Implementing an ecommerce solution for B2B is no simple process. Companies that are doing it for the first time can make mistakes. And while errors are not entirely avoidable, what’s important is to prevent them, especially those with significant consequences.
It’s easy to understand why B2B companies are in a hurry to adopt an ecommerce sales channel. An e-commerce platform offering a b2b wholesale app that works across desktop, mobile and tablet allows a wholesaler to make and complete orders online quickly and efficiently on a range of devices. It’s not only convenient but also an efficient means for repeat clients to complete a purchase.
But despite the obvious benefits of shifting to ecommerce, it’s common for B2B companies to not fully enjoy the advantages of digital sales channels. Often, it’s due to a variety of factors. It could at times be due to the company’s hesitation to recognise the need to shift to ecommerce. Other times, it may be because of mistakes made during platform selection and implementation.
The deployment model isn’t the right fit
Today, advanced B2B ecommerce platform technology allows companies to choose a deployment model that will meet their needs. It can be a bespoke, out-of-the-box, or hosted solution. From the beginning, it’s critical for the business to select a model that will cater to the brand’s needs and goals. Since each model has distinct characteristics, it should be tailored not only to current demands but also opportunities to grow with the business.
Is a marketplace platform a better choice?
If convenience is a consideration, marketplace solutions are indeed a viable option. If a B2B company requires an efficient means to implement digital selling, then a marketplace could be the right fit. But in the long run, marketplaces may not offer the flexibility needed by the business. It may lack features to customise the purchase process or scale up the solution along with increased consumer demand.
Inability to integrate well with legacy systems
One of the key factors impacting the implementation of an excellent B2B ecommerce platform is integration. How it communicates or seamlessly connects to existing business systems will make a difference. For example, if the company uses warehousing inventory software, the ecommerce platform needs to connect with the software to build an improved IT environment. It won’t make sense if the ecommerce platform exists in a bubble, independent of other vital IT processes related to the purchase flow.
Platform scalability is critical
Scalability is an important feature of a B2B ecommerce platform. It’s a costly mistake when a company chooses to implement a solution that won’t allow the addition of new technology. If the business wants to grow aggressively, limited platform features will prohibit this growth.
It’s not impossible to choose the right B2B platform at a reasonable cost. To avoid these mistakes, the most crucial step lies in identifying a platform that will deliver all the necessary features and more. Not only that, the purpose of ecommerce is to ensure functionality and order processing fluidity. Ultimately, the buyer experience should be seamless, enjoyable, and intuitive.
