WAEC SSCE Commerce
Study notes for INTRODUCTION — part of the WAEC SSCE Commerce syllabus. 1 learning objectives with explanations and exam tips.
Commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services between people and businesses. It's essentially all activities involved in moving products from producers to consumers. E-Commerce, on the other hand, is commerce conducted online using the internet – think of how Jumia and Konga operate in Nigeria.
Commerce has existed for centuries, starting with simple barter systems where people exchanged goods directly. As societies developed, money replaced barter, making trade easier and wider in scope.
The scope of commerce covers wholesaling, retailing, transportation, banking, and insurance. E-Commerce expands this by removing geographical boundaries – a student in Lagos can sell to someone in Kano instantly.
The main functions include creating utility (making goods available when needed), bridging gaps between producers and consumers, and reducing transaction costs. E-Commerce performs these same functions but faster and more efficiently through digital platforms.
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