E-Retail

Mrs. Miller

Introduction to Computer Science 114

(9/29/2006)

E-Retailing

Retail is one of the more visible market sectors on the Web. In retail, merchants sell products and services directly to a buyer. E-retail, also called e-tail, occurs when retailers use the Web to sell their products and services (Sanchez 16). E-retailers constantly challenge the old ways of conducting business as they bring new products and services to market. All e-retailers, however, operate in a similar way.

A customer (consumer) visits an online business at the Web equivalent of a showroom: the electronic storefront. An electronic storefront, also called an online catalog, is the Web site where an e-retailer displays its products. It contains descriptions, graphics, and sometimes product reviews. After browsing through the merchandise, the customer makes a selection. This activates a second area of the store known as the shopping cart. The shopping cart is a software component of the Web that allows the customer to collect purchases. Items in the caret can be added, deleted, or even saved for a future visit.

When ready to complete the sale, the customer proceeds to the checkout. At this time, the customer enters personal and financial data through a secure Internet connection. The transaction and financial data automatically are verified at a banking Web site. If the bank approves the transaction, the customer receives an online confirmation notice of the purchase.

Then the e-retailer processes the order and sends it to the fulfillment center where it is packaged and shipped. Inventory systems are updated. Shipping information is posted on the World Wide Web, so the customer can track the order. The e-retailer notifies the bank of the shipment, and payment is sent via electronic channels to the e-retailer. The