F-commerce. No, this isn’t a curse to commerce. F-commerce, or Facebook e-commerce is a rising trend in the world of social commerce in which businesses and brands sell goods and services on Facebook. It makes sense. With over 600 million Facebook users, the growing population provides opportunities for companies to explore better ways to promote business and gain sales.

In a study done by Cone Consumer New Media, Facebook users were asked what type of interaction they’re looking for when engaging with brands. 77% of respondents said they were looking for deals and promotions. This shows us that  Facebook fans are looking to take their brand loyalty to the next level.

With the new features introduced over the past year, it appears that Facebook is listening and many brands and businesses have already hopped on the f-commerce train. With features like  Facebook Stores, Facebook Deals and Facebook Credits, consumers can shop till they drop and then tell their friends about it.

Facebook Stores

Facebook Stores are just that, stores on Facebook. Several brands have already taken up storefronts on Facebook so fans visiting their “fan page” can also purchase goods and services. Delta Airlines is one of these brands. Like Delta Airlines on Facebook and you can purchase tickets on their Facebook e-commerce store.

For small businesses and e-commerce sites, Payvment is a free application that allows you to sell products directly through Facebook. Shoppers never need to leave FB to make a purchase. The software even has an API to integrate with your own inventory system of web store for scalable selling.

Facebook Deals

Last Fall, Facebook launched Facebook Deals, a check-in feature that gave brick-and-mortar stores to offer deals through Facebook when consumers checked-in using a mobile device. This is a great way for businesses to use the site to drive customers through their doors. If you are a retail store Facebook Deals can use the tool to give discounts for loyal customers and those who bring friends into the store.

Currently in the works, Facebook is expanding that service to group buying vouchers available for sale on the site. Think Groupon.  This feature is being tested out in several US cities and has many brands, retails stores and e-commerce sites excited because of its potential to increase sales through viral adoption. Stay tuned to the HATHWAY blog. We will let you know what we think once the feature is released.

Facebook Credits

Facebook credits are virtual credits used to buy virtual products that you purchase with real money via the site. Credits are used in gaming features, applications, brand services and Facebook services through out the site. With a boom in social games such as Farmville that use Facebook Credits, several brands have picked up Credits to help grow their business. BBC Worldwide and Warner Brothers Studios are using this tools to charge for streaming rentals of new movies.

Selling on Facebook is a great way to expand your business and meet consumers where they hang out. With a little web developement-savvy, any brand can take sales to Facebook. Are you interested in selling on Facebook. Give HATHWAY a call. We know Facebook.