E-commerce
The world of e-commerce is booming. Whether you're running a startup with a Shopify shop or you're an established player on an e-commerce platform like bol.com or Amazon, international commerce is becoming increasingly accessible. But behind the scenes, there's quite a bit involved. Think import declarations, VAT rules, customs documents and logistics choices. European Customs Clearance (ECC) helps companies that can no longer see the wood for the trees.
In this article, we explain step by step exactly what e-commerce is, what is involved when you sell internationally, and how ECC supports companies with smart customs and logistics solutions.
What is e-commerce?
E-commerce stands for electronic commerce. It is the buying and selling of goods or services over the Internet. From online shops and online marketplaces to social commerce through platforms like Instagram or TikTok, e-commerce has become an integral part of our economy. More and more companies are opting for a digital strategy to offer their products worldwide.
The meaning of e-commerce is simple: it encompasses all commercial transactions that take place digitally.
Examples of e-commerce in practice
- E-commerce comes in many shapes and sizes. For example, a consumer orders a sweater through a Dutch webshop, but without knowing it, the order is delivered directly from China. This is a typical example of dropshipping, where the webshop acts as an intermediary.
- In the business market (Business to Business), you also see e-commerce in full swing. Consider a company ordering 100 tools from a German supplier via an online platform. Thanks to digital purchasing processes, this is done quickly, conveniently and without the intervention of a vendor.
- E-commerce also plays a role on platforms such as Marktplaats. A consumer buys a used product, pays via iDEAL and relies on the digital platform for handling and communication.
The history of e-commerce
E-commerce emerged in the late 1970s with the first electronic money transactions between businesses. Still, the real breakthrough came only in the 1990s, when the Internet became widely available and the first Web shops made their appearance. In 1994, the first online purchase place.
Since then, world e-commerce has evolved at lightning speed. Where it once began with simple websites with limited product offerings, we now see complete e-commerce ecosystems with automated logistics, AI-driven recommendations and global fulfillment solutions. Over €35 billion worth of online purchases in the Netherlands in 2023, showing how big the impact of e-commerce has now become.
How we respond to e-commerce developments
For customs clearance, we use the AEB's customs software program to process import and export declarations more efficiently. This speeds up the declaration process, reduces errors and helps ECC comply with international regulations. It also allows potential bottlenecks in the process to be identified and resolved earlier.
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If so, please contact us. One of our specialists will be happy to help you further.
What types of e-commerce are there?
E-commerce is broad. There are multiple models, each with its own dynamics and regulations:
- B2C (Business-to-Consumer): Web shops that sell to individuals.
- B2B (Business-to-Business): Companies that supply other companies, often through wholesale platforms.
- C2B (Consumer-to-Business): Think of freelancers offering their services through platforms.
- C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer): Marketplaces where consumers trade among themselves.
- B2G (Business-to-Government): Companies that provide products or services to governments.
- C2G / G2C / G2B: These models are less common, but are particularly interesting for import and export with government agencies.
How does e-commerce work?
E-commerce uses digital technologies to automate the entire sales process from order to delivery. Through a Web shop or e-commerce platform, companies offer their products or services. Customers can view, compare and purchase them online, after which the system automatically processes payment and initiates logistics. The customer journey in a webshop purchase usually looks like this:
- Orientation and product selection
The customer visits the online store or a platform such as Bol.com or Amazon, searches for a product and compares options. - Placing the order
The customer chooses the desired product, puts it in the shopping cart and fills in their details. - Online payment
Payment is made via iDeal, Klarna, PayPal or other payment methods. The e-commerce platform records the transaction. - Processing in the sales system
The order automatically enters the Web shop's Order Management System (OMS) or a linked fulfillment partner. - Order picking and shipping
The goods are collected (picking), packed and shipped to the specified address or pickup point. - Customs formalities for international shipments
Is the package shipped outside the EU, or does it involve cross-border sales within the EU? Then the correct customs documents, import declarations and VAT rules must be applied. - Delivery to customer
The customer receives the package at home or at a chosen pickup location, often accompanied by a digital invoice and track & trace information.
What e-commerce platforms and sales channels are there?
There are several ways to reach consumers online and offer your products or services through your own online store, or by using external platforms such as online marketplaces or social media.
E-commerce platforms
Many e-commerce companies have set up their own Web store to offer goods and services, from digital products to physical items. This allows retailers to sell their products directly to consumers, facilitating online commerce. An important factor in the success of an e-commerce business is optimizing their own website using SEO techniques, among other things, so that they are more visible to potential customers.
The different platforms
There are different types of e-commerce, such as b2c, b2b e-commerce and sales through marketplaces. Each model requires a different approach as well as an appropriate platform. Many e-commerce companies today offer personalized experiences and choose systems that are scalable and support international sales.
Check out a list of popular e-commerce platforms below:
| Platform | Suitable for | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | SMEs & startups | Easy to use, quick to set up |
| WooCommerce | Small to medium-sized businesses | Flexible, open source |
| Magento | Large webshops | Powerful, scalable |
| bol.com / Amazon | Selling through marketplace | Great exposure, less control |
Tip: Want to sell internationally? Then choose a platform that integrates well with logistics systems and customs processes.
Online marketplaces
Instead of having your own webshop, you can sell through an existing online marketplace, such as:
- Bol.com
- Amazon
- eBay
- Etsy
The benefit? You immediately benefit from the platform's reach and confidence. However, there are often specific requirements for shipping, customs documentation and returns.
Social commerce
Social commerce is the combination of social media and e-commerce. Consider:
- Sell products through Instagram Shops or TikTok Shopping
- Live shopping events on Facebook
- Direct purchase links in social media posts
Especially among young audiences, this is a growing trend within e-commerce.
Frequently asked questions about e-commerce
What is the difference between e-commerce and dropshipping?
With dropshipping, you sell products you don't have in stock yourself. Your supplier ships directly to the customer. This is a specific form of e-commerce in which fulfillment and logistics are organized differently.
What is an e-commerce funnel?
An e-commerce funnel describes the customer journey: from first contact moment to purchase. Think awareness, interest, consideration and purchase.
The benefits of e-commerce
The reach is greater, both nationally and internationally as marketing and sales can be largely automated. For companies, this often means lower overhead costs and economies of scale. Customers benefit from convenience, speed and more choice.
The disadvantages of e-commerce
E-commerce requires good digital infrastructure as well as logistics. Without reliable fulfillment and customs processes, delays and errors can occur. In addition, there is a lot of competition, returns are more complex (especially across borders), and customer loyalty is more difficult than in a physical store.
What are the key success factors of E-commerce
Successful e-commerce is all about a user-friendly webshop, fast and reliable delivery, transparent customer service and well-organized logistics.
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