Pages: 208-216
Introduction. Electronic commerce or e-commerce is the electronic transaction performed using any computer. Such trade means, specifically, any exchange between a seller and a buyer who visits a web site that is performed after a commercial transaction.
Aim of the study. This paper aims to presents the electronic commerce with its definitions, historical evolution and importance, it’s the main forms, the advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce, the electronic commerce versus traditional commerce as well as the electronic commerce in Romania. In this research we have emphasised the role and the importance of the e-commerce in comparison with the traditional commerce, stressing the fact that it has many advantages that underpin the on-going development and success of this trade: time; the availability of virtual stores: program almost non-stop, every day of the year; the possibility of free decision; the possibility of purchasing products even outside the borders of the country the buyer; communication, particularly internationally, low cost, the relations with suppliers and customers and its importance for small businesses using e-commerce which can compete with large companies.
Keywords: electronic commerce, traditional commerce, development, supply chain management, customer relationship, economic and a managerial perspective, Romania’s experience.
