Did you know that there is a before and after for B2B e-commerce?
We aren’t talking about B2B e-commerce in the 90s and now. We are talking about the pre and post-COVID B2B e-commerce and the impact it has made.
Previously, securing large B2B orders meant physical visits and negotiations. Now, even this happens at the tip of your fingertips. Yes, that’s right! Many B2B e-commerce examples are making its well-known presence online. In fact, in the US B2B marketplace alone, there is a 359% increase in revenue from 2019 to 2022.
Who doesn’t want a piece of this?
Now, if you’re trying to convert your offline B2B business to an exceptional online B2B e-commerce store, then keep reading this article as we talk about some of the best examples of B2B e-commerce and how you can build an e-commerce store just like them!
Outline
- What is B2B E-Commerce?
- 6 Top Examples of B2B E-Commerce
- Things These B2B eCommerce Platforms Are Doing Right
- Global Supplier Access
- Cost-Friendly Transactions
- User-Friendly Interface
- Efficient Communication Channels
- Transparent Product Information
- Wrapping Up
What is B2B E-Commerce?
Source: Canva
Business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce is essentially the digital trade of goods or services between businesses. Unlike the direct-to-consumer (or D2C) model, B2B eCommerce focuses on streamlining the buying experience and driving more sales.
A B2B e-commerce model is beneficial to three different categories of sellers:
- Wholesalers.
- Manufacturers.
- Distributors.
Running a B2B business targeting other businesses is inherently more complex than the traditional B2C (business to consumer) model and also different from running an offline B2B business.
Some of the most common challenges faced by B2B company owners, especially when they are switching to online, include:
- Establishing trust is crucial but can seem difficult due to the significant financial stakes taking place online.
- B2B sales cycles can also seem longer.
- First-timers might need help working around e-commerce platforms.
And yet, it also has its plus sides. Having a B2B e-commerce store set up online can not only enhance your selling efficiency and effectiveness but also provide better visibility into customer activity. This means less manual data entry and automation of routine sales tasks.
Other benefits of setting up a B2B e-commerce store include
- Customized pricing.
- Seamless order tracking.
- Easy reordering for B2B customers.
In short, a B2B e-commerce store has more pros than cons, especially when you can manage and control everything from a single platform. This includes all your purchase orders, integrating your inventory with your e-commerce store using software, etc.
It's all about optimizing and advancing the business-to-business transaction experience.
6 Top Examples of B2B E-Commerce
Here are our top 6 picks on the best B2B e-commerce examples to look out for in 2024:
Alibaba
Source: Alibaba
This one doesn’t need an introduction. Alibaba is a global e-commerce giant and a well-known B2B online marketplace amongst B2B sellers and buyers. This platform makes it easy for wholesalers and retailers to connect with manufacturers and make purchases from them no matter where they are.
But the reason why it's on the top of our list is that, unlike most of the B2B eCommerce examples out there, Alibaba offers not just one kind of product but many. It has an extensive product catalog (over 200 million products) that spans electronics, machinery, clothing, and more.
There are many more reasons why Alibaba is one of the best examples of B2B e-commerce.
- It offers access to a large number of global suppliers.
- You get to buy supplies at low prices and sell them at premium retail prices.
- It has a user-friendly setup, which makes finding what you need a breeze.
- The platform lets you communicate with suppliers hassle-free.
- Suppliers are notified of the payment receipt before shipping the order.
Source: Alibaba
There's more to talk about Alibaba, especially their website's appearance. Alibaba has a clean website with adequate white space usage, optimized categories, and an excellent search bar right on the homepage, so you can find the products you want effortlessly. The buyer and seller categories on the homepage also provide all the information people need to partner with the platform.
Source: Alibaba
Selling and buying online comes with its risks and worries, and one of the best things Alibaba has done to eliminate this for buyers and sellers is its production quality and purchase protection verifications. As sellers, people can connect with manufacturers and brand holders with verified credentials seamlessly. The same goes for buyers, as they can trade products confidently with trade assurance.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple! Organize your website and optimize categories. A user-friendly setup positively impacts your customer experience.
Read more: How To Make A B2B Website Work (With 5 Examples)
Amazon Business
Source: Amazon
Amazon.com is the go-to choice for most of us when it comes to shopping. We all know it as a B2C e-commerce platform, but it is also a great B2B e-commerce example.
