In the realm of B2B eCommerce, your platform is the backbone of your business. It's the hub where most of your customers engage, and if it doesn't align with their expectations or needs, they may seek alternatives. Businesses are driven by the pursuit of value, whether through competitive pricing or cutting-edge technology, and they will go to great lengths to secure it. Regrettably, even long-standing partnerships can be at risk if a company fails to meet the high standards set by its clients.
Whether you're in retail or wholesale, the primary goal for any business owner is to drive sales and boost profitability. But what exactly is B2B eCommerce, and how does it differ from B2C? While the fundamental distinctions between B2C and B2B are straightforward, the revenue outcomes can be significantly different.
Customer order management and fulfillment is an ongoing process for any company. If you are a wholesaler, manufacturer, or distributor, you may have larger orders to ship out compared to a B2C retailer. Using order management software that allows you to keep track of orders and automatically transmit them to a 3PL (third-party logistics provider) can be the key to getting orders out the door faster and with minimal effort. Using a high-quality service provider that can help you fulfill your orders will help ensure that you reduce mistakes in the fulfillment process, reduce shipping costs, and gain access to higher levels of technology that you would otherwise be unable to invest in.
You’ve realized that in order for your B2B wholesale or distribution company to keep growing, it’s time to invest in B2B eCommerce software that will take you to the next level. You have customers who want to order online and a sales team that needs more modern tools. There are many turnkey options out there that can get you up and running quickly. But how do you know which one to choose?
Here are some things to keep in mind before the demo and questions to ask during the demo to slow things down and elicit the vital information you will need.
A B2B online ordering system for wholesale, manufacturing, and distribution companies fundamentally differs from a B2C shopping cart. It needs special features that are not found or required in online retailing. Trying to make a B2C system do the job of a B2B system will likely end in frustration. It is better to start with an eCommerce system specifically designed for your needs. Some key components separate B2B online ordering systems from consumer shopping carts.
Is your wholesale ordering process lagging behind the expectations of your customers? In today's fast-paced world, customers are accustomed to the convenience of instant ordering in their personal lives. They know that one-click ordering is possible, and they expect the same efficiency when purchasing in bulk for their businesses. It may be time for your B2B company to innovate and streamline your order process.
Here are some things you can do that customers will immediately appreciate:
B2B eCommerce presents its own unique challenges—while it shares similarities with B2C eCommerce, the differences are profound.
In the beginning, you likely relied on Excel spreadsheets, phone calls, and emails to manage your wholesale orders. Like many smaller B2B enterprises, you probably had a pile of printed invoices ready to pass on to your warehouse team for order fulfillment.
Long ago, retail stores and other B2B customers typically bought many items at once and then stored them in warehouses until they were almost out. Then, they'd restock with enough items to keep them in stock for months or even longer. This practice made it so that their wholesale suppliers didn't have to be too speedy when filling orders, and in some industries, it was typical for delivery to take several weeks.
Inventory management varies significantly across businesses, departments, and products. It hinges on your current practices, capabilities, the skills and availability of your team, and the specific demands and expectations of your customers.
