While the ecommerce platform Shopify is best known for powering business-to-consumer (B2C) stores, it is equally well-equipped for business-to-business (B2B) operations.
Over recent years, Shopify has significantly expanded its platform, adding a whole host of useful features and functionalities specifically designed for B2B businesses and their partners. Whether they’re a specialist wholesale company or a DTC brand that’s branching out into B2B practices, any Shopify Plus merchant can use B2B on Shopify.
How does B2B on Shopify work?
Whether you’re new to B2B and keen to explore the opportunities or a seasoned seller blending direct-to-consumer (DTC) and B2B services, Shopify offers the flexibility to suit your business.
You can choose to build a single online store that serves both DTC and B2B customers, using the customer authentication features outlined above, or you might prefer a dedicated B2B Shopify store. The first option is as straightforward as any native Shopify solution, with no need for complex workarounds or specialist coding skills.
A dedicated B2B store, on the other hand, keeps your retail and wholesale operations separate while centralising all your store data within Shopify’s unified admin. Whichever route you choose, your buyers will benefit from DTC/B2B-specific pricing, flexible payment terms, tax exemptions, and more, all seamlessly integrated with Shopify’s backend.
What are the core features of B2B on Shopify?
There are numerous core features available in B2B on Shopify that make it possible to build an integrated wholesale store.
- Company profiles
- Product publishing and pricing
- Flexible payment options
- B2B checkout
- Customer accounts
What are the new B2B on Shopify features?
Since Shopify’s Winter Editions ‘23, there have been some new features attached to their B2B technology. Here are some of our favourites:
Quantity rules
Merchants can now create product-specific rules, including minimum and maximum orders, case packs and increments. These rules are also possible for product variants.
Easy reordering
Customer retention is an important factor in B2B selling, and it’s been made easier with the new recurring sales feature in B2B on Shopify.
Vaulted credit cards
Customers can store their credit cards on file at the checkout or in their customer account, in the all-new, safe and secure credit card vault. This reduces checkout friction, speeds up payment processes and will ultimately lead to higher conversion rates.
Benefits of using Shopify for B2B
Expand your reach
Launching a B2B ecommerce store provides your business with a platform for reaching a global audience and creating partnerships. Online stores are not limited by geography, making your products accessible to new markets, helping your business break down geographical barriers, and opening up new opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Improve operational efficiency
Running a B2B business requires seamless management of many different processes, from order processing to inventory management and handling customer enquiries. Shifting to ecommerce allows you to automate and streamline many of these processes, helping you to reduce the need for manual intervention, save time, minimise errors, and cut costs.
Enhance customer experience
Offering your B2B customers a seamless, user-friendly online experience makes it easy and convenient for them to browse products, place orders, and manage their accounts. This enhanced customer experience will help strengthen your relationship with clients, leading to happy, loyal customers and potentially enhancing B2B sales and retention levels.
Make data-driven decisions
One of the biggest advantages of ecommerce is the wealth of data it gives you access to. From tracking customer behaviour to analysing sales trends, your platform can give you valuable insights to help fine-tune your product offerings and make informed, data-driven business decisions to help drive your business forward.
Shopify e-commerce agency
Struggling to decide whether Shopify or Magento offers the best option for your business?
There is a lot more to the Shopify vs Magento debate since there are so many aspects to consider. So let’s talk more!
Imaginaire is a leading UK ecommerce agency that specialises in Shopify Plus and Shopify web design. We can offer you a free website review where we can also help you choose the best ecommerce platform for your needs. Find out more about our key service here or discover more about our Magento to Shopify migration service.
Just starting out? If you are looking to establish your ecommerce store from scratch, then we can also help design, build and market your store.
