7 differences between digital commerce and traditional commerce

The growth of commerce through the internet has caused major transformations in recent years. Changes in direction, trends, and innovations are rapid, and the volatility of the modern world can make decision-making difficult.

However, there are some general points we can define that characterize e-commerce in comparison with the traditional commerce model. These are some of the most important.

1. The physical store

To start with something obvious, e-commerce is not based on a physical space. In fact, many current stores are limited to selling online, having dispensed with the conventional store. The advantages of this approach are evident, starting with the elimination of the costs associated with acquiring the space: although an online store may require storage space, it is much more flexible regarding its location, operation, and characteristics. There are also, of course, disadvantages, because there is no presence in the conventional market.

The elimination of the need for a physical location represents great potential in terms of the business's geographic expansion. All that is needed is for the company to bring its products and marketing to a new location. And this brings us to the next point.

2. Global markets

The vast and intensely interconnected world of the modern era offers equally immense possibilities and challenges. Competition is fierce, and there is more demand and room for choice than ever on the part of the end consumer.

On the other hand, stores today operate within immensely broad horizons, and it is not uncommon for small companies to carry out operations on a large scale. The potential of the modern market is practically unlimited.

3. Shipping orders

Of course, the act of ordering a product itself is not new. Today's world is, however, unique in terms of the specifics of the process and the extent of its importance. Orders are placed through electronic platforms, at any time, processed automatically, and the subsequent shipping of the order is a central part of the sales process.

Studies show that order delivery has a crucial importance for customer satisfaction. The issues related to shipping costs, meeting delivery deadlines, goods arriving in good condition, and the like have a strong influence on the company's image and customer trust.

InPost specializes in a model of non-home deliveries, through an extensive network of pickup points (more than 2,000 in Portugal). This approach is becoming increasingly popular, with several advantages in terms of agility, convenience, and efficiency. Don't forget to visit our website and discover everything InPost can offer you.

4. Security and payments

In a conventional store, payment, provided we have not forgotten our wallet, is quite simple. In the online world, however, it is necessary to create the infrastructure that enables transactions, as well as ensure their security.

Of course, in all types of transactions there is potential for the actions of malicious people. We must stay alert and know the safe ways to proceed. Read this article of ours with the most important recommendations on shopping online safely.

5. Returns

Since the buyer, in many cases, only has the opportunity to see the item up close after purchase, in addition to mistaken orders, etc., returns logically have a much greater role in digital commerce. So-called “reverse logistics” is a point of unavoidable interest for companies: studies show that most people who shop online check the returns policy before completing an order. A clear and easy returns policy is decisive.

The InPost service is advantageous in this area too, since it includes a simple and convenient reverse logistics strategy, through our network of Pack Points and Lockers.

6. Technology

The technological resources available to companies and consumers are one of the factors that characterize and have most distinctly transformed the world of e-commerce. Innovations in technology, marketing, and the use of information have caused revolutions and put a new world of strategies at the disposal of online stores.

Examples of important resources from the consumer's point of view are the ease of comparing prices provided by the internet and shipment tracking. In this other article we discuss an example of an innovation adopted by many companies: the smart warehouse.

7. Environmental awareness

One of the most important and most pressing challenges of today are environmental issues. The growth of digital commerce, due to the transportation logistics involved in shipping orders, has greatly contributed to worsening the problem. On the other hand, consumers and companies are increasingly committed to making environmentally conscious choices and making a positive contribution.

Delivery outside the home also proves superior in this area, having already been recommended by studies for representing a much smaller amount of pollution generated. Try the advantages of the InPost service for yourself and be part of this vision of a more sustainable tomorrow.