E-commerce can be categorized into several types based on the nature of transactions and parties involved. Here are the main types:
1. **Business-to-Consumer (B2C)**: This type involves transactions between businesses and individual consumers. It's the most common form of e-commerce and includes online retail stores where consumers purchase goods and services directly from businesses.
2. **Business-to-Business (B2B)**: In B2B e-commerce, transactions occur between businesses. This includes online marketplaces where businesses purchase products or services from other businesses, as well as procurement platforms and supply chain management systems.
3. **Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)**: C2C e-commerce involves transactions between individual consumers. Online auction sites like eBay and classified ads platforms such as Craigslist are examples of C2C e-commerce where individuals buy and sell goods directly to other consumers.
4. **Consumer-to-Business (C2B)**: In C2B e-commerce, individuals offer products or services to businesses. This can include freelance platforms where individuals provide services such as graphic design or consulting to businesses, or platforms where consumers sell their products to businesses, such as influencer marketing or user-generated content.
5. **Business-to-Government (B2G)**: B2G e-commerce involves transactions between businesses and government agencies. This can include procurement portals where businesses bid for government contracts or platforms for paying taxes and fees online.
6. **Government-to-Business (G2B)**: In G2B e-commerce, government agencies offer services or products to businesses. This can include licensing and permit applications, regulatory compliance, or procurement processes facilitated through online platforms.
