E-commerce business model

Whilst e-commerce-related activities have grown substantially over the past few years, in general, consumers are still unwilling and/or unable to accept the online self-service e-commerce business model.

Required

Explain why such a reluctance to accept the online self-service e-commerce business model continues to exist.

Retail companies/organizations increasingly use their websites for a range of activities other than e-commerce based retail sales. Such activities include

1. product/service advertising activities,

2. prospect generation activities, and

3. customer support activities.

Required

Explain what is meant by each of the above activities, and the advantages and disadvantages of using a website for such activities.

Solution: