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A guide to the seen costs and unseen benefits of e-commerce

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  • Tokar, Travis
  • Jensen, Robert
  • Williams, Brent D.

Abstract

As consumer shopping preferences shift from traditional retail channels toward e-commerce, the negative effects of e-commerce are easy to see and are often noted in the popular press. Yet, the benefits of this shift are often unseen. In this article, we first consider empirical evidence that suggests technological innovation is generally a net positive for society. We look at the unseen benefits along with each of the seen costs of e-commerce growth to fully understand the impacts on society. To do this, we consider packaging and waste, traffic and emissions, and energy and resource consumption—all considered costs of e-commerce. Based on this evidence, we propose that policymakers should exercise caution before developing policies that may alter this shift and limit innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Tokar, Travis & Jensen, Robert & Williams, Brent D., 2021. "A guide to the seen costs and unseen benefits of e-commerce," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 64(3), pages 323-332.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:bushor:v:64:y:2021:i:3:p:323-332
    DOI: 10.1016/j.bushor.2021.01.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cong Peng, 2019. "Does e-commerce reduce traffic congestion? Evidence from Alibaba Single Day shopping event," CEP Discussion Papers dp1646, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.
    2. Peng, Cong, 2019. "Does e-commerce reduce traffic congestion? Evidence from Alibaba Single Day shopping event," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 103411, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Zhou, Yiwei & Wang, Xiaokun (Cara), 2014. "Explore the relationship between online shopping and shopping trips: An analysis with the 2009 NHTS data," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 1-9.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Rafael Villa & Marta Serrano & Tomás García & Gema González, 2023. "To Green or Not to Green: The E-Commerce-Delivery Question," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-21, August.
    3. Justina Sidlauskiene & Yannick Joye & Vilte Auruskeviciene, 2023. "AI-based chatbots in conversational commerce and their effects on product and price perceptions," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 33(1), pages 1-21, December.
    4. Tessa Conroy & Sarah A. Low, 2022. "Entrepreneurship, Broadband, and Gender: Evidence from Establishment Births in Rural America," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 45(1), pages 3-35, January.

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