes customers will want to compare different brands in a similar price range.  As a second type of categorization, you could set up price sectors. Perhaps you will also decide to place more advanced cameras in one section and basic point-and-shoot cameras in another. The important thing to remember when doing this process is to try get inside the minds of your customers. Think of how they might shop, what they would want to compare, and what they might look for.

The Search Feature on Your e-Commerce Website

The second important component of an e-commerce site is the search feature. If you have a wide range of products, customers will want to find specific items. In order to do this, they will need to be able to search for them.  Typically, the way you will have categorized your products will define your search structure so this is important to keep in mind. The search function also needs to be simple. If there are too many steps in the process, customers could get frustrated and simply log out of your site. Be careful of having too many subcategories that can become confusing.

Detailing Product Information

Because an e-commerce website is online, customers cannot physically see, touch or feel a product. You therefore need to provide as much detail on the product as possible to help you make the sale. Ideally, you should have picture of the product. Naturally, it will need to be quite small but it is often a good idea to have an option to view a larger-sized image. You should also include details, such as size, dimensions, colors available and any other specifications you think that may be important. Be sure to include the price details and have information of shipping. Remember that the Internet is global so people worldwide may want to shop on your site. Have specific information on accepting international payments and shipping to countries outside of where you are based.

Comparison Features

Sometimes customers will want to compare several products before deciding which one to choose. A great feature to have on your e-commerce site is a comparison tool. This allows you to compare the products on one page without having to flip between different pages. This is one way to make the buying and decision-making process easier for your customers.

Shopping Cart and Checkout

A shopping cart is quite literally a virtual cart where you load the products you wish to purchase until such time as you are ready to proceed to the checkout counter. This allows customers to shop for different items and then only have to process payment once when they have everything that they need. It is a convenient way of storing the items you like until you decide to make the purchase. If at a later stage you find another product that you prefer, you can simply delete the items you no longer want from your shopping cart. At checkout, the customer will be asked to tender payment. Most e-commerce sites are set up to receive credit card payments. As a site owner, you will therefore need to have a merchant account and the software required in order to securely process credit card payments online. This is then integrated into your website to facilitate payments.