Commerce is the exchange of items of value between persons or companies. Any exchange of money for a product, service, or information is considered a deal of commerce.

Commerce has been a constant part of history. As new methods of transportation developed, people were able to trade with people from distant places that they were previously unable to trade with.

The internet and an efficient postal system have made international commerce convenient for businesses as well as individuals. Commerce is an essential element of capitalism. In a capitalistic economy, an individual or company develops something of value for sale. Commerce allows this entity to profit from its trade and the more widespread commerce can be the more demand there is for goods and services.

Today, most trade involves a form of currency. When a needed product is developed, people trade money for that product. When a needed service is offered, people trade money for access to that service. When new ideas are secured by patent, people trade money for the rights to that idea