B2B e-commerce, which is defined as online transactions between two or more business entities, is very different from B2C in terms of the way of buying and the specific functionalities expected.
While B2C e-commerce is well established and highly developed, B2B is also increasingly being deployed on the internet and has been on the rise for several years. In fact, B2B online sales have surpassed B2C sales!
Digital channels are here to stay, and B2B companies need to adopt a business strategy that meets the needs of modern buyers.
Buyers expect effortless shopping experiences similar to those they have as consumers, and are increasingly impatient with B2B sellers who do not offer this.
Why develop your B2B online shop?
Adapting to buyers' preferences
As mentioned in the introduction, online B2B commerce is evolving. As online shopping has become a standard way to shop as a consumer, buyers are looking for the same ease of purchase and process when they are in the business context. In fact, according to a Forrester study, 93% of B2B buyers would prefer to buy online rather than from a salesperson.
Having an online shop is simply adapting to new consumer habits.
Simplify the process and gain efficiency
One of the most important reasons for having a B2B site is the gain in simplicity and efficiency.
For both the buyer and the seller, e-commerce simplifies the whole process.
On the buyer's side, the buyer benefits from better information on the products, a global vision, in particular thanks to detailed product sheets, the display of available stocks, etc. They are more autonomous and can manage their orders themselves at any time.
As a seller, you benefit from better logistics thanks to the connection of the online shop with your internal management systems (ERP). It also allows you to automate the ordering process: you can segment your prices according to customers, have a better view of your stocks and anticipate shortages, automate payment management. In short, it will free up time for your sales teams.
Increase your leads and conversions
Having an e-commerce site is also an essential element of your visibility. More than 60% of buyers do research on the internet before making a purchase. Indeed, an online shop is a sales channel without geographical or opening hours constraints, considered more convenient by buyers: you offer your customers unlimited access to your product catalogue.
An e-commerce site is therefore a very good way of boosting growth. Having an e-commerce site increases the impact of communications and encourages conversion. Indeed, digital strategies, especially on social networks, are more likely to lead to digital platforms than to physical shops. Taking advantage of this sales and communication channel is now essential to your commercial strategy to increase accessibility to your shop and sales.
BigCommerce for B2B
As a BigCommerce partner, we present the advantages of the solution for B2B e-commerce.
With BigCommerce, deliver a fast and flexible shopping experience, optimising B2B workflows with best-in-class functionality. Big Commerce enables you to differentiate your B2B experience.
A flexible SaaS platform
- A flexible platform that adapts to your needs
- Possible connection with your internal systems (ERP, Punchout, OMS, WMS) thanks to a powerful API
- A headless interface that allows you to keep the existing investment in your CMS or custom front-end.
A modern buyer's experience
- Provide the intuitive, consumer-like shopping experience that buyers expect through themes optimised for B2B.
- Offer flexible functions and price segmentation by customer with the creation of customer groups.
- Exploit the support of complex and evolving catalogues without impacting the speed of the site.
- Simplify the buying process with advanced search and various financing options
Trusted technology
- Verified and authenticated security with ISO/IEC 27001 certifications
- Unparalleled bandwidth on Google Cloud Platform
- 99.99% uptime.
- A B2B module that takes care of updates, security and hosting.
Lower cost of ownership
- Up to 50% savings compared to open source platforms due to automatic updates, patches and hosting.
- A faster than average shopping experience.
Big Commerce helps you sell more, while providing a modern online shopping experience that reflects the expectations of business buyers.
If you have a project to create a B2B e-commerce site, to improve your existing site or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!