Electronic marketplaces

Electronic marketplaces (e-markets) are Internet sites that bring buyers and sellers together to do business. They may have one or a number of the following features:

• focussed on one industry, eg. automotive products
• focussed on helping companies buy and sell indirect goods/services such as office supplies
• allow companies to display their catalogue of products and services electronically
• allow companies to post requests for quotes or bids in an online exchange or bulletin board
• allow companies to host or bid in online auctions
• provide specific industry news and market intelligence
• allow companies to host a shop front or advertise their business

These tools enable companies to successfully reach their target markets, and effectively buy and sell products domestically and abroad. There are over 1000 e-markets operating successfully around the world and large industry players back many of them. For example, the mining e-market Quadrem is backed by 19 of the world’s largest mining companies including BHP Billiton and WMC Ltd.

All companies who operate internationally should know about the eMarkets in their industry. To find them search our eMarket Services database.

For information about e-markets and exporting read this article - Net Returns: E-markets offer opportunity for fast growth beyond borders (PDF, 2.35MB).

Find out more about e-markets

• Read the experiences of companies who are successfully using e-markets for international business.
• Subscribe to eMarket Services monthly newsletter, containing the latest case studies, research and insights into using the Internet for exporting.
• Read this checklist for selecting an e-market to help you find a suitable e-market and to understand some of the relevant security issues.