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Electronic commerce (screen 6 of 8)
Business is being conducted on the Internet.
In Australia, electronic commerce is being encouraged by Government through the 
National Office for the Information Economy(1).
In the private arena, goods are being bought and sold across the Web, with music CDs, books, computer software and clothing being among the more commonly purchased items.
An example of Net shopping in Australia is found at DA Books(2).
One of the largest bookshops online, a very successful online venture in the USA, is found at Amazon Books(3).
Using credit cards to buy on the Internet
To purchase over the Internet, some people type their credit card details into a field on a Web screen and submit this to the retailer. Others prefer to fax, phone or email these details directly to the retailer.
Whatever method is used, credit cards are the most-used way of paying for goods on the Internet.
This electronic commerce is increasing at a great rate as the range of goods and services on offer over the Web expands and more people get online.
Read more about electronic commerce in an earlier Guide(4) and read about why your cultural organisation should take advantage of the new technology(5).
Why do people buy over the Web?
- Users can browse items in comfort at a time that suits them and when they feel like shopping.
- There are no parking problems.
- No crowds.
- No need to leave home to shop.
- Online shops are always open.
- You can compare prices over the Web.
- You can buy from anywhere in the world.
Electronic commerce opportunities are growing. Online shopping is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years.
What could you sell?
Just about anything. If you are a cultural organisation that runs a gift shop, advertise items on the Web with illustrations, descriptions and prices. Sell tickets to performances or exhibitions. Sell works of art which can be previewed on a website. Sell magazines or other publications that you produce.
You could even think about selling advertising space on your Web screen. This could be as modest as a statement from a company to the effect that it supports your organisation. Or it could be something more comprehensive.
With some thought and imagination you will probably find that there are all sorts of things you can sell from your website. You could even sell things on behalf of others, provided this does not detract from the main objective of your site.
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References
- National Office for the Information Economy http://www.noie.gov.au/
- DA Direct http://www.dadirect.com.au/
- Amazon Books http://www.amazon.com/
- Guide 3 screen 19 http://culture.gov.au/resources/guides/g3/s19.htm
- Article on ecommerce http://culture.gov.au/articles/1998/04/ecom.htm
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