Our Thoughts LSKJ
Chasing Dreams
Empowering in E-Learning,, Healthcare, Hospitality, IT, Consulting ,BPM Innovation and claim to be world's first Org to focus on employee growth to fullest
Ecommerce services cover all technology-related needs of an ecommerce business. An ecommerce services provider, Our Thoughts LSKJ offers a team of savvy business consultants and pro coders to help our ecommerce clients with diverse challenges and business goals.
What is E-Commerce?
E-commerce is a method of buying and selling goods and services online. The definition of ecommerce business can also include tactics like affiliate marketing. You can use ecommerce channels such as your own website, an established selling website like Amazon, or social media to drive online sales.
How does ecommerce work?
After a customer makes a purchase, the online retailer delivers the order via shipping, store pickup, or local delivery (in the case of physical products), or digitally (for digital products like PDFs, virtual courses, or online consultations).
Ecommerce transactions happen across a variety of devices and platforms, using a number of different payment methods. Other applications and businesses support this ecosystem, from ad platforms like Google Ads to third-party logistics companies to ecommerce store apps.
Five ecommerce revenue models
In addition to deciding what type of ecommerce business you want to run, it’s important to decide how that business will make money. There are at least five different revenue models used by businesses selling online. They are:
-
Sales model. This is the most common model used by online brands and physical stores alike. It involves selling products and services for profit.
-
Subscription model. Growing in popularity among consumers and ecommerce DTC brands, this model relies on recurring revenue from subscriptions to products or services.
-
Advertising model. This model is common among online creators and influencers who grow personal brands thanks to advertising deals (promoted content) with other businesses.
-
Affiliate model. Affiliate programs are also popular among creators who have large followings and may or may not sell their own products. They earn commission when a customer buys a product using an affiliate link.
-
Transaction fee model. This model applies to ecommerce companies that process financial transactions. They earn revenue by charging a fee on each sale.
How B2B E-Commerce Works
-
Business Registration & Authentication – Companies sign up on the platform, verify their details (GST, licenses, KYC), and get role-based access.
-
Product Catalog & Pricing – Sellers list bulk products/services with tiered or negotiated pricing. Buyers browse catalogs, compare, and request quotes if needed.
-
Quotations & Negotiation – Unlike B2C, B2B involves price negotiations, RFQs (Request for Quote), and custom deals before placing bulk orders.
-
Order Placement – Buyers place large-volume orders through the portal, choosing shipping, delivery schedules, and payment terms (credit, advance, net-30, etc.).
-
Payment & Credit Terms – Payment is processed via gateways, bank transfers, or credit arrangements (e.g., invoicing, deferred payments).
-
Logistics & Fulfillment – The platform integrates with warehouses and logistics providers to ensure scheduled bulk delivery.
-
Post-Order Management – Buyers track shipments, manage invoices, request returns/replacements, and handle reconciliation.
-
Analytics & Relationship Building – Businesses use dashboards for purchase history, supplier performance, and demand forecasting, strengthening long-term partnerships.
-
Products and Offers
-
The business lists products online with details such as descriptions, prices, and discounts.
-
Customers browse the website/app, view offers, and select items to purchase.
-
-
Safe Payment
-
Once the customer selects items, they proceed to checkout.
-
The platform provides secure payment options (credit/debit cards, digital wallets, UPI, net banking, etc.).
-
Payment gateways ensure safe and encrypted transactions.
-
-
Expedition (Order Processing & Shipping)
-
After payment, the order is confirmed.
-
The warehouse or seller prepares the product for shipment.
-
The order is packed and handed over to logistics partners.
-
-
Delivery
-
The shipping company transports the product to the customer’s address.
-
Customers can track their orders until delivery.
-
The cycle completes when the customer receives the product.
-
How B2C E-Commerce Works
How C2C E-Commerce Works
C2C refers to online platforms where consumers sell directly to other consumers, usually facilitated by a third-party marketplace (e.g., OLX, eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace).
1. Platform Setup
-
A central C2C marketplace platform is created where users can register as both buyers and sellers.
-
Example: A user can post an old phone for sale and also buy a second-hand bike.
2. User Registration & Profiles
-
Sellers and buyers must sign up and create profiles.
-
Profiles include basic details, contact information, location, and ratings/reviews for trust.
-
Identity verification (via email/phone/KYC) ensures authenticity.
3. Product Listing by Consumers
-
Sellers (consumers) can create product listings with details: Title, Description, Price, Category, Images, Condition.
-
Listings go live after platform moderation or auto-checks to prevent spam/fraud.
4. Search & Discovery
-
Buyers browse products via: Search bar, filters, categories, and location-based search.
-
Platform implements recommendation algorithms to match buyers with relevant items.
5. Communication Between Buyers & Sellers
-
In-app chat/messaging system or integrated WhatsApp/email notifications. Buyers can negotiate prices, ask product details, and schedule transactions.
