Top 46 Slang For E Commerce – Meaning & Usage

In the fast-paced world of online shopping and digital transactions, staying updated on the latest e-commerce slang is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just dipping your toes into the world of online business, we’ve got you covered. Our team has compiled a list of the most popular and essential e-commerce slang terms to help you navigate this ever-evolving industry with confidence. Stay ahead of the curve and level up your e-commerce game with our comprehensive guide!

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1. Clickbait

This term refers to a type of content, often found on websites or social media, that uses sensational or exaggerated headlines or thumbnails to attract viewers and generate clicks. The purpose of clickbait is to entice users to click on the link and increase traffic to a particular webpage or article.

For example, a clickbait headline might read, “You won’t believe what this celebrity did!”
A user might comment on a clickbait article, “I fell for the clickbait and wasted my time reading this.”
Someone might say, “I hate it when websites use clickbait to trick people into visiting their site.”

2. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model in which a retailer does not keep products in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. This eliminates the need for inventory management and reduces upfront costs for the retailer.

For instance, “I started a dropshipping business and now sell products online without having to worry about storing inventory.”
A person might ask, “What are the best platforms for dropshipping?”
Someone might say, “Dropshipping allows entrepreneurs to start an e-commerce business with minimal investment.”

3. Brick and Click

Brick and click refers to a business model that combines physical retail stores (brick) with an online presence (click). This allows customers to make purchases in-store or online, providing them with multiple shopping options and increasing convenience.

For example, “The company has adopted a brick and click strategy to reach customers through different channels.”
A person might ask, “Are there any advantages to brick and click businesses over pure e-commerce stores?”
Someone might say, “I prefer brick and click retailers because I can shop online and return items in-store if needed.”

4. Cart Abandonment

Cart abandonment occurs when a customer adds items to their online shopping cart but does not proceed to complete the purchase. This can happen for various reasons, such as high shipping costs, complicated checkout processes, or simply changing their mind.

For instance, “The e-commerce website has been struggling with high cart abandonment rates.”
A person might ask, “What are some effective strategies to reduce cart abandonment?”
Someone might say, “I abandoned my cart because the website crashed during the checkout process.”

5. Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It is a day dedicated to online shopping, with many retailers offering significant discounts and promotions. Cyber Monday has become one of the busiest online shopping days of the year.

For example, “I scored some great deals during Cyber Monday last year.”
A person might ask, “What are some tips for finding the best Cyber Monday deals?”
Someone might say, “I always look forward to Cyber Monday to save money on my holiday shopping.”

6. Flash Sale

A flash sale is a short-term promotion where a product or service is offered at a significantly discounted price for a brief period of time. Flash sales are often used to create a sense of urgency and drive immediate sales.

For example, “Don’t miss out on our flash sale! Get 50% off all items for the next 24 hours.”
A customer might say, “I got this great deal during a flash sale. Saved a lot of money!”
An e-commerce website might advertise, “Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of upcoming flash sales.”

7. Omnichannel

Omnichannel refers to a strategy that provides customers with a seamless shopping experience across multiple channels, such as a physical store, website, mobile app, or social media platforms. The goal is to create a cohesive and integrated experience for customers, regardless of the channel they choose to interact with the brand.

For instance, “Our omnichannel approach allows customers to start their shopping journey online and seamlessly transition to a physical store.”
A retailer might say, “We offer an omnichannel experience, so you can browse our products online and pick them up in-store.”
A customer might ask, “Do you have an omnichannel return policy? Can I return an online purchase to a physical store?”

8. E-tailer

An e-tailer is a business that primarily sells products or services online. E-tailers operate exclusively online or have a combination of online and physical stores. The term is a combination of “e” for electronic and “retailer.”

For example, “Amazon is one of the largest e-tailers in the world.”
A customer might say, “I prefer shopping from e-tailers because of the convenience and wide selection.”
An e-tailer might advertise, “Shop our online store for exclusive deals and fast shipping.”

9. BOPIS

BOPIS is a service offered by retailers that allows customers to purchase products online and pick them up at a physical store location. This option provides convenience and flexibility for customers who want to avoid shipping fees or receive their items quickly.

