For many small online retailers, accounting is far from being their favorite task. But for entrepreneurs working alone or in small teams, losing track is not an option. Unstructured processes, missed deadlines, or unclear responsibilities can directly harm the business. A clear overview of finances emerges through reliable routines, supported by the right tools. Creating …
Logistics has become a key differentiator in e-commerce. What was once an operational backend is now a strategic lever for growth, customer satisfaction, and resilience. In an insightful interview with Handelsblatt, Prof. Dr. Christoph Tripp from the Nuremberg Institute of Technology outlines how logistics is evolving from a cost center into a customer-facing success factor. …
E-commerce is increasingly becoming the driving force behind the circular economy. As the shift from a linear “take–make–waste” model to a circular “reuse–repair–recycle” approach accelerates, online commerce plays a central role. With digital platforms, smart logistics, and innovative business models, e-commerce companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. …
On June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) will come into force in Germany – marking a major turning point for digital accessibility in e-commerce. For online store operators, this means it’s time to take action. But accessibility is more than a legal obligation: it’s an opportunity to reach new audiences, improve user experience, …
For a long time, it seemed that the digital wave would sweep away brick-and-mortar retail. With the rise of e-commerce, driven by online giants like Amazon, Zalando, and Shopify, physical retail was often seen as a fading model. However, current market data tells a different story: the once-disruptive force of online commerce has stabilized — …
We’re excited to share some great news: The official proceedings of the Fourth International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2024), held in a hybrid format on October 10–11, 2024, will be published in just six weeks! The book, titled “E-Commerce and Digital Services – Proceedings of the Fourth International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2024), Hybrid, October 10–11, 2024”, …
The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed consumer shopping behavior. During lockdowns, many physical stores were forced to close, leading to an unprecedented boom in e-commerce. Even after the pandemic, digital transformation remains a key driver in the retail sector. Retailers now face the challenge of providing customers with a seamless shopping experience both online and …
E-commerce has rapidly evolved in recent years, becoming an integral part of the German economy. However, as online trade continues to grow, so do challenges in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and compliance with environmental standards. To address these issues, the German government adopted a comprehensive E-Commerce Action Plan on January 29, 2025. …
YouTube is no longer just a platform for entertainment and education – it has become a key marketplace for social commerce. Businesses, influencers, and content creators increasingly use YouTube to market products through targeted placements, interactive formats, and personalized advertising. But why is YouTube so relevant for social commerce? What are the benefits and challenges …
Trade has driven economic growth in Central Asia despite significant geographical challenges. Products from the region, which lacks access to seaports, must travel long distances to reach their destination. The cost of trade for landlocked countries—equivalent to a tariff of 540%—hampers the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs and limits income growth. E-commerce could be the key …
Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform similar to Instagram, is rapidly evolving into a significant e-commerce channel for high-end and niche brands. What sets this platform apart is its ability to combine lifestyle inspiration with a relaxed, conversational sales approach. Unlike the often aggressive sales tactics seen on platforms like Taobao or Douyin, Xiaohongshu attracts …
From best practices in labeling to optimizing automated bidding – these tips will make your e-commerce advertising campaigns more efficient. A clear e-commerce search strategy is essential – especially during the holidays. Ready to optimize your PPC strategy? Success depends on seamless collaboration between sales, marketing, and media teams. While specifics may vary, the following …
E-commerce companies see a high number of visitors every day. In 2023, over 19% of global retail sales were attributed to online sales. However, high sales figures also mean rising operating costs, including shipping costs, transaction fees, logistics costs, and marketing expenses. At the same time, competition with platforms like Amazon and eBay increases the …
Online retailers today face the challenge of standing out in an increasingly competitive market – unless they have specialized in a very specific niche. So, how can they differentiate themselves from the competition and capture the attention of consumers? ECC KÖLN and Riverty have investigated exactly this question. Their study shows that emotional customer engagement …
China’s Relentless E-Commerce Price War Leaves Sellers Struggling to Make Ends Meet China’s e-commerce vendors are struggling for survival as sales growth slows, price pressure rises, and shopping platforms compete with increasingly aggressive policies to attract increasingly cost-conscious customers. A once-thriving e-commerce industry, punctuated by shopping bonanzas featuring galas and celebrities, is bearing the brunt …
In 2022, Germany’s largest online shops recorded a revenue decline for the first time. A study estimates the losses to be around 2.2 billion euros. According to an investigation, growth in the German online retail sector declined for the first time in 2022. Last year, the top 1,000 business-to-consumer (B2C) online shops saw a revenue …
Learn how the blend of digital and physical sales can reshape your business. Key Points: AI-powered interaction. AI-driven analytics enable personalized real-time experiences that enhance customer loyalty and conversion rates. Hybrid retail is evolving. Combining digital and physical stores enhances customer experiences and expands global reach. Consistent brand presence is crucial. Uniform brand experiences across …
How can online retailers save time and optimize bureaucratic processes related to payments and finances? These tips can help. Invoicing, submitting applications, and mastering complex accounting – these tasks sound like the complete opposite of the fast-changing world of e-commerce. Yet, paperwork is unavoidable even for online shops. With the following tips, however, payments and …
In an increasingly challenging economy, many e-commerce entrepreneurs are leveraging AI to stay competitive and enhance profitability. Here are Gary Huang’s insights. It’s not easy being an e-commerce entrepreneur today. “This economy is becoming more difficult, especially for Amazon sellers,” says Gary Huang, an experienced e-commerce entrepreneur and founder of the 7 Figure Seller Summit, …
The digital transformation of the commerce industry brought conveniences but unintentionally contributed to global carbon emissions. This article examines the E-commerce carbon footprint, highlighting sustainability efforts by giants like Levi’s and Oda, and the challenges and hopes for a more environmentally friendly future. The Carbon Footprint of E-Commerce Online shopping, especially during the global pandemic, …