150 Terms in Online Buying and Selling and Their Meanings (Latest 2026)

In today’s digital era, online buying and selling has become part of everyday life. From shopping for daily necessities and gadgets to ordering food, everything can be done with just a smartphone.

However, behind this convenience, there is one thing that often causes confusion: the many terms used in online buying and selling and their meanings, which can feel unfamiliar, especially for beginners.

Starting from abbreviations such as COD and PO to unique terms like “no afgan,” each has its own meaning in the world of online transactions.

If not properly understood, this can lead not only to misunderstandings but also to potential losses, whether you are a buyer or a seller.

So, to make your online buying and selling experience smoother, this article will thoroughly discuss 150 terms in online buying and selling and their meanings that are most commonly used in 2026.

Presented in an easy-to-understand style, you can directly apply them in your business or daily shopping activities.

What Are Terms in Online Buying and Selling?

Terms in online buying and selling are a collection of words, abbreviations, or jargon commonly used in digital transaction activities, both by sellers and buyers.

These terms usually appear in marketplaces, social media, and chat platforms, and serve to simplify communication so it becomes faster, more concise, and efficient.

As the world of e-commerce continues to grow, the use of these terms has become increasingly broad and diverse.

They cover not only transaction processes but also product conditions, payment methods, shipping systems, and promotional strategies. Many of them use English abbreviations such as COD (Cash On Delivery), PO (Pre-Order), or BNIB (Brand New In Box), which may feel unfamiliar to beginners.

Understanding terms in online buying and selling is very important, especially for those who want to shop safely or run a business professionally.

By understanding the meaning of each term, you can avoid misunderstandings during transactions, communicate more confidently, and make better decisions.

In addition, for business owners, using the correct terms can also increase customer trust. Clear communication and familiarity with commonly used market terms will make your business appear more credible and experienced.

150 Terms in Online Buying and Selling and Their Meanings

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, new terms continue to emerge and are used in various transaction contexts.

To avoid confusion when reading product descriptions, chatting with sellers, or browsing marketplace promotions, here is a complete list of terms in online buying and selling and their meanings:

Product Availability Terms

1. COD (Cash On Delivery): Payment is made when the item is received.
2. PO (Pre-Order): Ordering items that are not yet available.
3. Nego: Price negotiation.
4. Sold Out: Item is no longer available because it has been sold out.
5. Ready Stock: Item is available and ready to be shipped.
6. Restock: Replenishment of stock.
7. OOS (Out of Stock): Item is temporarily unavailable.
8. Discontinued: Product is no longer being produced.
9. Booked: Item already has a potential buyer.
10. Keep: Request to reserve an item temporarily.
11. Limited Stock: Limited quantity available.
12. Backorder: Item can still be ordered even when out of stock.
13. Fast Moving: Product sells quickly.
14. Slow Moving: Product sells slowly.
15. Incoming Stock: Item is on the way to being restocked.
16. Available: Item is available.
17. Waiting List: Queue of buyers waiting for the item.
18. Prelaunch: Product has not been officially released.
19. Open Order: Seller is accepting orders.
20. Close Order: Seller has stopped accepting orders.
21. Batch Order: Ordering system in stages.
22. Repeat Order: Customer purchases again.
23. Daily Stock: Stock is updated daily.
24. Limited Edition: Special edition product.
25. Ready to Ship: Item is ready to be shipped immediately.

Product Condition Terms

1. BNIB (Brand New In Box): Brand new item, still sealed.
2. BNOB (Brand New Open Box): Brand new item but packaging has been opened.
3. Like New: Condition is almost like new.
4. Second: Used item.
5. Refurbished: Used item that has been repaired.
6. No Minus: No defects or damage.
7. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Factory product without an official brand.
8. Original: Authentic product from the brand.
9. KW: Replica or non-original product.
10. Grade A: Best quality.
11. Grade B: Medium quality.
12. Grade C: Standard quality.
13. Real Pict: Actual photo of the product.
14. Display Unit: Item that was used for display in a store.
15. Open Box: Packaging has been opened.
16. Deadstock: Old stock but never used.
17. Preloved: Used item still in good condition.
18. Mint Condition: Excellent condition, almost like new.
19. Minor Defect: Small defect.
20. Major Defect: Significant defect.
21. Fullset: Complete with all accessories.
22. Incomplete: Missing some parts.
23. Bare Unit: Only the main unit without accessories.
24. Repack: Repackaged item.
25. Like Refurb: Condition similar to refurbished.