The platform evolved from an online bookstore to a comprehensive B2B marketplace in 2015, opening up its platform for small and medium businesses primarily. While the website may not be an eye candy to look at, it is extremely user-friendly, and customers are able to search and find the products they want in no time. This includes the app, which helps sellers handle their orders from the convenience of their phone. And with over 300 million customers, businesses are able to reach more of their target audience.
Amazon Business is the preferred B2B marketplace for many sellers, and here are some of its best benefits:
- Business members enjoy discounted prices on millions of products and multi-unit purchases.
- They receive exclusive shipping benefits for a smoother shopping experience.
- Members can easily compare prices from various sellers, ensuring the best deals.
- Sellers unlock attractive options to enhance their listings and attract business buyers.
- Buyers tap into a network of over 150,000 sellers, offering a bounty of products in the hundreds of millions.
When building a B2B business online, you always need to keep your buyers in mind. Hence, Amazon Business is certified for integration with leading purchasing systems. Sellers can sell to businesses from any part of the country, too, giving them a world of opportunities.
You can also check out the video below to learn more about Amazon Business.
Source: Amazon
Pro Tip: Make life easy for buyers with a mobile app. A user-friendly app allows buyers to manage orders on the go without breaking a sweat.
Chocomize
Source: Chocomize
From its name, you can probably guess that this is a chocolate brand. But not just any chocolate brand. Chocomize is probably one of the best e-commerce examples of B2B marketplaces that sell customized corporate gifts in the United States. They offer premium chocolate bars customized with corporate logos, making the treats perfect for corporate gifting or retail.
Here are some of the best features of Chocomize we liked:
- The categories are clearly defined. Buyers can easily choose what they are looking for, and the website will display options accordingly. You can also sort by price and occasion,
- Each product listing includes adequate information, including the minimum order quantity, price per unit, product information, and even reviews.
- The 'bestselling' section makes it easy for first-time buyers to know what their most popular and preferred products are.
All good B2B e-commerce examples have one thing in common: a well-designed website. This entails SEO optimization, high-quality images, and excellent copy.
Source: Chocomize
We observed that Chocomize ticks all these boxes by ensuring its website is SEO-friendly. From using product-specific keywords (such as "custom chocolate bars," "custom chocolate squares," etc., for which they are ranking at the top) to maintaining clear page titles and error-free information, Chocomize ensures that its website not only ranks high on the SERP but also provides buyers with a seamless customer experience.
Pro Tip: Navigation is key, especially when you have a large inventory of products to showcase. Always add a filter or sorting option to help buyers find what they want based on price and occasion.
Quick read: Ecommerce Website Design: Everything A Store Owner Needs To Know in 2023
Printful
Source: Printful
Printful is a custom print-on-demand (POD) and dropshipping B2B e-commerce example, assisting eCommerce businesses in the creation, printing, and sale of personalized products. This includes clothing, accessories, appliances, and various other items. The best part is that Printful handles the packaging and direct shipment of products to customers.
Some of Printful's best features are:
- Printful has tons of customizable products (over 300, in fact), providing their primary customers - businesses with diverse options for personalization.
- Printful ensures efficient and timely order fulfillment on a global scale. They have got fulfillment centers strategically located in the USA, Europe, Australia, the UK, and more.
- Printful integrates with 29 eCommerce platforms and marketplaces, streamlining the selling process for businesses.
What makes Printful stand out from other dropshipping suppliers is that it allows users to infuse products with their own designs. This customization feature provides businesses with a distinct advantage in offering unique and personalized merchandise to their customers.
Source: Printful
When it comes to the website, it is very evident how they put customers ahead, with user-friendly navigation and an organized product category. Also, they have clearly mentioned the exact steps to best utilize their e-commerce business website on the homepage. The layout is also well-thought-out, and the aesthetic is minimal yet captivating.
We also tried their app and mobile website, and both. Facilitated quick access to key information, making it easy for businesses to understand and utilize Printful's print-on-demand services
Pro Tip: Keep your website user-friendly. Clear categories and layouts that prioritize customers make the buying process a joy.
Uline
Source: Uline
Uline is a prominent B2B company and a leading supplier of packaging, shipping, and industrial supplies. They operate their marketplace on Shopify and provide personalized pricing for wholesale customers.
