If you're a B2B business owner, it's likely crossed your mind that you need a strong, well-designed eCommerce platform. B2B sellers are rapidly prioritizing online selling solutions and with good reason. With the potential profitability and massive reach of online selling, who wouldn't want a piece of the action?
While many small businesses still operate by phone and email, shifting to eCommerce offers some significant advantages. The potential for eCommerce growth is huge for B2B businesses of all sizes and across industries. But the options and technical jargon can get overwhelming if you're just dipping your toe in the B2B eCommerce world.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about choosing the best B2B eCommerce platform for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- B2B eCommerce requires a platform tailored to the unique complexities of business-to-business sales.
- Don't sacrifice customization for a quick solution. Your platform should align with your selling process, not the other way around.
- Integration with your ERP is crucial for data accuracy and efficiency throughout your business operations.
- Look for features that simplify the B2B sales process.
What is a B2B eCommerce platform?
A B2B eCommerce platform is built to handle the unique needs of transactions between businesses. Unlike consumer-facing (B2C) retail, B2B eCommerce has to make room for things like complex ordering workflows, pricing that varies by customer, and bulk orders.
Who Needs B2B eCommerce?
B2B eCommerce platforms are useful for:
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Manufacturers
- Industrial equipment and machinery suppliers
- Building and construction suppliers
- ...and many more!
With the expansion of online selling, most B2B companies will want a dedicated eCommerce solution sooner rather than later.
6 Factors to Consider When Selecting a B2B eCommerce Platform
1. ERP Integration
Seamless integration between your online storefront and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is non-negotiable. Mismatched systems create frustrating delays, inventory inaccuracies, and many manual data entry tasks. Choose a platform, like MarketTime, that easily interfaces with your ERP, syncing orders, customer data, and inventory. This ensures smooth operations and greater accuracy across your business.
2. Highly Configurable Branded Sites
Don't force your complex B2B processes into a rigid, off-the-shelf eCommerce solution. Your buyers expect an online experience designed around their unique needs. Look for a highly configurable platform that allows you to feature product catalogs, create secure customer portals, and even handle complex product configurations. MarketTime offers flexibility to reflect how you do business, creating a streamlined customer experience.
3. Customer-Specific Pricing
Negotiated contracts and custom pricing setups are common in B2B. Choose a platform that reflects your business's realities. MarketTime's flexible pricing capabilities allow you to accommodate unique customer agreements, fostering strong, value-driven relationships.
4. Multi-Brand Accounts
B2B purchasing decisions often involve multiple individuals within a company. Multi-user accounts on your eCommerce platform mirror this reality. Each user can have a personalized shopping experience, access to their order history, and the necessary permissions set for their role within their organization. This creates a smoother approval workflow and enhances the overall purchasing process.
5. Multi-Storefronts
Multi-storefront functionality within your eCommerce platform is key if your B2B business has several brands or needs to cater to distinct market segments. This feature allows you to run separate online stores while maintaining a unified management interface. You'll gain efficiency without sacrificing a tailored experience for each of your unique customer groups.
6. Diverse Payment Methods
Don't let an inconvenient payment process become a deal-breaker. B2B buyers need options that align with their preferences, like credit cards, ACH, and net terms. MarketTime's platform supports a variety of methods and easily integrates with your accounting to streamline the order process.
Conclusion
Choosing the right B2B eCommerce platform is an investment in the future growth of your business. You need a powerful, scalable solution that gives your customers the exceptional online experience they expect while streamlining your internal processes. The right platform doesn't just support your B2B business; it helps drive it forward.
Ready to elevate your B2B eCommerce and see what MarketTime can do for your business? Request a demo today and explore how our customizable platform can streamline your sales processes, boost customer satisfaction, and drive growth.
