How to Successfully Launch a B2B eCommerce Platform Your Customers Will Use
The digital revolution is transforming the way businesses operate, and this transformation is not confined to B2C sales alone. B2B (Business-to-Business) transactions are increasingly moving online, compelling businesses to adapt and embrace B2B eCommerce platforms. Often referred to as wholesale eCommerce or B2B portals, these platforms are not just a trend but a necessity. They offer unprecedented convenience, streamlined operations, and the ability to reach a larger market. One such platform that epitomizes this trend is Turis. In this article, we’ll discuss how to successfully launch and ensure that it’s something your customers will actually use.
Table of Contents
What is a B2B eCommerce Platform?
A B2B eCommerce platform is essentially a digital platform where businesses can conduct transactions with other businesses. Unlike B2C platforms (such as Shopify), B2B platforms like Turis focus on features necessary for wholesale transactions such as bulk orders, customized pricing, and multi-buyer access. These platforms may also be known as wholesale eCommerce sites or B2B portals. They offer the kind of specificity and customizability that general eCommerce platforms can’t provide.
Why Should You Use a B2B eCommerce Platform?
The reasons for using a B2B eCommerce platform are compelling. Online platforms provide a streamlined process for order taking, inventory management (via integrations to platforms such as Ongoing), and customer relationship management. In the world of B2B, where transactions are often larger and more complex, this is particularly beneficial. Turis offers a slew of features that make these tasks even more efficient, empowering you to focus on growing your business.
The Core Benefits of Using Turis for B2B eCommerce
Turis stands out as a platform, thanks to its features designed specifically for wholesale. With Turis, you can provide your customers with personalized experiences, offering them what they want, how they want it. Multi-buyer features enable different employees within a customer’s organization to place orders, ensuring that the platform is highly usable and functional. Turis even addresses the issue of “individualization,” allowing you to set specific parameters for different clients. It’s not just a B2B portal; it’s a comprehensive B2B management tool.
Statistics Signifying B2B eCommerce Growth
B2B eCommerce is not a mere buzzword; it’s a growing industry. By 2025, the global B2B eCommerce market is expected to reach over $20 trillion. A study also found that over 80% of B2B buyers expect a B2C-like experience when making business purchases. Platforms like Turis meet these expectations by providing an intuitive interface and personalized experiences.
Overcoming Resistance and Onboarding Customers
Launching a new system always comes with its own set of challenges. Employees and customers may be resistant to change. The key to successful implementation is making the platform indispensable and showing your customers that it offers them something beneficial. Turis addresses this by providing an exceptionally user-friendly experience. Incentives, like a simplified workflow and discounts on first orders, can also go a long way.
Ideas for a Successful Launch
- Training Sessions: Educate your staff and customers.
- Exclusive Offers: Offer special deals for initial orders.
- Multi-Channel Awareness: Use emails, newsletters, and social media to announce the launch.
Why Discounts for Initial Orders Make Sense
Offering discounts on initial orders may sound counterintuitive, but it’s a tried-and-true marketing tactic. A small financial incentive can persuade customers to take the first step in adopting the new system.
Conclusion
B2B eCommerce platforms are more than just a necessity in today’s digital age; they are a strategic tool that can drive growth. Turis offers a feature-rich, intuitive platform perfect for modern B2B transactions. With proper planning, incentives, and a robust, flexible platform like Turis your customers will use becomes a goal well within reach.
By implementing these strategies, not only will you make the transition smoother, but you’ll also position your business to capitalize on the expanding opportunities in the B2B eCommerce space.
