Web 2.0 e-commerce is one of the many boons of Web 2.0 innovations that have made online shopping experience very simple and effective. The biggest advantage of this application is that the provider of online services and products can offer better customer service and the customers can interact more easily and effectively. The various features of Web 2.0 e-commerce are being enumerated below.

The online shopping experience has changed. Thanks to the many Web 2.0 innovations, it is becoming much easier for businesses to provide high levels of service to their customers. A new form of e-commerce is rising and Web 2.0 applications are bringing customers closer to the products and services they wish to purchase, while providing an interactive customer service never before seen until now. The changes in this relationship, between buisnesses and their customers, is an important study that should be undertaken by anyone looking to grow their business this year and into the future.

Rating Systems

Customers are frequently able to leave their personal ratings of products and services they have purchased and used, on the very websites they have purchased from. This allows prospective buyers to make purchasing decisions based on user feedback. If you have an excellent product, this form of "social proof" can skyrocket sales of your products. Testimonials have always been a good form of social proof, but now these testimonials are in real-time.

Product Comparisons

This is somewhat similar to the rating systems, only here, customers are able to compare and contrast various products through websites that allow these comparisons to be made. A perfect example of this form of Web 2.0 e-commerce is Shopping.com. The travel industry is also using this to help customers choose the best rates on their airfares, and have been for quite some time. This is all about empowering the customer with the ability to take control of their situation and seek the best deals possible.

Video Showcases

Advances in technology have allowed just about anyone to show off their products and services via video broadcasts. It is not uncommon to see companies putting their products up for the world to see on sites like YouTube. Expect this to increase as Google and other major players slowly convert the Internet into a giant television. Adding simple video of your products to your description pages, or even your pages where the actual purchases will be made can increase your sales conversions.

RSS Feeds

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication, and the name says it all. Due to the issues of email delivery these days, many companies are making product announcements via RSS feeds. These types of announcements can take many forms. New product launches, price changes, and even special promotional offers can be made to certain segments of a marketing list instantly with RSS.

Instant Messaging

Thanks to Web 2.0 e-commerce, many companies are setting up live chat networks with their customers via Instant Messaging services, by using software that merge the most popular Instant Messenger applications into one. An example of this type of application can be seen at Meebo.com. This is becoming especially important for high-end products and services, where a customer may need to feel more comfortable with a major purchase by getting a few questions answered first. Marketers know that when it comes to a customer on your website, there is a small window of opportunity to make that sale. If you miss it, the customer is gone, and may not return. Being able to immediately communicate with your customers is becoming vitally important.

Web 2.0 e-commerce scores over its earlier version by providing an easier and larger scope of interaction between your website and the user.

So what does all this mean if you wish to continue to generate new business in the years to come? It means that with Web 2.0, you need to be prepared for more interaction with your customers, and you need to be prepared for the growing influence your customers will have on the growth of your business. This brings a whole new meaning to customer service doesn't it?