Business-to-Business (B2B) E-commerce involves the online sale of products and services between businesses, such as a manufacturer selling to a wholesaler, or a wholesaler selling to a retailer. It is distinct from B2C e-commerce in its scale, complexity, and customer needs. Transactions are typically larger in volume and monetary value, involve negotiated pricing and contracts, and feature more complex shipping and payment terms (e.g., net-30, net-60). The sales process is often longer and involves multiple decision-makers. Modern B2B e-commerce platforms cater to these specific requirements by offering features like: Customer-Specific Pricing: Logged-in buyers see pre-negotiated price lists. Volume-Based Tiered Pricing: Automated discounts for purchasing larger quantities. Quote Management: The ability to request and manage formal quotes online. Complex Account Management: Managing multiple users and permissions under a single corporate account. Integration with ERP Systems: Connecting the online storefront to backend inventory, order management, and accounting systems for real-time data synchronization. The digital transformation of B2B commerce is a massive trend, as business buyers, accustomed to seamless B2C experiences, now demand the same level of convenience, transparency, and self-service functionality in their professional purchasing. Successful B2B e-commerce strategies focus on efficiency, accuracy, and providing a personalized experience for business customers.
