E-Commerce in Private Sector: A Case from Hangzhou

Electronic commerce (EC) has experienced a rapid growth worldwide, while economy is still down. This paper studies a private SME implementing EC strategy in the East Coastal Area of China, representing a typical B2B model managing supply chain in aroma industry. This case reveals some important factors contributing to the EC development there. Discussion is based on Molla and Licker's six EC stages of growth and their perceived e-readiness model (PERM) for developing countries and Martinsons' relationship-based EC. The findings are explored in terms of the EC status, major contributing factors, and unique values of EC for China, with implications for other emerging markets.