Generally, there are seven main models of ecommerce that businesses can be categorized into:

• B2C.
• B2B.
• C2C.
• D2C.
• C2B.
• B2A.
• C2A.

Let’s review each type of electronic commerce in a bit more detail.

1. Business-to-Consumer (B2C).

Firstly,

B2C ecommerce encompasses transactions made between a business and a consumer. B2C is one of the most popular sales models in the ecommerce context. For example, when you buy shoes from an online retailer, it’s a business-to-consumer ecommerce transaction.

2. Business-to-Business (B2B).

Secondly, Unlike B2C, B2B ecommerce encompasses sales made between businesses, such as a manufacturer and a wholesaler or retailer. B2B is not consumer-facing and happens only between businesses.

3. Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C).

Thirdly, One of the earliest forms of ecommerce, consumer-to-customer ecommerce relates to the sale of products or services between customers. This includes C2C selling relationships, such as those seen on eBay or Amazon.

4. Direct-to-Consumer (D2C).

A newer model of ecommerce, D2C refers to a business that sells products directly to the end customer instead of going through a retailer, distributor or wholesaler.

One common example of D2C ecommerce is a subscription-based brand such as Netflix or Dollar Shave Club.

5. Consumer-to-Business (C2B).

C2B reverses the traditional retail model, meaning individual consumers make their products or services available for business buyers.

One example of a C2B business is iStock, an online store where stock photos are available for purchase directly from different photographers.

6. Business-to-Administration (B2A).

B2A covers the transactions made between online businesses and administrations. An example would be the products and services related to legal documents, social security, etc.

7. Consumer-to-Administration (C2A).

C2A is similar to B2A, but instead, consumers sell products or services to an administration. C2A can include online consulting for education, online tax preparation, etc.