E-marketplaces, online auctions and exchanges

An e-marketplace is a virtual online market where organisations register as buyers or sellers to conduct business-to-business e-commerce over the internet.

There are many types of e-marketplaces based on a range of business models. They can be operated by an independent third party or run by some form of industry consortium set up to serve a particular sector or marketplace.

E-marketplaces offer electronic catalogues for online purchasing goods and services, business directory listings and online auctions.

This guide describes the main types of e-marketplace, the benefits of e-marketplaces and the implications for e-purchasing.