Communication & Transaction Terms

1. DM (Direct Message): Direct message.
2. PM (Private Message): Private message.
3. WTS (Want To Sell): Intention to sell.
4. WTB (Want To Buy): Intention to buy.
5. WTT (Want To Trade): Intention to trade.
6. WTA (Want To Ask): Intention to ask.
7. Hit and Run: Disappearing after showing interest in a transaction.
8. Agan / Gan: Casual greeting among users.
9. TS (Thread Starter): The person who created the post.
10. Up / Bump: Raising a post to make it visible again.
11. Chat Only: Transactions are done only via chat.
12. Serious Buyer Only: Only for serious buyers.
13. Fast Response: Seller responds quickly.
14. Slow Response: Seller responds slowly.
15. Auto Reply: Automatic response system.
16. Follow Up: Continuing a conversation.
17. Deal: Agreement has been reached.
18. Fix: Price is non-negotiable.
19. No Afgan: Does not accept extremely low offers.
20. Japri: Contacting through private message.
21. Broadcast: Sending messages to many people at once.
22. Testimoni: Customer testimonials.
23. Review: Product evaluation.
24. Rating: Score given by buyers.
25. Closing: Transaction is completed.

Payment & Security Terms

1. Transfer: Payment via bank transfer.
2. E-wallet: Digital wallet for transactions.
3. Rekber: Joint account used as a transaction intermediary.
4. DP (Down Payment): Initial payment.
5. Pelunasan: Final payment.
6. Refund: Return of funds.
7. Invoice: Payment bill or proof.
8. Escrow: Third-party fund holding system.
9. BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later): Pay later system.
10. Payment Gateway: Online payment processing system.
11. OTP (One Time Password): One-time verification code.
12. Secure Payment: Safe payment system.
13. Fraud: Fraudulent activity in transactions.
14. Chargeback: Reversal of funds by the bank.
15. Settlement: Finalization of payment.
16. VA (Virtual Account): Unique virtual account number for payment.
17. QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard): Standard QR payment system in Indonesia.
18. Cashless: Non-cash transaction.
19. Cicilan: Installment payment.
20. Admin Fee: Additional administrative fee.
21. Discount: Direct price reduction.
22. Cashback: Money returned after transaction.
23. Voucher: Discount coupon.
24. Promo Code: Code used to get a discount.
25. Payment Method: Method of payment used.

Online Business Model Terms

1. Reseller: Sells products with their own stock.
2. Dropshipper: Sells without holding stock.
3. Supplier: Product provider.
4. Official Store: Brand-owned official store.
5. Distributor: Distributes products in bulk.
6. Merchant: Seller or store owner.
7. Marketplace: Online buying and selling platform.
8. E-commerce: Electronic commerce system.
9. m-Commerce (Mobile Commerce): Transactions via mobile devices.
10. B2C (Business to Customer): Business to consumer model.
11. B2B (Business to Business): Business to business model.
12. D2C (Direct to Customer): Direct selling to consumers.
13. Aggregator: Platform connecting sellers and buyers.
14. White Label: Product without a specific brand.
15. Private Label: Product with own branding.
16. Affiliate: Commission-based selling system.
17. Dropshipping: Business model without inventory.
18. Franchise: Licensing-based business system.
19. Multi Vendor: Platform with multiple sellers.
20. Inventory: Stock of goods.
21. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): Unique product code.
22. Warehouse: Storage facility.
23. Fulfillment: Order processing and delivery.
24. Cross Selling: Offering additional products.
25. Upselling: Offering higher-priced products.

