> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://demalabs.gitbook.io/abbreviated-intro-to-dema/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://demalabs.gitbook.io/abbreviated-intro-to-dema/decentralizing-e-commerce.md).

# Decentralizing e-commerce

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**Entire "book" reading time**: <mark style="color:blue;">**\~5.5mins**</mark>
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**Dema** is a decentralized virtual **retail** (i.e.: physical goods) marketplace for **shoppers** & **sellers** with >100M items on offer on day ONE. Think of it as a decentralized Amazon. It maximizes user value by:

* Letting **shoppers** browse and search any site: Using the Mobile Native & Desktop Browser-based Dema apps, shoppers save on available items — no matter the price even after discounts.
* Ensuring **sellers**' total fees remain lower than any marketplace or their owned-shop. And in <3min, sellers can list all their offerings from existing marketplace listings & backend order mgmt systems.

Dema solves **THREE** critical marketplace problems.&#x20;

1. **Acquisition Costs**: Dema attracts shoppers and sellers by giving >50% of Dema's ownership for free just for completing transactions & referring others.&#x20;
2. **Bait-and-Switch Tactics**: Dema’s policies & rules are governed by its users—sellers and shoppers. Governance is independent of ownership; Only users can propose & vote on policy changes.
3. **Price of Attention**: Advertising on Dema happens even when shoppers are visiting other sites. It costs sellers nothing. Sellers' ownership stake can increase their advertising rotation.&#x20;

### <mark style="color:blue;">Community Validation</mark>

After live demos to >100 sellers & 200+ shoppers, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, revealing strong demand for the Dema experience. 😃