Place: E-commerce & M-commerce (AQA GCSE Business)

Websites offer a direct and cheap promotional method 

Businesses can easily make online purchases of supplies and materials from other businesses

An easy-to-use and well-thought-out website can encourage customers to buy more

• E.g. Automation suggests complimentary products often purchased at the same time

Dynamic pricing techniques can easily be implemented so profit can be maximised during periods of high demand

Competition comes from many businesses around the world, allowing customers to easily switch brands

Large warehouses and efficient stock control systems are needed to fulfil online orders 

E-commerce is not suitable for businesses selling personal services such as beauty services or home improvements

The lack of face-to-face contact with consumers means businesses miss out on instant and useful market research feedback

Competition drives prices down and allows customers to easily 'shop around' and compare prices

Electronic payment using credit and debit cards is relatively easy

• E.g. Using 'one-click' platforms such as Apple Pay 

E-commerce is convenient as it allows customers to shop from anywhere in the world 

• E.g. when travelling, 24 hours, on many different devices

Customers can buy from worldwide retailers so have increased choice

• E.g. Chinese e-commerce businesses Shein and Temu are increasingly popular in the UK

Poor connections or technical difficulties can sometimes deter or stop customers from using the website to make purchases

Customers in low-income countries may not be able to access the products due to poor infrastructure, limiting potential market size

Many consumers are concerned about identity theft or fraudulent use of credit cards if they buy goods online

Products cannot be handled or tried out before purchase, which means customers frequently return them because they are unsuitable