The online world is vast, but not all e-commerce sites operate the same way. Each type has its own style, purpose, and audience. From large online retailers to smaller platforms connecting people directly, every model plays a unique role in how we shop and sell today. With events like Black Friday driving massive online traffic, understanding these different e-commerce types can help businesses plan smarter promotions and reach the right customers.
In this article, you'll explore eight key types of e-commerce, along with real-world examples that make them easy to understand.
Types of e-commerce products you can sell online
When it comes to selling online, you're not limited to just one kind of product. The internet provides a platform for all types of businesses, from tangible goods to everyday services. During major shopping events like Black Friday, having a diverse product range can help you attract more customers and boost sales. Let's explore the main product types you can sell through e-commerce and how you can make the most of peak shopping seasons.
- Physical products
These are the things that you can physically touch and utilize in your daily life, such as books, clothing, and devices. They are ordered online and sent to the customer's front door.
- Digital products
Think of things you download or get online, like courses, ebooks, or applications. They can be delivered right away and don't need shipping.
- Services offered online
It includes skills or knowledge that people offer rather than a tangible good. This can be anything, such as online tutoring, graphic design, or virtual fitness training.
- Subscription products
Here, customers pay regularly to continue receiving value, such as monthly snack boxes, streaming platforms, or software plans. It builds a steady income for businesses.
- Customized or personalized items
These are goods that are specially made for each customer, such as a mug with someone's name, a tailored shirt, or even digital art created upon request.
The 8 types of e-commerce with examples you must know
E-commerce isn't just about buying products online; it covers many different ways of conducting business digitally. Each model has its own style, purpose, and target audience. Whether it's companies selling directly to consumers, businesses collaborating with other businesses, or individuals offering services, these categories shape how we interact online. During peak shopping events like Black Friday, understanding these e-commerce types becomes even more important, as businesses can tailor promotions and strategies to reach the right audience and maximize sales. Let's explore the eight main types with real-world examples.
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- Business-to-consumer (B2C)
This is the most widely used form of e-commerce. In the B2C model, companies sell directly to end customers. Think about shopping on Amazon or ordering from Target. Simple checkout, personalized suggestions, and fast delivery are what make this model successful.
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- Business-to-business (B2B)
In contrast to B2C, which deals with sales to consumers, B2B deals with transactions between businesses. A good example is when one company buys equipment, software, or tools from another. Platforms like Salesforce and Slack thrive here because they provide bulk solutions tailored for organizations.
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- Business-to-government (B2G)
In this model, businesses earn money by providing goods or services to government departments. It could be anything from cybersecurity solutions to waste management systems. GovPlanet and GovSpend are two examples of businesses that operate in this market, ensuring that governments have the necessary resources to run efficiently.
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- Consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
When ordinary people sell directly to one another using an online platform, this is known as C2C. Websites like Etsy and Vinted make this possible by facilitating a secure interaction between buyers and sellers. Additionally, it's a popular destination for finding reasonably priced used or handcrafted products.
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- Consumer-to-business (C2B)
The typical roles are reversed here. Rather than businesses selling to people, people give value to companies. For instance, freelancers on Upwork or Fiverr offer businesses in need of talents like writing, design, or coding. When influencers endorse a brand's products, they also fall under this category.
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- Consumer-to-government (C2G)
This type covers interactions where individuals provide services or products to government agencies. For example, healthcare providers or medical suppliers may work directly with public hospitals. Platforms like Grants.gov also connect individuals with government opportunities.
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- Business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C)
In B2B2C, a company sells products to another business, which then sells them to the final consumer. Consider brands that manufacture items and then distribute them through retailers such as Walmart or Best Buy. It's a layered model that helps businesses reach a broader customer base.
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- Business-to-administration (B2A)
This type focuses on companies working with public institutions or administrative bodies. It often involves providing digital services, such as online tax tools, education platforms, or e-signature solutions. Companies like DocuSign and SAP Public Sector are known for helping governments run more efficiently.
Types of e-commerce revenue models
Every online business needs a way to generate income, and that's where revenue models come in. These models outline how products or services are offered and how money is earned in return. Some require minimal setup, while others need more resources but offer greater control. Below are the most common types of e-commerce revenue models explained simply.
- Dropshipping
This model enables a business to sell products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, the supplier handles shipping directly. It's affordable to start, as there's no need for storage space; however, quality control can be challenging.
- Wholesaling
Businesses here purchase goods from producers in large quantities and sell them, typically to shops. The costs are lower because the products are bought in bulk, which allows for a profit margin when they are resold. Most of the time, product storage necessitates warehousing.
- Private labeling
Under this arrangement, a business collaborates with a manufacturer to produce products under its own brand. Companies have increased market differentiation by making choices on features, packaging, and design. With branded items, it's a method to stand out.
