Product/Process Suitability to Electronic Commerce

Some products, such as books or CDs, are good candidates for electronic commerce because
customers do not need to experience the physical characteristics of the particular item
before they buy it. Because one copy of a new book is identical to other copies, and because
the customer is not concerned about fit, freshness, or other such qualities, customers are
usually willing to order a title without examining the specific copy they will receive. The
advantages of electronic commerce, including the ability of one site to offer a wider selection
of titles than even the largest physical bookstore, can outweigh the advantages of a traditional
bookstore—for example, the customer’s ability to browse the pages of the books. In
later chapters, you will learn how to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using
electronic commerce for specific business processes.