What is E-commerce and why its the new trend in Kenya?

        Origin Of E-commerce

What is E-commerce in Kenya ,The origins of e-commerce can be traced back to the early days of the internet and the development of computer networks. Here are some key milestones in the history of e-commerce:

1. 1970s and 1980s: The precursor to e-commerce can be found in electronic data interchange (EDI), a system that allowed businesses to exchange documents and conduct transactions electronically. This technology, although not internet-based, laid the groundwork for electronic commerce.
2. Early 1990s: The World Wide Web (WWW) was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1990. This marked a significant milestone in the development of e-commerce. The first web browser was created in 1993, making it easier for people to access and navigate the web.
3. 1994: The first secure online transaction was conducted by Dan Kohn, a student at Stanford University. This marked the beginning of secure online payments.
4. 1995: Amazon and eBay were founded. Amazon initially focused on selling books online but quickly expanded into a wide range of products. eBay allowed individuals to buy and sell products in an auction-style format.
5. Late 1990s: Many other e-commerce companies, including online retailers like Barnes & Noble, began to emerge. During this period, businesses also started to experiment with online payment systems.
6. Early 2000s: The dot-com bubble burst in the early 2000s, leading to the collapse of many internet-based companies. However, some major e-commerce players, like Amazon and eBay, survived and thrived.
7. 2000s and Beyond: E-commerce continued to grow and evolve. It saw the emergence of various business models, including dropshipping, subscription services, and digital product sales. Online payment systems, security measures, and logistics also improved, making it easier and more secure for people to shop online.
8. Mobile Commerce: The advent of smartphones in the mid-2000s paved the way for mobile commerce (m-commerce), allowing people to shop and make payments using mobile devices.
9. Social Commerce: Social media platforms integrated e-commerce features, enabling businesses to sell products directly through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
10. Omnichannel Retail: Many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers also entered the e-commerce space, offering customers a seamless shopping experience across online and offline channels.

Today, e-commerce is a major driver of global trade and a significant component of the retail and business landscape. It continues to evolve with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, making it a dynamic and highly competitive industry.

           What is E-commerce

E-commerce, a short term  for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet or other electronic networks. It has become a popular way for businesses and consumers to engage in trade because it offers several advantages, including convenience, accessibility, and a global reach. E-commerce encompasses a wide range of online activities, including:

1. Online Retail: This is perhaps the most familiar form of e-commerce, where businesses sell their products or services directly to consumers through online stores or marketplaces. Examples include Amazon, eBay, and online clothing stores.
2. Business-to-Business (B2B): In B2B e-commerce, businesses sell products or services to other businesses. This can include manufacturers selling to wholesalers or companies purchasing office supplies online.
3. Business-to-Consumer (B2C): B2C e-commerce involves businesses selling products or services directly to consumers. This is the type of e-commerce most people are familiar with when they shop online.
4. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C): C2C e-commerce enables consumers to sell products or services to each other. Online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist facilitate these transactions.
5. Mobile Commerce (M-commerce): This involves e-commerce transactions conducted through mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Mobile apps and mobile-optimized websites have made it easier for consumers to shop on the go.
6. Social Commerce: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have integrated e-commerce features, allowing businesses to sell products directly through these platforms.
7. Subscription Services: Many businesses offer subscription-based services, where consumers pay a recurring fee to access products or content on a regular basis. Streaming services like Netflix and subscription boxes are examples.
8. Digital Products: E-commerce also includes the sale of digital products and services, such as e-books, software, and online courses.
9. Dropshipping: In this model, e-commerce businesses don’t hold inventory but instead partner with suppliers to ship products directly to customers. The business takes care of marketing and customer service.

E-commerce has become a significant part of the global economy, and it continues to evolve with new technologies and trends. Online payment systems, secure transactions, and robust logistics and delivery systems have played a crucial role in its growth. The convenience of online shopping and the ability to reach a worldwide audience have made e-commerce a major force in the retail and business landscape.​

How to Make Money With E-commerce

There are several ways to make money with e-commerce, ranging from selling physical products to providing various services. Here are some common methods to generate income through e-commerce:

1. Online Retail Store: This is the most traditional form of e-commerce. You can start an online store and sell physical products, either those you create or source from suppliers. Here are some steps to get started:
   • Choose a niche or product category.
   • Set up an e-commerce website using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce (for WordPress), or BigCommerce.
   • Source products, either by manufacturing, dropshipping, or purchasing from wholesalers.
   • Market your online store through digital marketing, SEO, and social media.
   • Optimize your website for user experience and conversion.
   • Handle order fulfillment, shipping, and customer service.
2. Dropshipping: In this model, you don’t need to hold inventory. You partner with suppliers who ship products directly to customers. Here’s how to start with dropshipping:
   • Choose a niche or product category.
   • Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce.
   • Connect with dropshipping suppliers or use dropshipping marketplaces.
   • List the products on your website.
   • Market your store and products.
3. Print-on-Demand: If you’re creative, you can design custom products like T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases and have them printed and shipped when customers place orders. Platforms like Printful and Printify can help you get started.
4. Affiliate Marketing: You can promote products or services from other businesses on your website or blog. When people make a purchase through your affiliate links, you earn a commission.
5. Subscription Services: Create a subscription-based business model where customers pay a recurring fee for access to products, services, or content. This can include subscription boxes, streaming services, or membership sites.
6. Digital Products: Sell digital products or content, such as e-books, online courses, stock photos, or software. You create these products once and sell them repeatedly.
7. Service Marketplace: If you offer services (e.g., web design, writing, consulting), you can create a marketplace where customers can hire freelancers or service providers. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork operate on this model.
8. Social Commerce: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to sell products directly to your followers.
9. eBay ,Amazon or Atysian World  Selling:  You can use established online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon to sell products. While these platforms charge fees, they offer access to a vast customer base.
10. Consulting and Training: If you have expertise in e-commerce, you can offer consulting services to help others set up and optimize their online stores. You can also create and sell e-commerce courses and training materials.
11. Niche Marketplaces: Create a specialized marketplace for a specific niche or product category. For example, you could start a marketplace for handmade crafts or vintage goods.
12. Omnichannel Retail: If you have a physical store, consider expanding your presence online to reach a broader audience. You can use e-commerce to complement your brick-and-mortar business.

Success in e-commerce often depends on market research, effective marketing, providing excellent customer service, and adapting to changing consumer trends. Additionally, you’ll need to pay attention to logistics, payment processing, and cybersecurity to build trust with your customers and ensure the security of their transactions.

    Open A Free Online Shop and Sell your Products Worldwide