Ehandeln

Ehandeln, or electronic commerce, refers to buying and selling goods and services over electronic networks, primarily the internet. In Swedish usage the term e-handel is commonly used to describe online commerce. It covers B2C, B2B, and C2C transactions and is enabled by online storefronts, marketplaces, payment gateways, and logistics networks. Consumers can browse catalogs, compare prices, read reviews, and place orders from desktop or mobile devices. Sellers gain access to wider audiences without physical stores.

Key components include product information, catalogs, shopping carts, payment methods (credit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers), order management, fulfillment, and returns. Security and trust are central, with encryption, PCI DSS compliance, fraud prevention, and data protection laws such as GDPR.

Regulation emphasizes consumer rights in distance selling, information duties, cooling-off periods where applicable, refunds, and privacy rules. Cross-border ehandeln is supported by more standardized payments and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Trends include mobile commerce, social commerce, omnichannel strategies, AI-based recommendations, and automated logistics. The economic impact includes increased market access and efficiency, but challenges include cybersecurity, fraud, returns handling, and sustainability concerns related to packaging and transport.