What is B2B eCommerce?
As the name suggests, this form of online trading is focused around platforms designed exclusively for businesses transacting with one another. B2B eCommerce involves dedicated websites or portals where ‘on-account’ or B2B customers can place orders with their suppliers. These are often hidden behind user logins and offer a tailored experience rich in unique features, including customised account management, pricing structures and payment terms that cater specifically to B2B dynamics.
Why is B2B eCommerce important?
For businesses that trade with others, the streamlined features of B2B eComm are invaluable: automated data entry reduces supplier workload and errors; customers benefit from a user-friendly and visually engaging platform, enhancing their overall experience; and promotional capabilities are built-in, allowing strategic upselling. These platforms cater specifically to their customers, creating ease-of-use, brand loyalty and ultimately fostering a lasting relationship between suppliers and buyers.
What’s next in B2B eCommerce?
B2B eCommerce is evolving; we’re seeing a marked increase in the integration of B2C-like features including retail-style promotions, upsell and cross-sell functions, and loyalty programmes. The rise of B2B marketplaces like Upstock, Faire and Joor further emphasises the importance the market is putting on this area of commerce.
Customer account management is one area progressing most dramatically – basic, B2B-as-an afterthought-type functionality has been swallowed by the need for advanced features. These include elements like custom quotes, integrated marketing materials, sales rep activity and direct communication, as well as common B2C elements like tracking and tracing orders and payment options.
Where ALTSHIFT Plays:
ALTSHIFT / BDO Solutions works with all the B2B eCommerce platforms, including BigCommerce, Pepperi, Brandscope, SparkLayer (for Shopify), and Shopify Plus B2B, which we speclialise in. This platform requires minimal customisation and offers native Shopify functionality, making it ideal for those already on Shopify for B2C or POS. We have also created our own solution, which can be applied to any of the main eCommerce platforms or sit directly over the top of an ERP system. It’s platform agnostic with a custom front-end and no limitations on the number of features.
If you are interested in learning more about B2B eCommerce, drop us a line at admin@altshift.co.nz; we’d love to hear from you.