Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2025
First exams 2027
Ecommerce (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Business): Revision Note
Exam code: 0450, 0986 & 0264, 0774
The nature of ecommerce
E-commerce is the trade of goods and services over the internet
The rise of e-commerce means customers increasingly pay online using payment systems such as Apple Pay and PayPal
Examples of ecommerce
Businesses can sell goods through their own websites or via selling platforms such as Amazon, Ebay and Etsy
Financial institutions, such as banks, can provide their service via mobile apps
Customers can manage their bank accounts, transfer money, manage lending and pay bills online
E-ticketing facilities provide paper-free access to events and transport
Evaluating the use of ecommerce
E-commerce can make life more convenient for customers and is a source of competitive advantage for businesses
It also provides the potential for small businesses to reach large audiences
However, setting up an webstore or app can be costly
Some consumers may also be concerned about security risks of purchasing online
Advantages and disadvantages of ecommerce for businesses and consumers
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Businesses |
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Consumers |
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Examiner Tips and Tricks
Avoid assuming ecommerce suits every business – in exams, stronger answers recognise its limits, such as products that customers prefer to see or try before buying
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