# CST104 Lec 6

## E-commerce

- businesses conducted online through the internet
- business objectives and solving problems from physical stores

## Issues of Online Businesses

### Risks

- customers moving from physical stores to online
- new competition online
- existing customers don't want online stores
- employee concerns

### Costs

- computer equipment and infrastructure
- hiring personel and staff to manage online stores
- legal expertise
- considerations:
- intellectual property
- regulations
- customer privacy

## Major Components of E-commerce

### Ways

- design website or hire ASP (Application Service Provider)
- buy/lease equipment
- existing software / customized

### Customer Transcation Overview

flowchart TD;
A[Customer visits website] --> B[Identify return customers and personalize requests] --> C[Secure purchase environment] --> D[Process payment] --> E[Communicate with credit company to confirm payment] --> A

### Order Fulfillment

flowchart TD;
A[Update inventory] --> B[Communicate and arrange shipment with shipping company] --> C[Shipping company deliver to customer] --> A

## Accessing Website