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This is part 1 of a 2-part article highlighting the cohesiveness of custom app development and B2B e-commerce and the role they play in your business. Part 2 can be found here.
It takes a lot to build a successful e-commerce business in any market or environment. However, B2B e-commerce offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
On the one hand, the market for B2B e-commerce is enormous and growing. Virtually any kind of company is going to have to rely on other companies to provide important products and services. Like anything else, these can be sold more profitably and efficiently via the web. Additionally, having the ability to place orders online adds a layer of convenience for business owners that might be pressed for time.
On the other hand, though, marketing and selling to businesses is a different proposition than providing products to consumers. People think differently when they are making purchases for a business. The sales tend to be more significant and complex, leading to more research and a higher number of interactions needed to close a deal. And, let’s not forget that virtually all B2B e-commerce markets are flooded with competitors.
Smart business owners don’t worry about these challenges. Instead, they use innovative tools like custom app development to innovate and stay one step ahead of their colleagues. In today’s article, we want to look at some of the reasons you might work with a company like ours to develop specialized apps for your B2B e-commerce business.
B2B E-Commerce Demands Custom Solutions
When you’re selling directly to consumers you only have to meet a demand or solve a problem with your products. In a B2B setting, though, there aren’t just buyer needs and budget factors to consider – there are also a number of logistical terms that have to be met.
For example, what you sell might have a direct impact on your customer’s supply chain, their ability to operate effectively, or even whether they can deliver what’s needed to their customers. In that case, speed, efficiency, and cost controls might take on new importance. Or, there could be stringent industry and regulatory guidelines that have to be met for your products to work as intended.
Because of the complexities involved, B2B e-commerce demands custom solutions. Why sell your products using off-the-shelf software when your buyers need something more specific?
With Programming You Can Streamline Orders And Fulfillment
Fast fulfillment and delivery are crucial for the success of any online retailer, but it takes on a different level of importance when you’re dealing with B2B e-commerce. For all of the reasons we’ve already given, you simply can’t afford to lose track of shipments or have orders delayed.
Custom app development can be used to streamline the fulfillment process, saving you time and money with every order that comes through the pipeline. Using automated tools, you can move every purchase from a warehouse or production facility to a wholesaler and buyer in less time than ever before. And, you can track that movement with live updates so the progress can be monitored by both you and your customers.
Many B2B e-commerce companies suffer from fulfillment problems that cost them tens of thousands of dollars per year. That wouldn’t happen nearly as often if they were aware of how easy it is to get the smarter tools they need.
The continuation of this article will be posted on Thursday, November 8th.
Are you looking to streamline your E-commerce business? WebRevelation can help take your business to the next level. Contact us today so we can discuss your needs.
Read more about B2B E-commerce, specifically learn about six good examples of B2B E-commerce Features in Action.
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