For instance, “I love using BOPIS because I can avoid shipping costs and pick up my order on my way home.”
A retailer might promote, “Try our BOPIS service for a hassle-free shopping experience. Order online and pick up in-store.”
A customer might ask, “Does your store offer BOPIS? I’d like to pick up my order today.”

10. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where businesses reward affiliates for driving traffic or sales to their website. Affiliates earn a commission for each successful referral they make. This type of marketing allows businesses to expand their reach and affiliates to monetize their online platforms.

For example, “I make money through affiliate marketing by promoting products on my blog and earning a commission for each sale.”
A company might say, “Join our affiliate program and start earning money by promoting our products.”
An affiliate might ask, “What is the commission rate for your affiliate marketing program?”

11. E-wallet

An electronic wallet, or e-wallet, is a digital device or online service that allows individuals to make electronic transactions. It securely stores users’ payment information for quick and convenient online purchases.

For example, “I use my e-wallet to pay for my groceries through a mobile app.”
A person might say, “I love using my e-wallet because it eliminates the need to carry cash.”
A user might recommend, “If you’re worried about security, make sure to choose an e-wallet with strong encryption and authentication measures.”

12. Fulfillment Center

A fulfillment center is a facility used by e-commerce companies to store, process, and ship orders to customers. It serves as a central hub for inventory management, order processing, and shipping logistics.

For instance, “Amazon operates multiple fulfillment centers across the country.”
A business owner might say, “We outsource our order fulfillment to a third-party center.”
A customer might inquire, “When can I expect my order to be shipped from the fulfillment center?”

13. Marketplace

An online marketplace is a platform where individuals or businesses can buy and sell goods or services. It brings together buyers and sellers in a virtual marketplace, facilitating transactions and providing a wide range of products.

For example, “I found a great deal on a used phone on an online marketplace.”
A seller might advertise, “Check out my store on the marketplace for unique handmade jewelry.”
A user might ask, “Which online marketplace has the best customer protection policies?”

14. SSL

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a security protocol that ensures secure communication between a web browser and a web server. It encrypts data transmitted over the internet, providing protection against unauthorized access and tampering.

For instance, “Make sure the website you’re entering your credit card information on has SSL encryption.”
A website owner might say, “We have implemented SSL to secure our customers’ personal information.”
A user might ask, “How can I tell if a website is using SSL encryption?”

15. Chargeback

A chargeback is a reversal of a credit card payment initiated by the cardholder. It allows customers to dispute a transaction and request a refund from their credit card issuer. Chargebacks are often used as a consumer protection mechanism against fraudulent or unauthorized transactions.

For example, “I had to file a chargeback after receiving a defective product.”
A business owner might say, “Chargebacks can be costly for merchants, especially if they are frequent.”
A customer might ask, “What is the process for initiating a chargeback?”

16. DTC

This refers to a business model where products or services are sold directly to the end consumer, without the involvement of intermediaries like retailers or wholesalers. DTC brands often focus on creating a strong online presence and building direct relationships with customers.

For example, “Warby Parker is a successful DTC eyewear brand that sells glasses and contact lenses online.”
A discussion about the benefits of DTC might include, “By cutting out the middleman, DTC brands can offer lower prices to customers.”
A person might ask, “Can you recommend any DTC clothing brands that offer sustainable and affordable options?”

17. FOMO

This is the feeling of anxiety or unease that arises from the belief that others are having more enjoyable experiences or opportunities, and one is missing out on them. In the context of e-commerce, FOMO is often used to describe the marketing technique of creating a sense of urgency or scarcity to encourage immediate purchases.

For instance, “The limited-time sale created a sense of FOMO, leading many customers to make impulse purchases.”
A user might comment, “I always get FOMO when I see my friends posting about their latest online shopping hauls.”
A discussion about the impact of FOMO on consumer behavior might mention, “E-commerce platforms often use FOMO tactics like countdown timers or low stock alerts to drive conversions.”

18. B2C

This term refers to the selling of products or services directly from a business to individual consumers. It describes the relationship between a company and its customers in the e-commerce space.

