B2C eCommerce has been popular for a while, while B2B eCommerce is growing rapidly. More businesses are acknowledging its worth as it offers a simple and speedy way for companies to procure products and services from other businesses.

As more and more businesses are joining the Shopify B2B eCommerce model and understanding the B2B eCommerce model thoroughly is becoming the need of the hour. 

So we decided to take things into our own hands. 

What is Shopify B2B eCommerce? 

Shopify B2B eCommerce, also known as business-to-business electronic commerce, involves the online exchange of products and services between two businesses. This type of eCommerce includes transactions between manufacturers, distributors, resellers, retailers, and, in some cases, end-consumers.

While B2C (business-to-consumer) eCommerce involves companies selling products or services directly to consumers, B2B transactions place greater importance on supply chains as they often require multiple layers of approval and involve various departments. 

B2B eCommerce purchases are typically long-term and involve recurring orders instead of one-time purchases.

Here are the key distinctions between Shopify B2C and Shopify B2B eCommerce:

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When it comes to Shopify for B2B, Shopify Plus is a platform designed for wholesale businesses to manage and expand their operations with a focus on flexibility and customization. With specialized tools and features, Shopify Plus B2B enables businesses to cater to the unique needs of their buyers and operate at scale.

How does Shopify B2B eCommerce work? 

The global business-to-business eCommerce market size was valued at USD 7,907.07 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.2% from 2023 to 2030.

Shopify B2B eCommerce improves supply chain efficiency by providing real-time data about product availability, inventory, shipment status, and production.

Over the years, manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers have undergone a digital transformation to create a sustainable future for their businesses. 

Businesses frequently engage in Shopify B2B eCommerce transactions within their supply chains, buying components and materials to use in their manufacturing processes.

Shopify B2B eCommerce sellers create an online store or platform that offers products or services to other businesses and work with wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. Also, B2B eCommerce:

• Involves online transactions between businesses
• May require approval from multiple layers and departments
• Enables customized pricing and discounts
• Provides access to a wider range of suppliers and customers
• Often involves complex supply chains and procurement processes

Types of Shopify B2B eCommerce 

There are different types of Shopify B2B eCommerce models, each catering to different business needs. These are:

1. B2B2C (Business-to-Business-to-Consumer)

Business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) eCommerce takes out the middleman usually between the Shopify B2B eCommerce organization and sells directly to the consumer. The B2B2C model combines the advantages of B2B and B2C approaches, enabling a B2B company to utilize the B2C experience and expand its customer base.

For example, Amazon, an online retailer, offers its eCommerce store hosting to other businesses and provides quick delivery services to customers who purchase through its marketplace.

2. Wholesale

This type of B2B eCommerce is focused on selling products or services to other businesses in bulk quantities. In this model, B2B sellers offer discounts and customized pricing to businesses that purchase in large quantities.

The primary customers for B2B wholesale eCommerce are retailers or other businesses that need large quantities of products to sell or use in their business operations.

3. Manufacturer

Shopify B2B eCommerce manufacturers are businesses that produce and sell products or components to other businesses through online channels. They typically specialize in creating large quantities of products at a lower cost per unit, which they can then sell to other businesses at a profit.

The primary customers for B2B manufacturing eCommerce are businesses that need specific products or components for their production processes.

4. Distributor

Shopify B2B eCommerce distributors are companies that act as intermediaries between manufacturers and retailers or end consumers. They buy goods in bulk from manufacturers and then sell them to smaller retailers or end consumers at a higher price to earn a profit.

Distributors typically have established relationships with manufacturers and retailers, which allows them to negotiate better prices and terms for both parties. Some well-known examples of B2B eCommerce distributors include Alibaba, Grainger, and Digi-Key.

Different stages of a B2B eCommerce business 

Understanding the stages of a Shopify B2B eCommerce business is essential for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to develop a sustainable and profitable business. These stages involve identifying the target market, creating a unique value proposition, building a sales and marketing strategy, and establishing a robust customer relationship management system. 

Each stage is critical and builds upon the previous one, ultimately leading to a successful B2B business.

1. StartUp

This is the initial stage of a B2B business, where the focus is on developing the product or service and establishing a customer base. At this stage, the business is typically small and run by a few individuals.

The key objectives are to validate the business idea, secure funding, and build a minimum viable product. Startups need to focus on developing their unique value proposition, marketing strategy, and sales process.

Some potential goals for a Shopify B2B eCommerce startup:

• Build a user-friendly and efficient eCommerce platform for B2B transactions
• Acquire a critical mass of suppliers and buyers to create a vibrant marketplace
• Establish a strong brand and reputation as a trusted B2B eCommerce platform
• Ensure strong customer service and support to maintain satisfaction and loyalty

2. Growth 

Once the business has established a customer base and generated some revenue, the focus shifts to scaling the operations. In the growth stage, the business needs to invest in marketing, sales, and customer service to acquire and retain customers.

The key objectives at this stage are to increase revenue, expand the customer base, and build a team to support the growing operations. The business needs to establish processes and systems to manage growth effectively.

Here are some potential goals for a Shopify B2B eCommerce business in the growth stage:

• Expand the customer base and increase sales revenue
• Optimize the eCommerce platform to improve user experience and increase conversions
• Enhance customer service and support to build loyalty and retention
• Develop new marketing and sales strategies to reach new markets and customers
• Invest in new technologies to streamline operations and increase efficiency

3. Expansion 

Once the business has achieved a certain level of growth, it may decide to expand into new markets or geographies. Expansion can involve launching new products or services, entering new markets, or acquiring other businesses.

The key objectives at this stage are to diversify the customer base, increase market share, and maximize revenue. The business needs to develop a clear expansion strategy and invest in resources to support the expansion.

Here are some potential goals for a Shopify B2B eCommerce business in the expansion stage:

• Enter new markets or geographies to expand the customer base
• Diversify the product or service offerings to appeal to a wider range of customers
• Acquire or merge with other businesses to increase market share and revenue
• Develop new partnerships and collaborations to create new revenue streams
• Strengthen supply chain relationships to ensure efficient delivery of products or services

4. Maturity

Once the business has achieved a dominant position in the market, the focus shifts to maintaining the existing operations and optimizing profitability. The key objectives at this stage are to maintain customer satisfaction, optimize processes, and generate consistent revenue and profits.

The business needs to focus on efficiency, cost control, and innovation to stay competitive. Maturity can also involve diversification into new product lines or markets, or potentially an exit strategy such as an IPO or acquisition.

Here are some potential goals for a Shopify B2B eCommerce business in the maturity stage:

• Maintain profitability and optimize operational efficiency
• Consolidate the business by acquiring or merging with other companies
• Continue to invest in technology to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge
• Consider an exit strategy such as an IPO or acquisition by a larger company.

Misconceptions about Shopify B2B eCommerce 

In the world of eCommerce, several misconceptions about B2B (business-to-business) eCommerce often lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. 

Let’s explore some of the most common misconceptions about B2B eCommerce and clarify the facts.

MYTH #1: eCommerce is not for B2B

FACT: B2B eCommerce offers businesses the opportunity to expand into new markets globally, which can be more effective than traditional sales and marketing methods. Additionally, B2B eCommerce is a versatile tool that can be leveraged by businesses of all sizes, including small and mid-sized companies.

Statists data suggests that the North American B2B eCommerce market will surpass $4,600 billion by 2025 2. A study from Mckinsey shows that about 18% of the B2B Industry's revenue is coming directly from eCommerce

MYTH #2: Bulk buying does not happen online

FACT: B2B eCommerce provides businesses with various tools, such as product configurators and customer quoting software, to offer a high degree of personalization. Through online product configurations, buyers can customize products and view them dynamically, which enhances their shopping experience.

A survey conducted by Oracle in 2022 says that Buyers are more than willing to spend substantial amounts through remote or online sales channels, with 77% of B2B customers willing to spend $50,000 or more.

MYTH #3 B2B Sales can be done only via marketplaces, and their own website does not get traction.

FACT: Various successful B2B eCommerce brands in every country across the globe are doing great business.

Creating a B2B eCommerce website does require time & investment but several eCommerce platforms let you set up online stores quickly and at a reasonable rate.

B2B eCommerce websites enable businesses to reach new markets by providing a seamless and convenient way to purchase products and services for customers.

MYTH #4 Trust is not developed online for bulk transactions

FACT: Trust is established in online purchases based on factors like website experience, policies, reviews, and delivery timelines.

B2B eCommerce platforms provide robust security measures to safeguard sensitive transactions, including encryption, authentication, and authorization.

B2B eCommerce can strengthen customer relationships by providing personalization, targeted marketing, and exceptional customer service.

Using a B2B eCommerce platform to set up 

To enter eCommerce, businesses need to choose a B2B platform from hundreds available in the market. With the latest eCommerce features, it can help them fulfill customer demands and modernize their current systems.

B2B eCommerce platforms offer more than just product listing and payment acceptance. They provide features such as process automation, real-time inventory management, personalized pricing and product catalogs, contextual support, secure payment processing, mobile optimization, and data analytics.

These features aid businesses in improving their operations, customer experience, sales, and decision-making.

Shopify for B2B eCommerce examples  

Here are some examples of B2B eCommerce businesses that have successfully leveraged technology to streamline their operations and enhance customer experience.

1. Picky Bars

Picky Bars, founded in 2010, is owned by three professional athletes and sells energy bars, oatmeal, and granola. The company offers its products to both customers and retailers in the US, Canada, Dubai, Korea, Peru, Sweden, and the UK.

Picky Bars are available for purchase online and in several retail locations across the US. The company's growth was boosted by the introduction of its subscription service, the "Picky Club", which allowed customers to sign up for auto-delivery of their bars at varying prices. This service proved beneficial from both a financial and operational perspective.

2. eFashion Paris

eFashion Paris is a B2B marketplace connecting fashion wholesalers and retailers. The platform eliminates the need for buyers to physically visit their vendors' locations to view and order the latest fashion items.

eFashion Paris has brought European retailers closer to the wholesalers in Paris and Aubervilliers, providing a new way of doing business. Their website sees thousands of daily logins from buyers who take advantage of special promotions and discover the latest trends in fashion items.

3. Primera

Primera is a top manufacturer of specialty printing equipment, with a global presence in over 200 countries and territories. Customers can access sales, support, and customer service in all time zones and over 100 languages via live chat.

Primera's B2B website is exceptional with its comprehensive product pages designed to cater to self-service business purchases.

Primera's product comparison page allows customers to compare products side-by-side. Customers can compare prices, features, availability, and B2B payment options to make informed decisions that best suit their business needs.

Conclusion for Shopify B2B eCommerce

With the growing number of Shopify B2B examples being introduced, businesses are being provided with new opportunities to access global markets. Consequently, customers are increasingly turning to the internet to research and purchase products.

With this, B2B eCommerce is poised for significant growth and acceptance, with spending projected to increase from $1.18 trillion in 2018 to $1.52 trillion by 2023, according to a report by Forrester. 

Statista research also suggests that in 2023, an estimated 17% of B2B sales are expected to be generated digitally.

Want to know more about the Shopify B2B eCommerce business model? 

Contact XgenTech today!