5 Top Features that Make B2B Websites Powerful Ecommerce Platform

by John Perry, Guest Contributor

The line between B2B and B2C web design and marketing can at times be fuzzy, however, it is important that one understands subtle and differences in not so subtle.  Before we look at the top features that make B2B websites a powerful Ecommerce platform, it is important that we take a quick look at what makes B2B websites more creative than B2C.
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To start with, the sales cycle of the B2B websites is different from B2C. The B2B sales are known to take longer to nurture. The B2C sales are known to be much more straightforward and not that complex when compared to the B2B sales.  The sale of B2B also tends to take much longer and is much more complex. They do require significant investment in building relationship.

We can now look at some of the great B2B features that make it better than the B2C.

1. Customer Groups and Profiles Segmentation
In the B2C, the treatment of customers is equal. However, the wholesalers do deal with larger orders which do vary from customer to customer which forces the organizations to have strict group designations.

The B2B companies should be in a position to group customers into groups which will make it possible to set pricing, group particular content and minimum order requirements for every segment.  

2. Bulk Discounts and Volume Purchase
The B2B shoppers do buy products in bulk. However, while the products can be listed as pallets, packs or cases. You might still be interested in offering discount tiers depending on the quantity to be ordered.

The eCommerce platforms need to include a method of accommodating quantity thresholds in order to allow bulk discount offering.  In case you do expect the discount quantity to work with customer specific price levels, then you need to be in a position to identify the different discount tiers depending on groups of customers that have been assigned to the client base.

3. Minimum Order Quantity
Minimum Order Quantity will specify the lowest quantity a particular product the store is likely to sell. In case the buyer is not in a position to get to the Minimum Order Quantity requirement, they will not be in a position to proceed with the ordering process.

4. Flexible Options of Payments
Getting paid for both the customers orders is important for both the B2C and B2B clients. In the B2B world, there is always an existing relationship that has been put in place with the client and not all business orders do have or should have the online payment processing.

It is important that you integrate offline payment methods in order to accommodate the B2 client needs.
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Conclusion
A B2B website will force your company to make some changes. You will have to think differently concerning customer relationships. You will also have to invest your money and time and get the right ecommerce platform for your business. Generally most of the B2B websites are more creative than B2C websites.

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