For example, “Many online retailers focus on B2C sales, offering a wide range of products to individual shoppers.”
A business might advertise, “We specialize in B2C e-commerce, providing personalized shopping experiences.”
A customer might say, “I prefer B2C transactions because I can easily compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.”

19. B2B

This term describes transactions or interactions that occur between two businesses. It refers to the exchange of products, services, or information between companies in the e-commerce realm.

For instance, “B2B e-commerce platforms facilitate transactions between wholesalers and retailers.”
A company might promote its B2B services, saying, “We offer customized solutions for B2B e-commerce, streamlining supply chains.”
A business owner might discuss B2B relationships, stating, “Building strong B2B partnerships is crucial for growth and success.”

20. C2C

This term refers to transactions or interactions that occur directly between individual consumers. It describes the exchange of products, services, or information between individuals in the e-commerce space.

For example, “C2C platforms allow people to buy and sell used items directly to each other.”
A person might post, “I’m selling my old phone on a C2C marketplace.”
Another might ask, “Has anyone had a successful C2C transaction on this platform?”

21. Etail

This term refers to the selling of products or services online through electronic means. It encompasses all aspects of online retail, from browsing and purchasing to customer service and delivery.

For instance, “Etail has become increasingly popular as more people shop online.”
A retailer might advertise, “Check out our new e-commerce website for convenient etail shopping.”
A customer might say, “I love etail because I can shop from the comfort of my own home.”

22. Impulse Buy

This term describes a purchase made without much thought or planning. It refers to the act of buying something on a whim, often influenced by emotions or immediate desires.

For example, “Many e-commerce websites strategically promote impulse buys at checkout.”
A customer might admit, “I made an impulse buy last night and now I regret it.”
Another might say, “I try to avoid impulse buys by adding items to my cart and waiting 24 hours before making a purchase.”

23. Mobile Commerce

This term refers to the buying and selling of goods and services through mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It encompasses activities like mobile shopping, mobile banking, and mobile payments.

For example, “Mobile commerce has seen significant growth in recent years due to the increasing use of smartphones.”
A user might say, “I love the convenience of mobile commerce. I can shop anywhere, anytime.”
A business owner might advertise, “Download our mobile app for seamless mobile commerce experience.”

24. Shopping Cart

In e-commerce, a shopping cart is a virtual basket or container that holds items that a customer wants to purchase. It allows users to select multiple products and proceed to the checkout process to complete their purchase.

For instance, “Add the item to your shopping cart and proceed to checkout.”
A user might ask, “How do I remove an item from my shopping cart?”
A customer might complain, “I had items in my shopping cart, but they disappeared when I refreshed the page.”

25. Subscription Box

A subscription box refers to a recurring delivery of curated products or samples based on a specific theme or interest. Customers sign up for a subscription and receive a box of surprises regularly, usually monthly or quarterly.

For example, “I just received my subscription box filled with beauty products.”
A user might ask, “What’s the best subscription box for book lovers?”
A customer might review, “I’ve been subscribed to a snack box service for a year, and it’s always a delightful surprise.”

26. Virtual Shopping

Virtual shopping refers to the act of purchasing goods and services through the internet. It involves browsing and selecting products online, adding them to a virtual shopping cart, and completing the transaction without physically visiting a store.

For instance, “Virtual shopping has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and wide range of options.”
A user might ask, “What are the best virtual shopping platforms for fashion?”
A customer might share, “I prefer virtual shopping because I can compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.”

27. Wallet

In the context of e-commerce, a wallet, also known as a digital wallet or e-wallet, refers to an electronic device or online service that allows individuals to store and manage their payment information securely. It enables users to make online purchases without repeatedly entering their payment details.

For example, “I use a digital wallet to make quick and secure payments.”
A user might ask, “What are the advantages of using a digital wallet?”
A customer might recommend, “Make sure to choose a digital wallet that supports your preferred payment methods.”

28. Fulfillment

This term refers to the process of receiving, processing, and delivering customer orders. It encompasses activities such as inventory management, picking and packing items, and shipping them to the customer.

