Physical commerce involves the buying and selling of tangible goods through offline, brick-and-mortar channels. It contrasts with electronic commerce (e-commerce), which focuses on digital goods/services transacted online. Both can incorporate online elements, but physical commerce centers on in-person transactions and immediate product availability.
| Characteristic | Physical Commerce | Electronic Commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Tangible assets | Intangible assets |
| Transaction Medium | Offline, physical stores | Internet |
| Transaction Type | Buying/selling physical goods | Buying/selling digital goods/services |
| Examples | Department store, grocery shop | Online shopping, app stores |
| Geographic Reach | Limited | Global |
| Security | Physical infrastructure | Cyber threats |
| Convenience | Immediate availability | Delivery/download delays |