Marketplace & Promotion Terms

1. Flash Sale: Limited-time discount promotion.
2. Cashback: Money returned after purchase.
3. Voucher: Discount coupon.
4. Bundling: Package of multiple products in one offer.
5. Free Shipping: Delivery without shipping cost.
6. Checkout: Finalizing the purchase process.
7. Cart: Online shopping cart.
8. Wishlist: List of desired products.
9. Best Seller: Most popular product.
10. Promo Campaign: Specific promotional program.
11. Limited Offer: Limited-time offer.
12. Clearance Sale: Large discounts to clear stock.
13. Seasonal Sale: Seasonal promotion.
14. Referral Code: Code used to invite new users.
15. Free Gift: Free item given with purchase.
16. Daily Deals: Daily promotions.
17. Mega Sale: Large-scale promotion.
18. Midnight Sale: Promotion held at midnight.
19. Payday Sale: Promotion during payday period.
20. Discount Up To: Discount up to a certain percentage.
21. Buy 1 Get 1: Buy one get one free promotion.
22. Special Offer: Special promotion.
23. Limited Time Deal: Time-limited promotion.
24. Exclusive Deal: Exclusive offer for certain users.
25. Trending Product: Currently popular product.

Read more: These are 10 factors that influence customer satisfaction. Have you implemented them?

Why Is It Important to Understand Online Buying and Selling Terms?

Source: freepik.com

Understanding terms in online buying and selling is not just about “keeping up with trends,” but more about ensuring transaction safety and effectiveness.

When you understand each term, you can better assess whether an offer is beneficial, safe, or potentially risky.

From a buyer’s perspective, this understanding helps avoid mistakes such as choosing the wrong payment method or purchasing items that do not match expectations.

Meanwhile, from a seller’s perspective, using the correct terms can increase customer trust and make communication more efficient.

More than that, these terms also reflect the professionalism of a business. The better and more accurately they are used, the more credible the business appears to customers.

Application of Online Buying and Selling Terms in the Culinary Business

In the culinary business, online buying and selling terms are not just theory—they are applied daily.

From a promotional perspective, strategies such as menu bundling (for example, value meal packages) and cashback are commonly used to increase sales. These terms are not just jargon but effective communication tools to attract customer attention.

On the operational side, terms like order delivery, checkout, and payment method (transfer, e-wallet, etc.) are part of the transaction flow that must run smoothly. Even small misunderstandings of terms can impact customer experience.

Meanwhile, from a customer experience perspective, communication via chat (DM), the use of promo campaigns, and order notifications all depend on consistent understanding of these terms. Businesses that use terms neatly and consistently are usually more professional in their service.

Read more: What is the Membership System? Get to know the benefits and functions for business!

FAQ About Online Buying and Selling Terms

1. What are the most important terms in online buying and selling?

COD, PO, and refund are among the most commonly used and must be understood.

2. What is the difference between a reseller and a dropshipper?

A reseller holds their own stock, while a dropshipper does not.

3. Is using a joint account (rekber) safe?

It is safe as long as you use a trusted third party.

4. What does BNIB mean in online buying and selling?

A brand new item that is still sealed in its packaging.

5. Why are online terms often abbreviated?

To make communication faster and more efficient, especially on digital platforms.

Conclusion

Understanding terms in online buying and selling and their meanings is an important step in conducting safe, efficient, and professional transactions.

By learning these terms, you can be more confident as both a buyer and a seller, while also avoiding the risk of miscommunication.

If you run a culinary business and want all processes, from transactions and promotions to operations, to be more organized and integrated, it’s time to switch to the right solution.

ESB POS is a holistic cashier application that helps manage culinary businesses comprehensively, from menu management and promotions such as bundling and cashback to integration with online platforms like GoFood, GrabFood, and ShopeeFood.

Contact the ESB team now and improve efficiency and customer experience with a more modern system using ESB POS!