6. Payment Handling
-
Two approaches:
a. Direct Cash/Offline Payment (COD): Buyer pays directly to seller at time of delivery.
b. Escrow-based Secure Payment: Platform holds buyer’s money until the seller delivers the product → then releases funds.
(Used by eBay, OLX Autos, etc. for fraud prevention.)
7. Delivery/Logistics
-
Either:
-
Buyers & sellers arrange delivery themselves (common in OLX, Craigslist).
-
OR platform integrates with logistics partners (like Delhivery, BlueDart, Shiprocket) for doorstep delivery.
-
8. Ratings & Reviews
-
After the transaction, both buyer and seller leave reviews/ratings. Builds trust & reputation in the marketplace. Fraudulent users can be flagged or banned.
9. Revenue Model for Platform
-
Listing fees (paid promotions for sellers), Transaction commission (percentage from successful sales). Featured ads to promote seller products.
10. Security & Fraud Prevention
-
KYC verification (ID proof, phone number validation). Escrow-based payments. AI/ML fraud detection (suspicious activity alerts).
-
Reporting/blocking system for fake sellers.
What is Pre-Sales
Pre-sales refers to the activities and processes that precede the actual sale of a product or service. The primary goal of pre-sales is to understand and address the potential customer's needs, ensuring that they are the right fit for your product or service. It's about laying the groundwork for a successful sale by qualifying leads and building trust.
Who Uses the Pre-sales Process?
The pre-sales process isn't confined to just one department or role within an organization. It's a collaborative effort that involves multiple stakeholders, each contributing their unique skills and perspectives. Let's delve into who these key players are!
Sales Teams
The sales team is often the first to engage in pre-sales activities. They are responsible for initial lead qualification, understanding customer needs, and setting the stage for deeper engagement. They're the frontline warriors in the pre-sales battle!
Pre-Sales Consultants/Specialists
These are the subject matter experts who dive deep into the technical and functional aspects of the product or service. They assist in crafting tailored solutions and are instrumental in presenting these solutions to the clients.
Product Managers
Product managers play a vital role in identifying product gaps through customer feedback gathered during the pre-sales process. They work closely with pre-sales teams to ensure that the product aligns with customer needs and market demands.
Data Analysts
Data analysts help in interpreting customer behavior, market trends, and other data points that can be crucial for the pre-sales process. Their insights enable the team to make data-driven decisions.
Customer Success Teams
While traditionally involved post-sale, customer success teams are increasingly engaged in pre-sales to ensure that the proposed solutions are sustainable and beneficial in the long term. They bring the perspective of customer retention into the pre-sales process.
Technical Support Teams
These teams provide the technical know-how and support required during product demos, proof of concepts, and solution mapping. Their expertise is crucial in showcasing how the product or service solves the customer's problem.
​
P2P Services
​​
Core Characteristics of P2P Networks
Decentralization:
Unlike client-server models, where a central server handles requests and data, P2P networks distribute tasks and
resources among all peers. This reduces single points of failure and increases system resilience.
Equality of Nodes:
In a P2P network, all nodes have equal status and responsibilities. Each node can act as both a consumer and a provider of resources.
Direct Interactions:
Peers communicate directly with each other to share data or services. This eliminates intermediaries and often improves efficiency.
Scalability:
Adding more peers increases the network's capacity since every new peer contributes resources. This contrasts with centralized systems, where scalability is limited by the capacity of the central server.​​​
​
Types of P2P Networks
Structured P2P:
Nodes follow a predefined structure or protocol for communication. Examples: Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs) like those used in BitTorrent.
Unstructured P2P:
Nodes connect randomly without a specific topology. Searches may be less efficient, but these networks are more flexible and resilient.
Examples: Gnutella and Kazaa.
Hybrid P2P:
Combines elements of P2P and client-server models. Some nodes may have additional responsibilities (e.g., indexing or managing the network).
Example: Napster, which used centralized servers for indexing but relied on P2P for file transfers.
​
Key Technologies and Concepts in P2P
Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs):
A method for organizing and searching data in structured P2P networks. Allows efficient location of resources using key-value pairs.
Peer Discovery:
Mechanisms that allow peers to find each other in the network, often through protocols like DNS or bootstrap nodes.
Resource Sharing:
Peers share resources such as files, bandwidth, or processing power. Examples: File-sharing networks, distributed computing projects like SETI@home.
Protocols:
Common P2P protocols include BitTorrent, Gnutella, and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS). Applications of P2P Networks
File Sharing:
Early and popular use case. Examples: Napster (music sharing), BitTorrent (general file sharing).
Distributed Computing:
Utilizing the computational power of multiple peers for intensive tasks. Examples: Folding@home, BOINC.
Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies:
P2P networks form the backbone of blockchain systems. Examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum.
Decentralized Applications (DApps):
Applications built on P2P or blockchain frameworks. Examples: Filecoin, decentralized finance (DeFi) apps.
Voice and Video Communication:
P2P reduces latency and improves privacy by enabling direct connections. Examples: Skype (earlier versions), WebRTC.