- White labeling
White labeling entails marketing pre-made goods under a unique brand name, as opposed to private labeling. Companies may start selling products quickly because they are already developed, but popular products often face greater competition.
- Subscription service
This model operates on a recurring payment system, in which clients receive goods or services regularly. It may provide access to premium digital platforms, replenish essentials, or offer curated boxes. Memberships provide long-term client loyalty and consistent revenue.
All these revenue models demonstrate that there are numerous ways to earn through e-commerce, whether it's selling in bulk, building a brand, or setting up recurring subscriptions.
However, regardless of which model you choose, marketing is crucial for attracting attention and targeting the right audience. Using the right tools for product promotion is essential, and one of the best options to try on PC is CapCut.
An ideal way to make product marketing AI videos on PC: CapCut
CapCut desktop video editor makes creating product marketing videos easier than ever. With its AI product video creator and instant text-to-speech, you can design professional content in minutes. Add call-to-action buttons, sale stickers, and other promotional elements to give every video a marketing edge—perfect for Black Friday campaigns or other high-traffic sales events. If you're looking to boost product promotions and capture seasonal shopping excitement, CapCut is a tool worth trying.
Key features
- AI product video creator
CapCut enables you to generate product videos automatically with its AI video creator, saving time while delivering professional results.
- Efficient AI writing tool
It's built-in AI writer helps craft captions, ad copy, or product descriptions that fit right into your video.
- Versatile library of sound effects
CapCut offers a wide range of sound effects, making it easy to match the right audio with your marketing content.
- Easily add CTA and sale stickers
You can place call-to-action buttons and sale stickers directly onto videos, helping highlight offers and drive engagement.
- Instant AI text-to-speech
With the AI text-to-speech function, written text can be quickly converted into natural-sounding voice-overs for videos.
- High-definition video export
CapCut ensures your videos look sharp and professional by offering high-definition export options for every project.
How to design marketing videos for products with CapCut
If this is your first time with CapCut, click the "Download" button below and follow the instructions to install it on your device.
- STEP 1
- Import the video
Open CapCut and start a new project. Click on the "import" to upload media from your device.
- STEP 2
- Edit the video
Navigate to the toolbar on the left-hand side and click on the "Stickers" option to add call-to-action buttons on your ad. After that, click on the "Captions" option to add automatic subtitles for your spoken words in the video. Next, click on the captions and navigate to the "Text to speech" feature on the right-hand side to convert your text into a variety of voiceovers.
Click on the "Conver" > "Edit" option to use the design of the cover photo. You can add titles, images, and apply filters if needed to make it engaging to gain viewers' attention.
- STEP 3
- Download and share
When you're done editing, go to the "Export" section. Adjust the settings, such as frame rate, resolution, bitrate, and codec. Then click "Export" again to save your video. You can share your creations directly on YouTube or TikTok.
Conclusion
To sum up, e-commerce continues to grow and shape how businesses and customers connect worldwide. Exploring different types of e-commerce with real-world examples makes it easier to understand how each model fits unique goals and markets. With peak shopping events like Black Friday approaching, businesses that clearly understand these options can choose the right strategy and strengthen their digital presence. For those looking to showcase products more effectively, the CapCut desktop video editor is a powerful tool for creating professional, attention-grabbing marketing videos that can maximize impact during high-traffic sales periods.
FAQs
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- Which e-commerce business type is best for B2B sales?
When considering which e-commerce model works best for B2B sales, the Business-to-Business (B2B) e-commerce model is clearly the top choice. This model is designed specifically for transactions between businesses, offering advantages such as streamlined ordering, tailored pricing, and support for bulk and recurring purchases. To showcase products or services in this space more effectively, use CapCut's desktop video editor to create professional videos that can give your business a sharper edge.
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- How does e-commerce influence customer buying behavior?
E-commerce influences customer behavior by making shopping more convenient and accessible at any time. It allows buyers to compare prices, check reviews, and get personalized suggestions, which often leads to quicker decisions. Social proof, such as ratings and influencer opinions, also significantly influences what people choose to buy. Since visuals play a big role in purchasing behavior, using the CapCut desktop video editor to create engaging product videos can further capture attention and influence decisions.
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- What types of e-commerce are best for small businesses?
For small businesses, choosing the right e-commerce type often comes down to simplicity, cost, and control. A Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) or Business-to-Consumer (B2C) approach is a top choice, as it enables companies to sell directly to shoppers, eliminating middlemen and providing full control over pricing, branding, and customer interaction. For businesses creating ads or demo product videos, the CapCut desktop video editor offers an easy way to highlight features and influence buying decisions.