What is Ecom? How to start Ecom Businesses in 2025

Have you ever wondered what “eCom” means when people talk about growing their business online or launching a D2C business?

If you’ve shopped online or thought of launching an online store, then you’re already part of the eCom world whether you know it or not.In this blog, I am going to help you understand what ecom is. eCom full form, how an eCom business works, and how Indian entrepreneurs can tap into the booming world of electronic commerce in 2025. This blog isn’t just for big brands but small businesses, independent sellers, and even traditional brick and mortar stores too that are making the switch to start an eCom business.

📘 Ecom Full Form: What Does Ecom Mean?

eCom is short for Electronic Commerce, It basically means purchasing and selling products or services over the internet. This includes everything from browsing products on online marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart to making online purchases from a brand’s website, paying digitally, and having items delivered to your doorstep.

In India, having an eCommerce presence is now essential for businesses looking to grow, connect with more customers, and stay open all the time.

🛍️ What is an Ecom Business?

An eCom business operates entirely or partially online, where the transaction between the buyer and seller happens through online transactions. 

Types of Ecom businesses are:

  • In Business to Consumer (B2C) cases, companies sell goods directly to the end user using their websites (like a fashion site does).
  • Business to Business (B2B) – Wholesalers or suppliers selling to other businesses 
  • Consumer to Consumer (C2C) – Individuals selling to each other through platforms like OLX.

Here’s a detail blog on Types of business ownership that you need to keep in mind

Whether you’re selling handmade jewelry, custom sneakers, or digital courses, if it’s being sold online it’s an ecom business.

Starting in 2025, businesses in India are expected to embrace online selling.

India is witnessing an explosion in online shopping behavior. With 900+ million internet users and a rapidly digitising economy, eCom businesses are no longer just a metro-city trend. Sellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns are opening online stores, leveraging commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Meesho to run their operations.

Benefits of eCom business:

  • Setting up an online store is less expensive than opening a physical store.
  • Serve customers from all parts of the country or the world
  • Use different technologies to gather information about customers that is useful for marketing.
  • Enable 24/7 online sales
  • Make your business grow fast and at a low cost.

🚀 How to Start Your Own Ecom Business in India

  • The following steps will guide you on starting your own Ecom :
  • 1. Choose Your Niche
    • Pick a category that solves a real problem or taps into a growing trend. Examples: Sustainable fashion, pet care, wellness products, or regional food items.
  • 2. Research Your Market
    • Look at what people are searching for using Google Trends, Amazon Best Sellers, or Meesho trends. See what’s missing and how you can add value.
  • 3. Pick a Commerce Platform
    • Start with platforms like:
      • Shopify (easy to set up with many plugins)
      • WooCommerce (for WordPress users)
      • Wix (drag-and-drop website builder)
      • Meesho or Amazon Seller Central (for marketplace-based selling)
  • 4. Set Up Payment Gateways
    • Add UPI, debit/credit card, and wallet options using Razorpay, Cashfree, or Paytm Business.
  • 5. Design Your Store for Mobile First
    • Use high-resolution product images, short product titles, and clear CTAs (call-to-action). Most Indian users shop from mobile.
  • 6. Plan Logistics and Shipping
    • Partner with a courier aggregator like iThink Logistics to simplify shipping pan-India or internationally.
  • 7. Promote Your Brand
    • Use Instagram Reels, WhatsApp broadcasts, and Google Ads to drive traffic. Email marketing and influencer collaborations can help too.

    🤯 Fun Fact: Most Indians Have Shopped Online

    In the past six months, more than 70% of Indians admitted to making an online purchase. It shows that eCommerce has become available to people in even the most distant areas of India.

    Whether it’s buying gadgets from an online retailer or ordering groceries, Indians are becoming more confident in making online purchases daily.

    🔍 How to Research for a Profitable Ecom Business

    Before you invest time and money into products, spend a few days doing research:

    • ✔️ Tools You Can Use for Free to start an ecom:
      • Google Trends – Check demand for any product or keyword
      • AnswerThePublic – See what people are searching around your niche
      • Meesho’s Trending Section – Understand what Tier 2 and 3 audiences are buying
      • Amazon Bestsellers – See what’s popular and read customer reviews
      • YouTube – Watch eCom case studies and tutorials from real sellers
    • Questions to Ask Yourself before starting an eCom:
      • Is this product seasonal or evergreen?
      • Can I make a better version of what’s already out there?
      • Who are my competitors and how can I stand out?

    🔑 Why eCom is the Future for Small Businesses in India

    A small business from Jaipur or Guwahati can compete with major brands—thanks to digital tools and commerce platforms. With low upfront costs and a huge consumer base, selling goods and services online is becoming the go-to model.

    Because of eCom, local businesses have the opportunity to:

    1. Reduce dependency on middlemen
    2. Keep higher profit margins
    3. Personalise customer experiences
    4. Build their brand identity

    Final Thoughts: Is eCom for You?

    Absolutely. Whether you’re just curious about the eCom full form or planning to shift your brick-and-mortar store online, now is the best time to start.

    An eCom business gives you the flexibility, scalability, and reach that traditional commerce can’t match. With the right marketing strategy and commerce platform, your brand can thrive in the Indian digital economy.

    Looking to ship your eCom orders globally?

    Explore iThink Logistics – India’s leading courier aggregator built for fast, affordable, and hassle-free shipping.

    Get your preferred courier partner to deliver your product with iThink Logistics.