Their product range is quite comprehensive, consisting of shipping supplies, packaging materials, janitorial and safety products, and warehouse supplies. They also have a variety of items and also source products from other suppliers.
Uline's large product catalog, with over 41,000 products across packaging, shipping, and industrial supplies, is commendable. But there is more to it.
Pro Tip: Make catalogs easy to access. Uline's downloadable online catalog is a handy approach that puts users in control.
- Uline keeps it user-friendly with advanced search options, a direct sales channel, and personalized pricing for wholesale customers.
- Bulk ordering functions aid in procurement, accommodating businesses of all sizes.
- Plus, they support organizational structures and effective corporate customer account management.
Being a B2B e-commerce platform, you don’t expect to get same-day delivery or any such facilities. But Uline breaks such stereotypes and offers same-day delivery even for bulk orders.
Source: Uline
The product page is rather unique. Due to the various sizes and formats of the products offered, and to simplify the whole purchase process for customers, they have a list-format add-to-cart option. This way, buyers can simply input the number of products they want against each size and simply add to the cart. We think it's super efficient!
JOOR
Source: JOOR
Now, let's talk about a B2B e-commerce example in the retail and fashion industry. JOOR is one of the world's largest B2B digital wholesale marketplaces. They connect brands and retailers, making wholesale business a lot smoother.
Here's the cherry on the cake. JOOR is not just a basic marketplace. They're also into data analytics. For brands, JOOR offers handy tools like customizable virtual showrooms, digital line sheets, and flexible payment options, making it easier to showcase products and drive sales growth.
- JOOR's Virtual Showrooms is an entirely customizable stage where brands can showcase their unique collections in a way that truly reflects their brand identity.
- With the help of real-time data and analytics, brands can make informed decisions without wasting time and resources.
- Joor's customer support teams are available 24/7.
Source: JOOR
With JOOR, brands can handle their entire wholesale business in one place. From placing orders to processing payments, everything happens seamlessly within the platform.
There’s no we can skip to the next section without talking about the website’s look and feel. From the very first glance, JOOR gives out a luxury aesthetic feeling, and not that of a typical wholesale marketplace. After all, brands like Chloe, Balmain Paris, and Prada are trusted users of JOOR.
Pro Tip: Don't shy away from showcasing your customer's brands. This acts as social proof. It enhances credibility and draws attention from potential B2B partners.
Things These B2B eCommerce Platforms Are Doing Right
Source: Canva
So, you have gone through all of these B2B e-commerce examples. Are you still wondering what from the above you will be able to use to build your very own marketplace?
Let us help you. There are so many things these six platforms are doing right. And some of them aren't just one's own secret. Here are five things that these B2B e-commerce websites are doing right:
Global Supplier Access
Business giants like Alibaba and Amazon Business share a common strategy—offering access to a vast array of global suppliers. This widens the pool of possibilities for businesses seeking diverse products.
Cost-Friendly Transactions
Many top players, including Alibaba, Uline, and Amazon Business, excel in providing cost-effective solutions. Buying in bulk or enjoying exclusive discounts, these platforms make economic sense for businesses.
User-Friendly Interface
Alibaba and Amazon Business keep their interface simple. A user-friendly interface ensures seamless navigation, making it easy for businesses to find what they need without any hassle.
Efficient Communication Channels
Alibaba takes the lead in guaranteeing hassle-free communication with suppliers. Timely notifications on payment receipts before shipping add an extra layer of convenience.
Transparent Product Information
Chocomize and Printful shine in transparency. Clear product information, including minimum order quantities and prices, makes it straightforward for buyers to make informed decisions.
Keeping these things in mind will help you create a B2B e-commerce marketplace that is ready to win!
From our end, here's a checklist you can use when you begin your e-commerce journey. Save it and use it as you wish!
Source: Canva
Wrapping Up
For those of you who are planning to begin your B2B e-commerce journey, there are exciting times ahead. According to McKinsey's e-commerce forecast for 2024, a total of 31% of online sales will be B2B sales, an increase from 20% as of 2023. Trends like quicker order handling, smoother and user-friendly shopping experiences everywhere, and customers taking charge are shaking things up. So, use the tips shared in this blog, and carry that checklist on your way to a successful e-commerce journey!
Explore more, check out: How to Create a Successful B2B Store on the Shopify Platform?
