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

4. 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.

5. Key Concept
The Importance of Virtual Business

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. Graphic Organizer Airlines Amusement Parks E-Tickets Concerts Movies
Museums

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

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

22. 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.

23. End of