A report released recently shows that a whopping 70% of Americans are shopping online. In 2022 alone, the total number of online buyers in the U.S. hit 268 million. Even more astonishing, this number is expected to reach 285 million by 2025, which is less than a couple of years from now. It is safe to say that this trend will lead to massive earnings for online e-stores in the U.S. The last decade has seen more people opt for online shopping, and that is because the e-commerce industry has several benefits, such as: convenience, better prices, easy comparison of prices, no sales pressure, and privacy for discreet purchases.
Online shopping also presents buyers with a variety to choose from, not to mention making it easier to send gifts to loved ones. Knowing the types of online e-stores, how to shop from reputable online retailers, and the best retailers to pick from only makes online shopping easier.
Types of Online E-Stores
If one wants to start an online e-store, it is important that they know the different online business models out there. Each of these models has its benefits and challenges; hence, knowing which one to pick helps with proper planning.
- Business-to-Consumer (B2C) - B2C online e-store sells directly to consumers. For example, if a consumer buys a household appliance online, this is described as a B2C transaction.
- Business-to-Business (B2B) - In this online business model, one business sells its products or services directly to another. While B2B normally has longer sales cycles, its order value is higher, plus it boasts more recurring purchases.
- Consumer-to-Business (C2B) - Individuals operating C2B transactions sell their products and services directly to businesses. A good example of a C2B online e-store is affiliate marketing.
- Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) - C2C online businesses are also known as online marketplaces, and they allow consumers to exchange goods and services with other consumers. Online businesses such as Walmart, eBay, Craigslist, and Alibaba pioneered this online business model in the internet’s early days.
Other types of online e-stores include:
- Direct-to-Consumer (D2C)
- Business-to-Government (B2G)
- Business-to-Business-to-Consumer (B2B2C)
Buying From Reputable Online Stores
The last thing a buyer wants is to end up with a product that is completely different from what was displayed on the internet. Having said that, buying from reputable online stores cannot be stressed enough. But how does one identify a reputable e-commerce business?
- Look for Reviews of the Retailers - It is easy to find retailer reviews; simply type in the name of the merchant together with customer reviews. From here, you will come across extensive reviews of the retailer you want to buy from. Check for red flags such as poor customer service and repeated failure to fulfill orders.
- Go Through the Policies - Most online retailers have customer service info at the very bottom of the homepage. It is important to go through this information and, if possible, read the policies of the individual seller by clicking its name on the product listings.
Other tips one should consider to ensure they are buying from reputable online stores include:
- Checking whether the retailer has major digital services such as Amazon Pay and PayPal
- Looking for the padlock in the address bar
- Verifying the trust seal of the website
- Using the Google transparency report
Best Retailers to Pick From
Most people love online shopping because it redefines convenience. Online shopping helps one avoid the crowd, plus you can always do it while in your comfy clothes. However, for the best online shopping experience, one should focus on buying from the best retailers across the globe. This is because they have been in the business for many years, not to mention that they put the needs of their customers first.
- Amazon - Amazon is one of the largest online retailers in the world, and buyers love it because its service is dependable and returns are easy.
- eBay - Sellers can auction their items on eBay, while buyers can bid on these items to get a lower price. Buyers can also choose the “Buy It Now” option to instantly purchase the products they want.
- Etsy - Etsy deals with handmade and unique products that cannot be bought anywhere else; it is a great site for customized gifts.
Other best retailers to pick from are as follows:
- Overstock.com
- Zappos
- Wish
- Nordstrom
- Macy’s
