E-Commerce is not just an online store

Advantages for the business.  Advantages for the customer.

It's tempting to hear "e-commerce" and immediately think of an online store like Amazon.com.  However, not every business sells a product that is suited for online sales.  Some businesses have limited shipping capability.  Some businesses sell a service, rather than a product, which is more difficult to sell online.

BUT, every business does have the potential to transact business with potential customers with a properly-developed website.

Think about the transactions that a potential customer has to perform before doing business with your organization/company.  Think about ways these transactions can happen successfully online.  This can significantly cut down on the time your business needs to spend with a potential customer.  And it can provide a wonderful convenience for the customer.

example:  Visiting a doctor's office for the first time, the patient needs to fill out certain basic information.  With a well-developed physician's website, a patient could submit all of this information electronically.  The doctor's office has the advantage of having this information before the patient ever enters their office.  The patient doesn't have to fill out forms when they get there.