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Read to Learn Explain why doing business on the Internet has become a major factor in many industries.

The Main Idea Businesses offer all types of goods and services online. Consumers can research almost any product or service from their home. They can buy just about anything online.

Key Concept The Importance of Virtual Business

Key Term a newly formed business that is usually small start-up e-tail electronic retail

Key Term a business that sells its goods or services in stores, by mail, and online multi-channel retailer bricks-and- mortar actual buildings

Key Term businesses that use the Internet in addition to physical locations to sell goods and services clicks-and mortar e-ticket electronic ticket

The Importance of Virtual Business The ease of doing business via the Internet has created a boom in virtual businesses. The Internet makes it possible to communicate online with customers and clients around the world.

The Importance of Virtual Business Some Internet businesses are start-ups. start-up a newly formed business that is usually small Many entrepreneurs have started virtual businesses from their homes.

What Consumers Buy Online: Top Purchases Figure 9.1 What Consumers Buy Online: Top Purchases

The Basics of E-Commerce An e-tail store sells products over the Internet through e-commerce. e-tail electronic retail

The Basics of E-Commerce A multi-channel retailer uses various methods to sell products. multi-channel retailer a business that sells goods or services in stores, by mail, and online

The Basics of E-Commerce Businesses often call their stores and warehouses bricks-and-mortar. bricks-and-mortar actual buildings

The Basics of E-Commerce Bookstore chain Barnes & Noble is an example of a clicks-and-mortar company. clicks-and-mortar businesses that use the Internet in addition to physical locations to sell goods and services

Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Tailing to Consumers Graphic Organizer Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Tailing to Consumers Advantages Disadvantages Convenience Choices Buying power Additional charges Immediacy Relying on observation

Privacy Issues Some companies use software to track consumers. Customer-tracking software follows what customers are doing on the Web as they shop and offers to help if it seems a customer cannot find a product.

The Basics of E-Commerce Some people find that purchasing an e-ticket is easier and cheaper than visiting an actual store. e-ticket electronic ticket

Graphic Organizer Airlines Amusement Parks E-Tickets Concerts Movies Museums

How have virtual businesses changed the business world? Entrepreneurs can conduct businesses from their homes, communicate with customers worldwide, and operate via the Internet.

How is an e-tailer different from other businesses? An e-tailer sells products over the Internet.

What are two advantages and two disadvantages to e-tail for you as a consumer? Advantages: convenience and choice. Disadvantages: shipping charges; time for delivery; and you cannot always judge the product’s quality.

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