Electronic commerce or e-commerce, in its simplest definition, is trade through the Internet.
In other words, it helps exchange goods and services electronically, without the customer having to cross barriers of time and distance.
For example, a customer can buy anything and everything through online markets- from groceries to advanced equipment. This can be done using debit or credit cards. Net banking is also a method of e-commerce.
The major attraction of such online trading includes convenience, accessibility, and round-the-clock service. Some of them come with a lot of offers too.
Yet another advantage is that the products of purchase reach the consumer wherever he is. Of course, there are drawbacks to online dealings. You see the purchased product in real life only when it reaches you.
There could also be delay in delivery. And in case the customer service is not good enough, the shopping may end up in disappointment.
Yet another threat is the increasing number of online frauds. The customer should always be alert while shopping online, although most of the established firms adopt strong security measures.