The Different Types Of eCommerce Websites

eCommerce sites are either product or service driven. They operate in different ways, although there is a lot of common ground. Video streaming services, for example, are useful to both, as is SMS marketing.

With a service-based eCommerce site, there is a lot of human interaction – after all, the service is ultimately delivered by a human being, even if applications are used. It is essential the website integrates seamlessly with the services it delivers, including databases and so on. There should be a tiered system of customer support.

Product-based eCommerce companies can afford to use far more automation in their processes – although customer service is still an important issue. There are three types of distribution methods that product-based eCommerce companies use: the traditional warehouse, the virtual warehouse and the combined (virtual/traditional) warehouse.

A virtual warehouse eCommerce company does not maintain any personal stock. Instead, orders are passed on to distribution companies, who handle the rest of the delivery. This is a popular way for small traders to do business, since they do not have the expense of maintaining an inventory or storage building.

A traditional warehousing company works just like the offline version; the eCommerce owner maintains a bricks-and-mortar central distribution centre, back-ordering lines that are out-of-stock. Many of these warehouses are open to personal callers – something that can be featured on the eCommerce site by means of video streaming “virtual tours” of the premises.

We at MPP Global have a full range of solutions to cover all manner of eCommerce businesses, whether service or product-based.