What is e-commerce?
E-commerce is a digital commerce model that refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. Developing since 1995, this model has fundamentally changed shopping habits. According to TÜSİAD data, 1.36 billion products were purchased through e-commerce channels in Türkiye in 2019; this figure is estimated to be much higher today (this should be confirmed with current data, see Technical Notes).
E-commerce Models
| Model | Explanation |
| B2C (Business-to-Consumer) | The model where a business sells its product/service directly to individual consumers is what Comwize focuses on. |
| B2B (Business to Business) | A model where one business sells its product/service to another business wholesale or on a corporate basis. |
| C2C (Consumer-to-Consumer) | A model where individual users sell to each other (for example, second-hand marketplaces). |
| D2C (Direct to Consumer) | A model where the manufacturer sells directly to the end consumer without intermediaries. |
What are the advantages of e-commerce?
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24/7 sales opportunity — sales can be made without being limited by physical store hours.
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Low start-up cost — you can start a business without physical shop rent and decoration costs.
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Wide geographic reach — customers can be reached nationwide (and even internationally), not limited to a single city.
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Measurable marketing — the conversion rate and cost of each campaign can be clearly tracked.
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Rapid growth potential — can be achieved independently of brand using multiple channels (own website + marketplace).
How to Start an E-Commerce Business?
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Company formation: The company is formally registered as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company.
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ETBIS registration: Registration with the Ministry of Trade's E-Commerce Information System is mandatory.
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Sales channel selection: Decide whether to use your own e-commerce website, a marketplace, or both.
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Product and inventory management: Products are categorized, and inventory is managed from a single pool.
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Payment and shipping integration: Payment methods and partnered shipping companies are connected.
For a detailed explanation of these steps, please refer to our articles 'Opening a Virtual Store' and 'Setting Up an E-Commerce Website' (see relevant pages); these two articles explain the steps outlined here, tailored to your own sales channel.
What does Comwize E-Commerce Software offer?
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E-Commerce Management
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E-Export Management
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Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
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Financial Instruments
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Production Management Tools
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Purchasing and Shipping
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Personnel Affairs
Example from the Sector: Boyastok
When Boyastok first started in e-commerce, it only sold through its own website; as it grew, the need to expand into marketplaces arose. After transitioning from a single stock pool to a management structure, it was able to continue growing without experiencing stock inconsistencies on both its own website and in marketplaces.
"When we started e-commerce, we began with a single channel, but as we grew, we realized that managing each channel separately wasn't sustainable," says Boyastok's e-commerce manager.
Comwize is a B2C e-commerce ERP software that helps e-commerce businesses manage their marketplace stores, websites, and physical stores from a single inventory pool, integrating order, warehousing, accounting, and production processes on a single platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between e-commerce and e-export?
E-commerce generally refers to buying and selling over the internet; e-export, on the other hand, is the sale of these goods to customers abroad.
How much capital is needed to start an e-commerce business?
There is no fixed cost; opening a store on a marketplace is generally possible with a lower initial cost, while building your own website varies depending on the chosen infrastructure.
What is the main difference between B2C and B2B e-commerce?
B2C refers to sales from businesses to individual consumers, while B2B refers to wholesale or corporate sales from businesses to businesses.
What is the size of e-commerce in Türkiye?
For current figures, please refer to the annual reports of ETİD or TÜSİAD; the 2019 data (1.36 billion products) is not current (see Technical Notes).
Should I create my own e-commerce website or sell on a marketplace?
The two are not mutually exclusive; most businesses use both together as they grow and manage inventory/orders from a single center.
Ready to step into e-commerce? Try Comwize for free for 15 days, without providing credit card information.
Related pages: Opening an Online Store: Step-by-Step Guide · Setting Up an E-Commerce Website: Step-by-Step Guide · What is E-Commerce ERP? B2C ERP Guide · How to Sell Online? 2026 Guide
