What is B2B?
“B2B” refers to trade between companies, where products or services are sold from one company to another. Unlike B2C, where companies sell directly to consumers, B2B trade often involves larger order volumes, complex pricing structures and longer sales processes.
B2B trade therefore calls for features such as customer-specific prices, volume discounts, integration with business systems and the ability to handle complex approval processes. An effective B2B solution makes it easier for companies to collaborate, place orders and manage their purchases in a structured and efficient way.
Read more: What are the 3 biggest challenges in B2B sales
Choosing a B2B platform is a strategic decision that has a major impact on a company’s success in e-commerce. An effective B2B platform must be able to handle complex sales processes, customer-specific prices and large order volumes, while still providing a user-friendly experience. The platform must also integrate with existing systems such as ERP, CRM and PIM to ensure data is synchronised automatically and orders are processed efficiently.
It is important that the platform is scalable and flexible, so it can be adapted to customer needs and support growth. A strong B2B platform makes it easier for customers to find products, place orders and access relevant information, while it automates internal processes and improves efficiency. By choosing a solution built to handle B2B sales processes, your company can ensure a better customer experience and stronger competitiveness.
Read more: B2B webshop platform: choose the best solution for your business
Shopify B2B
Shopify offers a strong B2B solution that makes it easy to handle complex sales to business customers directly from your webshop. With features such as customer-specific prices, volume discounts and integration with ERP and CRM systems, you can automate processes and give your customers a smooth and personal buying experience.
Shopify B2B makes it possible to manage several company accounts, handle approval processes and offer different payment methods – all on one platform.
Read more: Shopify B2B
Magento B2B
Magento is one of the most popular B2B platforms on the market and is known for its flexibility and scalability. Magento B2B makes it possible to create customer-specific prices, complex product catalogues and advanced discount structures tailored to business customers.
The platform supports multiple company accounts where users can have different roles and permissions. With features such as fast reordering, bulk ordering and requests for quote (RFQ), customers can easily manage large orders and complex purchasing agreements. Magento also offers strong integration options with ERP, CRM and PIM systems, so all data is synchronised and updated in real time.
Magento B2B is a solid choice for companies that need a scalable and customised solution capable of handling complex trading processes and large transactions.
B2B features
To build a successful B2B webshop, it is essential to offer features that meet the specific needs of business customers. B2B trade differs significantly from B2C, as it often involves complex ordering processes, customer-specific prices and advanced requirements for inventory management and logistics. A well-equipped B2B platform makes it easier for companies to place orders, manage accounts and access tailored solutions, which increases both efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Below is an overview of the most important features that can optimise your B2B webshop and give your company a competitive advantage.
User and account management
- Several users per company account with different roles and permissions
- Approval processes for orders inside the customer’s organisation
- The ability to manage several companies or branches from one account
- Support for multiple organisations, websites and stores
- Company accounts with a self-service portal
Product catalogue and pricing
- Customer-specific prices and discounts based on agreements or volume
- Tiered pricing for different quantities or customer groups
- Display of prices excluding VAT with the option of VAT calculation
- Differentiated product catalogues for different customer groups
- Detailed content and product catalogue
- Volume and quantity discounts
- Personalisation of content and prices
Ordering and self-service
- Fast reordering of previous orders
- Bulk order forms for easily adding many items at once
- Requests for quote (RFQ) for tailored orders or large quantities
- Dropshipping options and choice of delivery date during checkout
- The option to save several shopping lists
- User-friendly design with intuitive navigation
Integrations and system support
- Integration with ERP, CRM and PIM systems for data synchronisation
- Punch-out integration to e-catalogues and purchase order systems
- API support for automated data transfer between systems
- Automatic updating of product data from external systems via APIs
- Automated workflows
Inventory management and logistics
- Real-time stock updates to avoid overselling
- Advanced shipping options, including international delivery solutions
- Management of parcel prices and sales in whole units (for example pallets)
- Real-time inventory management
Personalisation and marketing
- Personal recommendations based on customer behaviour and preferences
- Customised landing pages and campaigns for individual customers or groups
- Built-in SEO optimisation for better visibility in search engines
Payment options
- Payment by credit, invoice or purchase order for approved customers
- The option to pay in several currencies and with local payment methods
- Multiple payment and invoicing options
Customer support and communication
- Live chat for fast support during the buying process
- 24/7 access to order status, invoices and customer-specific information via a self-service portal
- Built-in communication between buyer, seller and administrator (chat)
Advanced features
- Multi-language and multi-currency support for global customers
- Handling of claims, returns and quotes directly in the webshop
- Advanced search and navigation
- Analytics tools and business intelligence
B2B integrations
Effective B2B integrations are essential for creating a coherent and efficient trading experience. Integration between the webshop and core business systems such as ERP, CRM and PIM ensures that data about products, prices, stock levels and customers is always up to date and synchronised across the systems.
When a B2B webshop is integrated with the ERP system, orders, invoices and stock status can be updated automatically in real time, which reduces errors and improves efficiency.
CRM integration makes it possible to give a more personal customer experience by tailoring the product range and prices based on the customer’s history and preferences. PIM integration ensures that product information such as descriptions, images and technical specifications is always consistent and correct across all channels.
In addition, API support and punch-out integration to procurement systems are important elements in a B2B platform.
APIs make it possible to automate data exchange between the webshop and external systems, while punch-out integration lets customers buy directly from their own procurement system. By implementing strong integrations, a company can optimise workflows, minimise manual errors and create a smoother buying experience for customers.
Read more: B2B integrations: how to optimise your business with PIM, WMS, ERP and eCommerce