Digital B2B order writing software is changing the game for companies that engage in business-to-business (B2B) sales. B2B wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, and sales agencies are realizing the benefits of ditching antiquated manual processes for a digital alternative.
By making the transition, these entities can optimize organizational efficiency, better serve their customers, and strengthen their brands in this extremely competitive marketplace.
Like these entities, your organization has probably contemplated adopting B2B order writing software. If so, then it is vital that you choose the right solution. Otherwise, you will experience delayed time to value and a less robust return on investment.
When searching for a B2B order writing solution, your organization should pay special attention to 5 factors:
1. Fit
Before you commit to a B2B order writing solution, you need to conduct some introspection. Ask yourself, “what does my organization hope to accomplish by investing in this technology?” You should also determine whether the product has features that align with your short and long-term business goals.
During this phase of the evaluation process, don’t hesitate to get specific. Identify particular pain points and growth barriers that you are encountering.
For instance, you may currently lack the ability to write orders on the road. You might be wasting countless hours handwriting orders. Another common pain point that you might encounter is the inability to run data analysis directly on your order writing platform, instead relying upon a third-party app.
From there, research each product that you are considering and determine whether it helps you solve those problems. If it does, then it may be a great fit for your business.
However, if you are unable to draw connections between your biggest challenges and the capabilities of the software, then you should continue your search until you find a solution that better aligns with your needs.
2. Function
The best order writing solutions include a multitude of tools and features that are designed for manufacturers, suppliers, sales agencies, and B2B wholesalers. Some of the most sought-after features that you should look for include:
- Reporting and analytics tools
- Shoppable catalogs
- Electronic order transmission
- Real-time order creation, either offline or online
- Access powerful CRM tools to engage your customers
- Manage items
- Create multi-line orders and scan products
- Run specials, promotions, and discounts
- Assign commissions and salespeople associated with specific accounts
- Write orders on the road or at a show
- And more
While the above “wish list” might seem like it sets the bar too high, there are B2B order writing solutions out there that do all this and more.
3. Support Quality
Even the most well-designed technologies are going to experience bugs and performance deficiencies on occasion. That is where having access to high-quality support will be invaluable. The reputation of B2B brands hinges on their ability to efficiently resolve technology issues and fulfill client order requests.
Since your brand’s reputation is literally on the line, it is vital that you select a provider that offers in-house support. The last thing you want is to contact your provider for support, only to be routed to a third-party entity that does not fully understand the product.
When gauging support quality, make sure to take some time to review what others are saying about the provider. For instance, a recent quote from Robin Kert, Principal & Founder of SE Marketplace, speaks to the quality of support that MarketTime provides. Here’s what she had to say.
"When somebody asks me about the support I get from MarketTime, I would say the same thing as I say to my customers, which is: You know we are going to make mistakes. There are going to be missed shipments. There are things that are going to go wrong. But what I can promise you is that we'll be there to fix the problems. Nothing is perfect, but what you really need when things go wrong is someone to stand by you and figure it out together. And they've been very good partners for us."
That quote describes precisely the level of support you should expect from your partners.
4. Design Intent
Was the order writing software designed specifically for B2B wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, and sales agencies? If not, then it probably includes a mash-up of features and functions, some of which will be completely useless to your company.
Therefore, you should select a solution that was purpose-built for the B2B sector. These products will have tools and features that align with your needs, challenges, and goals.
With that being said, not just any B2B platform will do. If you want to maximize your return on investment, you should leverage a leading B2B solution, like the one offered by MarketTime. No other technology supports as many sales agencies, retailers, and brands in the wholesale industry.
At MarketTime, we understand the challenges that you encounter each day and are right there in your corner to help you overcome them. We love the industry we operate in and only consider ourselves successful when we help clients like you shatter their growth goals.
5. Security
The final consideration is security. You must be able to provide your clients with a secure platform for storing and processing payment information. This requirement has become increasingly important in light of the recent cybercrime trends. For instance, identity theft rates soared by 113% between 2019 and 2020.
When you collect and store clients’ payment data on your platform, it is your responsibility to keep it out of the hands of criminals. Choosing a B2B order writing solution that has robust security features will help you fulfill that obligation.
Additionally, it will help you maintain a positive brand image by reducing your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.
One of the most critical aspects of a platform’s security is the web services architecture that it leverages. That is why MarketTime chose to create its platform using Amazon Web Services. AWS provides superior security and reliability so that you can have access to the tools you need, right when you need them. You can also administer your MarketTime account 24/7 — even if you are using the mobile app offline.
Are you ready to leverage a B2B order writing platform that offers all of these features and more? If so, then book your free demo of MarketTime today.
