Do you know?
What makes a website an “eCommerce”? What’s the difference between an eCommerce and a non-eCommerce site? Whether you’re a curious reader or a business wondering if your site is an eCommerce, we’re here to share. Here are some of the simplest ways to identify whether a site is considered an eCommerce:
Differentiation
For those unfamiliar, the most common assumption would be that any business that deals in products or provides services would have an eCommerce site. However, that is not always the case.
Let’s group the websites into 2 categories- eCommerce and non-eCommerce.
- A non-eCommerce Website
A websites’ main and most common objective is to provide information to inform, update and/or educate people. There are many other types of websites as well. A non-eCommerce website is generally used for casual purposes and not for selling any product/service online.
- An eCommerce Website
An eCommerce website still aims to raise awareness and provide information about the business’ products and/or services. However, it includes a “transaction” segment. For most cases, it’s a monetary-goods/service exchange where one party offers money while the other offers goods or services. This type of transaction separates an eCommerce website and a non-eCommerce website.
In short,
Goods/services that are displayed but not sold are considered an informative website that provides description/information. All websites are non-eCommerce websites until it is converted to an online store where goods/services are being sold and transacted.
Confused?
Confused?Still wondering how a business might not have an eCommerce website? Let us go through some visual examples! Firstly, let’s put all the non-product/service websites aside. Websites that are purely for information purposes (i.e: Wikipedia) will not be counted.
Instead, let’s focus on some business websites to show you the difference between an eCommerce and non-eCommerce website.
Sample 1: Ayam Brand
Ayam Brand’s webpages.
As you can see from the many pages, they provide information about their different products. However, as they do not sell their products online on their website, there isn’t any “Add to Cart” service available. This is an example of a business website purely dedicated to providing information and not an eCommerce website.
Interested in the design process of this website? Check out this project’s portfolio!
Sample 2: Nissin
Nissin’s webpages.
As usual, the website starts off as a simple site with information about their wide variety of cup noodles. But what stands out is the order page where visitors can “Add to Cart” as well as “Check Out”. This is what makes it an eCommerce site – their products are not only for information purpose but also online sales.
Wondering how we designed this website? Take a look at this project’s portfolio!
To conclude,
In technical terms, a website is also an eCommerce when products/services are being transacted online. In more detailed terms, there would be options such as “Add To Cart” and “Checkout” as well as other payment methods, delivery address requests, etc.
Interested?
Thinking of starting your own online business? Or perhaps you’ve realized your website is a non-eCommerce one and you wish to change it to an eCommerce? You’re at the right place! Pixel Mechanics is a pre-approved official vendor for the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). Click here to view our packages.
Are you perhaps you’re just a curious reader itching for more articles? If so, take your time to browse through our other blogs!