According to the number and form of participation of the parties involved, it can be divided into the following four types.
1. Exporter-led type
The exporter-led type is one export seller and multiple import buyers, also known as the “one-to-many” model. The exporter-led cross-border e-commerce model is a model in which overseas suppliers publish product information on their websites, and overseas importers browse the required product information by logging on to their websites, and then make purchasing decisions through analysis and comparison. In this model, the exporter must develop and maintain its own business website to enable buyers to obtain relevant information or purchase online.
2. Importer-led type
The importer-led type is one import buyer and multiple export sellers, also known as the “many-to-one” model. The importer-led cross-border e-commerce model is a model in which the cross-border purchaser (which can be a company or a combination of companies) establishes an online procurement platform, publishes the product information to be purchased on the platform, and suppliers from all over the world log on to the procurement platform to participate in the bidding. After the purchaser’s evaluation, the two parties consult and negotiate on the product transaction and finally complete the procurement business.
3. Cross-border multi-party transaction type
Cross-border multi-party transaction type refers to sellers from multiple countries (regions) to buyers from multiple countries (regions), also known as the “many-to-many” model. This type is generally operated and managed by a third-party organization independent of the import and export parties. The import and export parties can publish information through the trading platform, while the third-party management organization is responsible for the operation of the platform, the summary and management of information, customer authentication, payment and other related supporting services. Typical third-party platforms include Alibaba, Global Sources and other websites, whose main service is to match transactions between import and export parties.
4. Cross-border collaborative commerce and supply chain optimization type
Cross-border collaborative commerce and supply chain optimization type refers to activities such as communication, collaboration, information sharing, and supply chain (production, procurement, logistics, etc.) optimization between different countries (regions), different enterprises or organizations through the Internet.