Will My Customers Actually Use a B2B eCommerce Platform?
Debunking the Myths Holding You Back
It’s a question that haunts many business owners: “Will my customers actually use a B2B eCommerce platform if I invest in one?” This apprehension often stems from an array of concerns, including the perception that B2B eCommerce isn’t as proven as its B2C counterpart, or the belief that manual processes are sufficient. Companies may think they’re not missing out on orders because they can always reach out to their customers directly. But is this approach sustainable for long-term growth? This piece aims to address these reservations and shed light on the enormous growth potential that B2B eCommerce platforms like Turis can unlock for your business.
Myth 1: “I Know My B2B Customers; They Prefer Manual Processes.”
Many businesses are confident that they understand their customer base and therefore believe that their current manual or legacy solutions are sufficient. The thinking goes something like this: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Real-World Parallel: Dinner Reservations
Remember the times when you had to make a dinner reservation over the phone? Nowadays, you can do it with just a few clicks on a restaurant’s website or even through Google. Restaurants that adopted this technology (such as Open Table) haven’t just made life easier for their customers; they’ve streamlined their own operations, reducing manual workload and minimizing errors.
Myth 2: “B2B eCommerce is Not as Proven as B2C.”
While B2C eCommerce has been around for longer and is more widespread, the B2B eCommerce space is catching up quickly. Businesses often underestimate the growth potential and operational efficiency that platforms like Turis can offer.
Real-World Parallel: Hair Salons
Hair salons (yes, even hair salons) have moved from pen-and-paper or phone-based appointment systems to online booking platforms (like Fresha). It not only makes it easier for the customer to see available slots but also frees up the salon staff from the constant back and forth.
Myth 3: “We’re Not Missing Out on Orders.”
Some businesses think they can always reach out to their customers to get orders. However, this reactive approach often misses out on upsell or cross-sell opportunities and might not capture all the demand out there.
Real-World Parallel: Online Meeting Booking
Sales reps used to spend an inordinate amount of time going back and forth on emails to finalize a meeting time. Now, with simple booking links (Calendly, is a good example of that), this time-consuming task has become almost effortless.
The Modern B2B Buyer’s Expectations
Today’s B2B buyers are also consumers. They have experienced the ease of B2C eCommerce and expect the same level of convenience in their professional roles. In fact, the stakes are even higher in B2B transactions due to the complexity and size of the deals. Meeting your customers where they are is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Why Turis?
Turis offers a robust solution for businesses looking to dive into B2B eCommerce. Unlike legacy systems, Turis is designed to meet the needs of modern B2B buyers, offering features that streamline complex processes and enhance customer experience.
Digitizing a business process isn’t just about moving it online
The apprehensions surrounding the adoption of a B2B eCommerce platform often stem from misunderstandings and outdated beliefs. As shown through real-world examples like dinner reservations, hair salon bookings, and online meeting arrangements, digitizing a business process isn’t just about moving it online. It’s about optimizing the process for both you and your customers. As consumer expectations evolve, clinging to manual processes not only hinders your growth but can also erode your customer base. Platforms like Turis are specifically designed to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of B2B eCommerce, offering a potential for growth that simply can’t be achieved through manual methods. Don’t let myths hold you back from reaching your business’s true potential.
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