Just a few years ago, B2B ecommerce sales in the UK amounted to 165 billion GBP, according to research published by Statista. Marketplaces such as Amazon and Alibaba are two examples of platforms that ushered the popularity of business-to- business online transactions. These brands show the success shifting to an online business model. Moreover, these platforms set the bar high for business consumers. Speedy fulfilment and customer service excellence are two benefits of using ecommerce. In turn, B2B sellers are encouraged to reinvent their operations and cater to ecommerce consumers.
Why Is Ecommerce The Right Fit For Distributors?
Innovation is a catalyst for success. For many decades before the invention of ecommerce, distributors and wholesalers succeeded with the help of traditional channels of communication and order processing. But the ecommerce market is growing at a rapid pace. Since many buyers today are digital natives, the influx of younger entrepreneurs requiring the services of distributors expect more. For a distributor or wholesaler, investing in top b2b ecommerce software solutions offers a significant opportunity and growth.
Addressing The Challenges Faced By Distributors When Using Ecommerce Solutions
Despite how overwhelmingly positive the outlook for ecommerce is, there are still challenges faced by distributors and wholesalers shifting online. The following are specific examples of these issues and what can be done to address them.
Complexity Of B2B Operations
Some B2B companies hesitate to shift to ecommerce because of a complex buying process and a wide range of customers. Specific concerns associated with this challenge are limited-edition product offerings, contract prices, varying shipping requirements, and payment options. Indeed, these concerns are compelling but shouldn’t hinder a business from considering using ecommerce. To overcome this problem, it is essential to look for a partner that can provide or create a platform that caters to all these customer requirements.
Adjusting Skills And Company Culture
Shifting to ecommerce is a time-consuming and daunting prospect for any distributor or wholesaler. Apart from investing in physical resources, they also need to spend time training employees to adjust to a new skill set. Also, there will be a drastic change in company culture. Of course, any change will be met with resistance. Adopting a large-scale ecommerce operation will require a concerted effort from the entire management team.
B2B Sales Are Unique
Unlike B2C transactions, the B2B purchase process is different. You don’t simply pay for your order by putting on your credit card or debit card. These purchases typically involve huge amounts, which is why sellers need to provide for the unique payment requirements of their clients. For example, the ecommerce solution should be enabled to accept payment using purchase orders.
Final Thoughts On B2B E-commerce
In conclusion, are ecommerce solutions capable of handling the unique sales scenarios of B2B transactions? Absolutely. But, it depends on which solution or platform you choose for your business. There are plenty of e-commerce solutions available that cater to wholesalers and distributors, each with pros and cons. Before shifting online, it is essential to determine and outline specific requirements and compare solutions offered by different providers. Surely, there is a solution that is the right fit for your B2B sales goals and needs.
