E-commerce, or electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and

services online using the internet. This can include transactions between businesses,
between businesses and consumers, and between consumers themselves. E-
commerce has grown rapidly over the last few decades and has become an important
part of the global economy.

M-commerce, or mobile commerce, is a subset of e-commerce that refers specifically to

transactions conducted using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. M-
commerce includes not only online purchases made through mobile devices, but also
mobile payments, mobile banking, and other transactions facilitated by mobile
technology.

Both e-commerce and m-commerce have become increasingly important in recent

years as more and more people have gained access to the internet and mobile devices.
They offer numerous benefits, including convenience, flexibility, and access to a wider
range of products and services. However, they also present new challenges and risks,
such as security concerns and the need to adapt to changing technology and consumer
preferences.

What is E-commerce?

The process of buying and selling products or services over the Internet by using
electronic mode is called as E-commerce. It refers to Electronic commerce. Generally e-
commerce activities are performed with the help of desktop computers and laptops, so
users have to look for a place to do their transactions. It is broad term which refers
doing shopping and making payments online with help of electronic devices like Laptop
and computers.

Examples of E-commerce includes Amazon, Flipkart, Quikr, Olx websites.

Advantages of E-commerce

 Wider Reach: E-commerce enables organizations to expand their market

streams thus enabling the selling of goods and services worldwide.

 Cost Efficiency: Lower operating expenses as compared to physical shops

since the investing on physical infrastructural development is not very much
compulsory here.

 24/7 Availability: E-commerce stores are opened 24/7 this convenience is

available to the customers when they are making their purchase.

 Personalized Shopping Experience: Customer data and analytics thus can be

used to try and sell products to the customers.
  Diverse Payment Options: E-commerce payment mechanisms generally allow
the use of credit/debit cards, digital wallets and bank transfers.

Disadvantages of E-commerce

 Security Concerns: Cyber attacks/ hacks and leakage of customer data can be
a real possibility in today’s world.

 Lack of Physical Interaction: Customers are unable to touch and feel the
products and therefore may make wrong choices that causes dissatisfaction.

 Shipping Costs and Delays: Extra charges for delivery and transportation
services influences the goodwill of the customers since delivery may take a long
time.

 High Competition: I have highlighted that globalization also has its strengths,
among them being able to add competition that has to be almost constant and
aggressive.

What is M-commerce?
The process of buying and selling products or services over the internet by using
wireless handheld devices is called as M-commerce. It refers to Mobile Commerce. M-
commerce implies the use of Mobile devices for shopping activities and making
business transactions anywhere they go they can do this with just internet connectivity.
It is subcategory of ecommerce which does the same this via mobile devices.

Examples of M-commerce includes mobile banking like paytm, in-app purchasing

Amazon mobile app.

Advantages of M-commerce

 Greater Accessibility:** With m-commerce users can shop from anywhere thus
making the shopping experience more convenient than online shopping.

 Enhanced User Experience: Geo–location services, push notifications, and

biometric authentication are some of the features that make the application
unique for Smartphone users.

 Faster Transactions: Mobile commerce apps or mobile payment options are a

way through which the buying process is eased and it becomes easier and
convenient.

 Integration with Social Media: Integration into the social media platforms
makes sharing, marketing, and even shopping more convenient and directly on
the social networks.
Disadvantages of M-commerce

 Device Limitations: Differences in screen size and computing capabilities of the

mobile device might present a challenge to the user.

 Security Issues: There are other risks that affect the security of mobile devices
including phishing and malware which pose a threat to the user data.

 Connectivity Dependence: Use of mobile data or Wi-Fi connection, which is at

times slow or intermittent.

 Higher Development Costs: Development of websites and applications for the

use on mobile devices may entail more time and expenses.

Difference between E-commerce and M-commerce :

E-commerce M-commerce

Electronic Commerce in short it is Mobile Commerce in short it is called as m-

called as e-commerce. commerce.

M-commerce activities are performed with

In general, e-commerce activities are
the help of mobile devices like
performed with the help of desktop
smartphones, tablets, PDA’s (Personal
computers and laptops.
Digital Assistant) etc.

E-commerce is an older concept. M-commerce is an newer concept.

It is broad term which refers doing

shopping and making payments online It is subcategory of ecommerce which does
with help of electronic devices like the same this via mobile devices.
Laptop and computers.

In e-commerce the use of internet is But in case of m-commerce some activities

mandatory can be performed without internet also.
E-commerce M-commerce

E-commerce devices are not easy to

M-commerce devices are easy to carry and
carry and portability point of view it is
portability point of view it is good.
not so good.

E-commerce developed in 1970’s. M-commerce developed in 1990’s.

Its reachability is comparatively low Its reachability is more than that of e-

than the m-commerce as it is not so commerce only due to the use of mobile
good in portability. devices.

In m-commerce location tracking

In e-commerce location tracking
capabilities is so good as mobile apps track
capabilities are limited due to the non-
and identify user locations with the help of
portability of devices.
GPS technology, Wi-Fi, and so on.

In m-commerce push notification can be

E-commerce fails in push notification.
achieved.

E-commerce is conducted using M-commerce is conducted using mobile

desktop or laptop computers. devices such as smartphones and tablets.

E-commerce typically requires a stable M-commerce allows consumers to shop

internet connection and a computer. and make purchases from anywhere

E-commerce transactions typically rely M-commerce offers a wider range of

on credit cards and other traditional payment options, including mobile wallets
payment methods. and contactless payments.
E-commerce M-commerce

Examples of M-commerce includes mobile

Examples of E-commerce includes
banking like paytm, in-app purchasing
Amazon, Flipkart, Quikr, Olx websites.
Amazon mobile app.

Conclusion

E-commerce as well as M-commerce are two dominant segments of the present day
digital economy with the respective advantages and limitations. E-commerce brings a
large platform with large coverage area and a number of characteristics that make
environment friendly for the users of a desktop. Whereas, the M-commerce meets the
demand of many users of mobile devices as it is flexible and delivers customized
services. Businesses need to be aware of these differences and then use the right
channel depending on target demographic and business objectives. In conclusion, using
both E-commerce and M-commerce models will indeed go a long way in increasing the
market cover and customers satisfaction.