The introduction of the new economy has helped to create a very individualistic and independent society. Consumers are no longer totally reliant on corporations and are increasingly looking to conduct their own business transactions. This is evident in Western Australia where the number of small businesses has doubled from 1983 to 1999 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2001). At the forefront of this movement are Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C) applications within eBusiness. C2C applications are any transactions between and amongst consumers (QUT School of International Business, 2003, p. xv). They are often described as Peer-to-Peer (P2P) (QUT School of International Business, 2003, p. xv). When eCommerce was first introduced, it redefined the traditional structure of business by giving small firms and individuals the same opportunity as multi-national corporations. As a result, many individuals established online organizations that encouraged and assisted commerce between consumers.
There are many sites offering free classifieds, auctions, and forums where individuals can buy and sell thanks to online payment systems like PayPal where people can send and receive money online with ease. eBay's auction service is a great example of where person-to-person transactions take place everyday since 1995.
Companies using internal networks to offer their employees products and services online--not necessarily online on the Web--are engaging in B2E (Business-to-Employee) ecommerce.
G2G (Government-to-Government), G2E (Government-to-Employee), G2B (Government-to-Business), B2G (Business-to-Government), G2C (Government-to-Citizen), C2G (Citizen-to-Government) are other forms of ecommerce that involve transactions with the government--from procurement to filing taxes to business registrations to renewing licenses. There are other categories of ecommerce out there, but they tend to be superfluous.
The most famous and successful example of a Consumer-to-Consumer application is Ebay. Ebay.com is an online auctioning site that facilitates the trade of privately owned items between individuals (May, 2000, p.109). The website claims that through Ebay, “practically anyone can trade practically anything� (Ebay, 1995-2004). The company began in September 1995 when Pierre Omidyar decided to establish the first online marketplace (Ebay, 1995-2004). Since that time, the company has continued to grow both in size and popularity. Ebay is now considered one of the most successful C2C eBusinesses ever.
Other examples of Consumer-to-Consumer applications are service and employment websites such as Monster.com, Seek.com.au and CareerOne.com.au. These websites provide a valuable service to consumers looking for jobs. Employers can advertise on these websites and potential employees can contact their organization for an interview.
Web-based communication organizations are one final example of a C2C operation. Sites such as Sastashopping.com ICQ.com and MSN.com act as a communications medium for peer-to-peer deliberations. Although there is no commercial benefit to the website, they do provide the facilities for Consumer-to-Consumer exchange.
Consumer-to-Consumer applications are a growing area of eCommerce. As online business expands, peer-to-peer transactions will continue to grow in popularity and the industry will become highly profitable.
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