E-commerce could move to Facebook, claims expert

Posted by Jessie Richards

Facebook could become an increasingly popular channel for online sales, IT services users have been told.

Tim Gibbon, co-founder and editor of the Social Media Portal, explained that the social networking platform is attempting to gain a greater presence in the retail e-commerce market.

The expert said that the website could br attractive to retailers, as it allows them to have easy access to a large number of potential customers.

"If more storefronts were created, Facebook storefront applications could see the world's largest social network emerge as a very powerful destination for online shopping," he added.

Mr Gibbon also pointed out that the innovation is still relatively new and its success will depend on whether retailers are willing to allow consumers to complete their transactions on Facebook or expect them to move onto another website.

Furthermore, he noted that IT services users may have to follow any guidelines and policies laid down by Facebook, which could not align with their corporate goals.

Earlier this month, the State of Social Business: 2009 Survey Results, published by IT analyst IDC, claimed that firms are starting to recognise the business benefits of social media.