E-Commerce
E-commerce (electronic commerce) refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet — including all associated payment and logistics processes.
E-Commerce
E-commerce encompasses all business transactions that are processed electronically over the Internet. This includes not only online shops, but also marketplaces, digital services, subscriptions and download platforms.
For payment transactions, e-commerce is the driver behind the demand for payment gateways, PSPs and digital payment methods. Swiss e-commerce revenues are growing steadily, and expectations for the checkout are rising: your customers expect local payment methods (TWINT, PostFinance), fast processing and various options such as purchase on account.
E-commerce can be divided into B2C (Business-to-Consumer), B2B (Business-to-Business), C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) and D2C (Direct-to-Consumer). Each model has its own requirements for payment processing, logistics and legal frameworks.
E-Commerce examples
A Swiss fashion shop sells clothing via its WooCommerce webshop and accepts Visa, TWINT and Klarna.
A B2B wholesaler offers orders via an online portal, with payment by QR-invoice and a 30-day payment term.
A marketplace connects multiple merchants on one platform — the payment is automatically split via split payment.
E-Commerce FAQ
What is e-commerce?
E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet. This includes online shops, marketplaces, digital services and subscription platforms.
Which payment methods does a Swiss e-commerce shop need?
For the Swiss market, Visa, Mastercard, TWINT, PostFinance Pay, Apple Pay and purchase on account are the most important payment methods. The optimal selection depends on your target group and industry.
What is the difference between B2C and B2B in e-commerce?
B2C (Business-to-Consumer) sells directly to end consumers — typically with immediate payment. B2B (Business-to-Business) sells to companies — often with payment terms, purchase on invoice and larger order volumes.
Do you need a PSP for your online shop?
Yes, to accept electronic payments, you need a Payment Service Provider (PSP) that handles payment processing, acquiring and payout.
