Legal Definitions - e-commerce

Definition: E-commerce is the practice of buying and selling goods and services through online consumer services on the Internet. The "e" in e-commerce stands for electronic, which has become a popular prefix for other terms associated with electronic transactions. An electronic transaction is a transaction formed by electronic messages in which the messages of one or both parties will not be reviewed by an individual as an expected step in forming a contract.

• Buying a pair of shoes from an online store and paying for them using your credit card is an example of e-commerce.
• Selling handmade crafts on Etsy and receiving payment through PayPal is another example of e-commerce.
• Booking a hotel room through a travel website and paying for it online is also an example of e-commerce.

These examples illustrate how e-commerce allows people to buy and sell goods and services online, without the need for physical stores or face-to-face interactions. E-commerce has made it easier for businesses to reach a wider audience and for consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes.