Sales platforms B2B are a response to the growing need for automation in business-to-business sales. They enable the management of business partners, orders and individual commercial terms within a single system. Their role in modern commerce B2B is constantly growing. In the text below, we will discuss the sales platform B2B, specifically how to set up a shop B2B.
Growing popularity
When it comes to online shops in Poland, the most popular designs are those based on a business model centred on solutions for individual customers – B2C. However, the Centoro sales platform makes it just as easy to set up a wholesale business B2B – i.e. a wholesale business or shop B2B – as it is to set up a retail business. How can an online shop be used to serve this market segment?
The online shop B2B is, in many cases, a manufacturer’s or distributor’s wholesale outlet. Ordering goods by business partners is simple and convenient, thanks to the ability to integrate with customers’ online shops or stock and accounting software. It is possible to automate orders based on the customer’s stock levels or to partially enter the retail segment by introducing support for shops based on dropshipping. These topics are described in more detail in the articles: “Integrating an online shop with wholesalers” and “What is dropshipping?”.
A platform for the exchange of goods within an organisation
B2B platforms, designed to facilitate the exchange of goods within an organisation, represent an interesting concept. Whether they are large corporate groups or chains of shops, individual entities can supply one another with products they manufacture or distribute. For example, a distributor of car parts operating an automotive shop and vehicle repair workshops could launch the platform B2B to serve the workshop, and B2C to fulfil orders for individual customers.
Read also: B2B vs B2C – find out the key differences!
The B2B shop is underrated by many business owners
One opportunity that is underestimated by many entrepreneurs is selling business services on the B2B platform. Providing a detailed description of a service is very similar to creating a product description, and standard services can easily be presented in the form of packages. For example, a company offering office cleaning services, having analysed its sales, knows that a large proportion of its customers use the service once a week for offices up to 50 square metres in size, whilst the second most popular option is cleaning premises measuring 50–100 square metres. In this situation, the company can list these two options on its sales platform as a one-off service or as a recurring service, with the aim of automating sales and eliminating the need for repetitive, routine customer service.
In this situation, the customer can receive an invoice immediately, whilst the seller benefits from swift payment and an automated processing system for standard orders. The sale of services via an online shop can also be carried out by small businesses, particularly freelancers.
Read also: The B2B online shop and its terms and conditions – what do you need to know?
The B2B shop offers a wide range of applications and ideas to simplify and automate the sale and exchange of goods or services. Centoro specialises in the comprehensive analysis and design of e-commerce solutions for the B2B sector. We develop software tailored to your needs, regardless of the complexity or uniqueness of your project concept. Please contact us for further information. We can help analyse your company’s requirements and create a bespoke solution to increase your organisation’s profits through the automation of sales processes.
Summary
B2B’s sales platforms streamline sales and business customer service processes. They enable companies to operate more quickly and efficiently.
Questions and Answers
What is the B2B sales platform?
It is a system that enables the online sale of products or services between businesses. It supports customised prices and terms and conditions.
What features do the B2B platforms offer?
These most commonly involve managing orders, customer accounts and the product range. System integrations are also important.
Does the B2B platform replace a trader?
No, it supports his work by automating processes. Business relationships still play a key role.
Are the platforms B2B only available to logged-in users?
Yes, access is often restricted to business partners. This ensures control over the product range and prices.
Can the B2B platform operate globally?
Yes, many platforms enable you to serve overseas customers and sell internationally.