Online ordering websites, commonly known as e-commerce websites, are online trading websites.

The most basic version consists of an online order form for clients to complete on and submit via your website. Such websites may or may not have pricing information, depending on the business model and how the site is structured. Often such transactions will require payment (via EFT or direct deposit) prior to the order being processed. The invoice will be send to the client along with the ordered items.

This version of online ordering websites are considered very basic, due to the absence of online payment functionality and the general absence of credit notes and back orders in those instances where items are out of stock. This model is only suitable for businesses with reasonably small stock lists.

The intermediate online ordering model incorporates a "shopping cart" for clients, where they can complete their order by adding the required items and specifying the quantity of each item, before proceeding to "check out" which will generate a pro forma invoice for the client and automatically e-mail  you a copy of the order for processing. You (as the vendor) will then prepare an invoice, omitting out-of-stock items, and dispatch as appropriate. This model is suitable for businesses that wish to make extensive inventories available online, usually to a group of regular customers.

The advanced website model will incorporate an online payment system, such as PayPal or credit card payments. Shopping cart functionality, similar to that used for the intermediate model, will be used by the client to specify the items and quantities required. At the "check out" phase, however, the client will be expected to make payment through one of the provided methods prior to the order being submitted for processing. Orders can be submitted for processing via e-mail, or via an online processing system restricted to your employees, subject to confirmation that the payment was indeed received. This is an online store in its truest form, with the shop being open 24/7 and very little actual interaction taking place between the business and the customers. It is essential for the store that your stock levels are maintained online (on the site) and automatically updated as items are "reserved" by clients. This type of website will require a high level of maintenance by a business representative, as up-to-date prices and stocklevels will be essential for the running thereof.

Advanced online ordering websites are more expensive to develop, but also the most efficient way to do online business. This model is suitable for all business sizes, with effectively an unlimited number of items and inventories.