We’ll examine factors you’ll need to consider as part of your evaluation, run through an overview and highlight some key features for a selection of platforms. If that’s not enough, we’ll also spotlight Shopify Plus as a recommended choice.
What Is B2B Commerce?
B2B commerce refers to selling goods or services to other businesses online. It’s distinct from B2C commerce (business-to-customer) due to its different target audience.
The umbrella term of B2B commerce encompasses many business types. It could refer to:
- Manufacturers supplying equipment to other businesses.
- Wholesalers selling in bulk to retailers.
- Distributors promoting products and services on behalf of their clients through online channels.
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers selling licences and access to software that they produce to other businesses.
I am text block. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
More and more of these business types are moving their operations online via digital platforms. That means a saturated, competitive market in many industry niches.
Yet, the advantages are clear: easier operations, reduced costs, and the potential to reach a broader market online.
With plenty of potential business customers to win (and lose) in the online space, you want to choose a B2B commerce platform that’s right for you.
So, how do you go about the decision?
How Do I Pick Which Platform is Right for Me?
To land on the ideal B2B commerce platform, we recommend careful consideration of several factors:
- Your business size and scale—The platform you choose should match your current capacity while also allowing for potential growth. A small business may need a simple, affordable solution, but that simple solution might not cut it for a larger enterprise.
- Industry-specific needs—Your industry may have unique requirements. Ensure the platform you choose supports features essential to your industry. These can include specific payment methods, customisation options, or regulatory compliance.
- Budget and cost – This one’s implied in the size and scale above but warrants its own point. Work out your monthly budget for your platform of choice and check which platforms fit. Ensure to take into account:
- setup fees
- subscription costs
- any additional charges for features or integrations.
- Integrations – Can the platform work alongside any of your existing systems? For example, does the platform work with your chosen CRM? Smooth integrations keep everything, well, smooth, meaning efficient, meaning good for business.
- User experience – The platform should be intuitive and user-friendly, the user here being both your team and your customers.
- Flexibility – Is the ability to customise important to you? Different platforms offer various levels of personalisation. Choose a platform that facilitates personalised storefronts, custom pricing, and flexible payment terms if these are important to you.
B2B Platforms at a Glance
Smaller companies may rely on common B2C commerce solutions such as Shopify or Woocommerce, but there are also B2B platforms that are built specifically for businesses.
Here’s a selection:
Salesforce B2B Commerce
Salesforce B2B Commerce platform, Commerce Cloud, integrates seamlessly with Salesforce CRM, offering AI-powered recommendations and scalability.
- Seamless integration with Salesforce CRM
- AI-powered recommendations
- Scalable and flexible platform
- Powerful analytics and reporting tools
- Customisable storefronts
- Automation of sales processes
- Support for complex pricing models
Neto by Maropost
Neto by Maropost is an all-in-one platform designed for Australian businesses. It offers a range of features tailored to B2B and B2C operations. It’s known for its ease of use and local support, making it a popular choice among small to medium-sized enterprises.
- Comprehensive eCommerce platform with built-in ERP
- Integrated inventory management
- Customisable product catalogues
- Multi-channel sales (online, in-store, marketplaces)
- Advanced order and shipping management
- Local Australian support and compliance
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a versatile platform that supports both B2C and B2B businesses. It offers plenty of customisation options and scalability, which makes it a useful choice for businesses of varying size. It’s particularly noted for its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities.
- Flexible API-driven platform
- Multi-storefront capability
- Advanced product management and pricing rules
- Integration with various ERP and CRM systems
- Comprehensive SEO and marketing tools
- Scalable with built-in B2B features
Adobe Commerce (Magento)
Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento, is a versatile and customisable platform suited for complex B2B environments. It offers advanced features and a high level of flexibility, making it ideal for large enterprises with specific and precise needs.
- Highly customisable with open-source flexibility
- Advanced inventory and order management
- Comprehensive customer segmentation and personalisation
- Integration with Adobe’s suite of marketing and analytics tools
- Support for complex pricing models and multi-channel sales
- Strong community and extensive marketplace of extensions
As with any business decision, a comparative analysis of the platforms available needs to be rooted in an understanding of your circumstances. Which tool is best depends on your business needs.
For example, Salesforce is a fantastic choice if you rely heavily on customer relationship management to drive sales. That’s thanks to its seamless CRM integration. On the other hand, Adobe is perfect for those requiring a highly customised solution with its unparalleled flexibility. Its sophisticated inventory management and customer segmentation features make it ideal for larger enterprises, but there are perhaps significant barriers to entry for smaller enterprises.
The takeaway, choose what’s best for you.
Let’s highlight Spotify Plus as a suitable options for many businesses.
Spotlight on 
Let’s take a moment to highlight Shopify Plus as a standout all-in-one solution.
Shopify Plus lets businesses run their wholesale and direct-to-consumer operations on a single platform. This is a major benefit if you serve both businesses and consumers and means you don’t need multiple platforms.
Shopify Plus provides a comprehensive set of features designed to create tailored experiences for every customer. These include:
- Curated catalogues
- Custom pricing options
- Personalised storefronts
- Flexible payment options
- A self-serve portal
The custom pricing and personalised storefronts features are particularly impressive since they ensure each customer coming to the store enjoys a unique experience. And, those buyers can be from anywhere in the world. As a global brand, the platform supports multiple buyers and locations, making it easy to manage complex purchasing permissions and terms.
Further, the platform’s bulk-ordering tools and self-serve portal let customers manage their accounts and make purchases independently. This frees up valuable time for your sales reps to focus on more high-value tasks.
Finally, that well-established, user-friendly status extends to integrations. Most businesses will be able to connect with their preferred ERP, OMS, and CMS tools. Find out more about integrations with Shopify Plus.
Why Choose Shopify Plus?
Shopify Plus is an extensive, well-established app ecosystem, ideal for businesses looking to unify their B2B and DTC operations on a single platform.
The platform’s scalability also means it can effortlessly grow with your business.
Meanwhile, its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth experience for both your team and customers.
These key features mean Shopify Plus is a fantastic option for business owners, though it does come at a higher price point than standard Shopify.
Ready to elevate your B2B commerce strategy? Contact Donohue Consultancy today to find out how we can help you select and implement the best platform for your business.