For example, a customer might inquire about the status of their order by asking, “Can you provide an update on the fulfillment of my purchase?”
A business might strive to improve their fulfillment process by implementing automated systems and reducing order processing times.
An e-commerce company might advertise their fast fulfillment as a selling point, saying, “Get your order delivered to your doorstep within 24 hours with our efficient fulfillment process!”

29. E-tailing

This term refers to the practice of selling products or services online. It involves conducting business transactions through electronic means, such as websites or mobile apps.

For instance, a customer might say, “I prefer e-tailing because I can shop from the comfort of my own home.”
A business might promote their e-tailing platform by highlighting the convenience of shopping online and the wide range of products available.
An e-commerce entrepreneur might attend a conference on e-tailing to learn about the latest trends and strategies for online retail success.

30. E-commerce

This term encompasses all types of business transactions conducted electronically, typically over the internet. It includes activities such as online shopping, electronic funds transfer, and online banking.

For example, a person might say, “E-commerce has revolutionized the way we buy and sell goods and services.”
An e-commerce platform might advertise itself as a secure and user-friendly option for conducting online transactions.
A business owner might decide to expand their brick-and-mortar store into e-commerce to reach a wider customer base and increase sales.

31. Click and Mortar

This term refers to a business that has both physical retail locations (brick-and-mortar) and an online presence. It combines the advantages of in-person shopping with the convenience of online shopping.

For instance, a customer might say, “I love shopping at this store because they have a click and mortar model, so I can try things on in-store and order online if they don’t have my size.”
A business might highlight their click and mortar approach in their marketing, emphasizing the ability to shop in-store or online.
A retailer might integrate their online and offline inventory management systems to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers.

32. Bricks and Clicks

This term refers to a business that operates both physical retail stores (bricks) and an online presence (clicks). It combines traditional retail with e-commerce strategies to provide customers with multiple shopping options.

For example, a person might say, “I like shopping at this brand because they have bricks and clicks, so I can choose whether to visit their store or order online.”
A business might emphasize their bricks and clicks model in their advertising, highlighting the convenience of shopping in-store or online.
A retailer might offer exclusive online discounts or in-store promotions to attract customers to both their physical and online locations.

33. Freemium

A business model where a basic version of a product or service is offered for free, but additional features or content require a premium subscription or payment. The term “freemium” combines the words “free” and “premium”.

For example, a mobile app might offer a free version with limited features, but users can upgrade to a freemium version for access to additional functionality.
A software company might use the freemium model to attract users with a free trial, then offer premium features for a monthly subscription fee.
A music streaming service might have a freemium option with ads, but users can upgrade to a premium subscription for an ad-free experience.

34. Phygital

A term that describes the blending of physical and digital experiences or environments. It refers to the integration of physical elements with digital technology or platforms.

For instance, a retail store might create a phygital experience by incorporating digital signage and interactive displays in their physical space.
An event might be described as phygital if it combines in-person attendance with live streaming or virtual components.
A marketing campaign might aim to create a phygital connection by using QR codes or augmented reality to bridge the gap between physical advertisements and online content.

35. Showrooming

The practice of visiting a physical retail store to examine or try out a product, but then purchasing the product online, typically at a lower price. Showrooming allows consumers to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

For example, a person might go to a electronics store to test out different TVs, but ultimately buy the TV online for a better deal.
A shopper might showroom clothing items in a store to determine their size and fit, then order the items online for convenience or to find a better price.
Retailers may combat showrooming by offering price-matching guarantees or exclusive in-store discounts to incentivize customers to make their purchase on the spot.

36. E-procurement

The process of purchasing goods or services electronically, typically through online platforms or software. E-procurement streamlines the purchasing process by eliminating paper-based processes and allowing for online ordering, invoicing, and payment.

For instance, a company might use an e-procurement system to manage their supplier relationships and purchase orders.
An e-commerce platform might offer e-procurement tools for businesses to purchase inventory or supplies directly from the platform.
E-procurement can help businesses save time and reduce costs by automating and centralizing the procurement process.

37. FBA

A service offered by Amazon where sellers can store their products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers. When a customer places an order, Amazon handles the packaging, shipping, and customer service on behalf of the seller. FBA allows sellers to leverage Amazon’s infrastructure and customer base for their e-commerce business.

For example, a small business might use FBA to reach a larger audience and take advantage of Amazon’s Prime shipping benefits.
A seller might choose to use FBA to outsource the logistics and fulfillment aspects of their e-commerce business, allowing them to focus on other aspects such as product development or marketing.
FBA can provide a seamless and efficient fulfillment solution for e-commerce sellers.

38. M-commerce

This refers to the buying and selling of goods and services through mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. M-commerce allows users to make purchases on-the-go and is often facilitated through mobile apps or optimized websites.

For example, “I just made a purchase through the company’s m-commerce app.”
A business owner might say, “We’ve seen a significant increase in sales since implementing m-commerce.”
A customer might ask, “Is there a discount if I purchase through the m-commerce site instead of the desktop site?”

39. P2P

This term refers to a decentralized form of e-commerce where individuals interact directly with each other to buy or sell goods or services, without the involvement of a middleman or central authority. P2P platforms enable users to connect and transact directly.

For instance, “I found a great deal on a used bike through a P2P marketplace.”
A seller might post, “Selling my old furniture on a P2P site. Message me if interested.”
A user might ask, “Which P2P platform is the most reliable for booking vacation rentals?”

40. SaaS

This is a software distribution model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet. Users can access the software through a web browser without needing to install or maintain it on their own devices.

For example, “Our company switched to SaaS for our project management software.”
A business owner might say, “Using SaaS has reduced our IT costs and improved efficiency.”
A user might ask, “What are some popular SaaS options for email marketing?”

41. SEO

This is the practice of optimizing a website or web page to increase its visibility and ranking in search engine results. SEO involves various techniques, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, to improve organic search traffic.

For instance, “We need to improve our website’s SEO to rank higher on Google.”
A digital marketer might say, “SEO is crucial for driving organic traffic and increasing conversions.”
A business owner might ask, “How long does it usually take to see results from SEO efforts?”

42. UX

This refers to the overall experience a user has while interacting with a website, app, or other digital product. UX design focuses on creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and improving the usability and satisfaction of the user.

For example, “The UX of this app is so smooth and intuitive.”
A designer might say, “UX is a crucial aspect of creating a successful digital product.”
A user might provide feedback, saying, “The UX could be improved by adding more intuitive navigation options.”

43. CRO

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) refers to the process of improving the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form. It involves analyzing user behavior, making data-driven changes to the website, and conducting experiments to increase conversions.

For example, “Our CRO efforts resulted in a 20% increase in sales.”
A digital marketer might say, “CRO is essential for maximizing the return on investment from your website.”
A business owner might ask, “What CRO strategies can we implement to improve our conversion rates?”

44. PCI DSS

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data and prevent fraud. It applies to any organization that handles credit card information, including online businesses. Compliance with PCI DSS ensures that customer data is securely stored and transmitted.

For instance, “Our company is PCI DSS compliant to ensure the security of our customers’ payment information.”
A cybersecurity expert might explain, “PCI DSS sets specific requirements for network security, encryption, and access control.”
A business owner might ask, “What steps do we need to take to achieve PCI DSS compliance?”

45. ARPU

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) is a metric used in e-commerce to calculate the average amount of revenue generated per customer or user. It is calculated by dividing the total revenue by the number of users or customers.

For example, “Our ARPU increased by 10% due to a successful upselling campaign.”
A marketing analyst might say, “ARPU is a key metric for measuring the effectiveness of revenue-generating strategies.”
A business executive might ask, “What steps can we take to increase our ARPU and drive higher revenue?”

46. CTA

A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt or instruction given to website visitors or potential customers to encourage them to take a specific action, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or downloading a resource. CTAs are typically presented as buttons, links, or banners and are designed to drive conversions.

For instance, “Our CTA button increased click-through rates by 20%. “
A digital marketer might say, “A compelling CTA is crucial for driving user engagement and conversions.”
A website designer might ask, “What color and placement of the CTA button would be most effective for our website?”