The Definitive Guide to B2B Sales on Shopify

Running a B2B wholesale business and unsure how to leverage your Shopify store to reach, engage, and sell effectively to other businesses? Don't fret. Tap into the power of B2B on Shopify, a robust platform that powers seamless business-to-business endeavors. It's more than just a sales channel; it's your ticket to expanding your market reach and enhancing your operational efficiency. This guide is here as your compass, leading you towards optimizing your ecommerce operations with Shopify’s built-in B2B functionality.

At First Pier, we have an intimate understanding of the strengths of Shopify's B2B suite of features. It's impressive how it allows for customizing catalogs for specific customers, setting payment terms and currencies, and managing multiple customers from a single company profile. And unlike many other platforms, it doesn't require any additional cost; it's all part of your Plus subscription. That's a direct nod to the goal of helping businesses run leaner and meaner.

To give you a sneak peek into what B2B on Shopify offers:

• Customizable B2B storefront: Tailor your store to suit your B2B customers' unique needs.
• Company-specific catalogs: Showcase only the products you want to push to your wholesale customers.
• Purchase Order (PO) number: Keep track of your B2B and draft orders seamlessly.
• Payment terms and currencies: Dictate your preferred mode and terms of payment.

Buckle up and read on as we take a deep dive into B2B on Shopify, helping you unlock the untapped potential of wholesale buyers and scale your online presence. We're here to guide you through the art of B2B sales, done right, on the Shopify platform.

Understanding the Basics of B2B on Shopify

What is B2B on Shopify?

B2B, also known as Business-to-Business, on Shopify refers to the suite of features that Shopify provides to facilitate wholesale transactions between businesses. Unlike traditional retail sales, which occur between a business and individual consumers (B2C), B2B transactions happen between businesses. This might include bulk sales to retailers or providing goods for another business's operations. Shopify has integrated these B2B functionalities into its platform, eliminating the need for third-party apps or workarounds.

How B2B on Shopify Works

B2B on Shopify is designed to be as intuitive and user-friendly as possible. You can easily set up customer-specific catalogs, payment terms, and currencies. This means you can tailor your offerings to specific customers, offering them the right products at the right prices in their preferred currency.

Furthermore, you can connect multiple customers and locations under a single company profile, simplifying the management process. Whether your customers want to pay via credit card, purchase order, or any other method, Shopify’s B2B features have got you covered.

The Benefits of Using B2B on Shopify

Embracing B2B e-commerce on Shopify can open up a wealth of opportunities for your business. Here are a few key benefits:

1. Reach a Larger Audience: By catering to wholesale buyers, you can tap into a larger market, increasing your sales volume and maximizing your profits.
2. Streamline Operations: With Shopify's B2B features, you can manage both your B2C and B2B operations from the same platform, improving efficiency.
3. Improve Customer Satisfaction: The customization capabilities of Shopify B2B allow you to adapt to the unique needs of your B2B customers, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Drive More Sales: The effectiveness of Shopify Plus in supporting B2B operations has led to a 70% year-over-year growth in its number of B2B merchants, demonstrating the platform's potential to help you drive more sales.
5. Stay Competitive: Shopify Plus offers unmatched capabilities to compete at a high level in an online marketplace that never sleeps.

At First Pier, we can help you leverage these benefits of B2B on Shopify, guiding you through the setup process, optimizing your operations, and scaling your online business. Together, we can unlock the untapped potential of the B2B e-commerce market.

Setting Up B2B on Shopify

Setting up B2B on Shopify might seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it's a lot more manageable than you think. We at First Pier are here to support you every step of the way. Let's dive into the necessary steps to set up B2B sales on your Shopify store.

Creating a Company Profile on Shopify

The first step to setting up B2B on Shopify is creating a company profile. This represents the company that you sell to with B2B. To do this, log into your Shopify admin account and navigate to the Customers section. From there, go to Companies and click on 'Add company'. Here, you'll need to fill in the necessary details such as the company name, ID, and main contact. This is a crucial step in establishing your B2B operations on Shopify.

Configuring a Company Account Request Form

Next, you'll want to configure a company account request form. This is a form that potential customers can fill out on your online store to request access to buy from you as a B2B company. This not only makes it easy for customers to register but also helps you manage your wholesale customer base efficiently.

Adding Multiple Customers and Locations to a Single Company Profile

One of the great features of B2B on Shopify is the ability to add multiple customers and locations to a single company profile. This is particularly useful if you're dealing with large businesses with multiple branches or locations. To add these, you simply provide the shipping and billing addresses for the company. If you have multiple locations, you can assign a location ID to differentiate between them.

This process can vary depending on your specific business requirements and the complexity of your product catalogs. But these steps provide a basic foundation upon which you can build your B2B setup.

With these steps, you're well on your way to setting up a robust B2B operation on Shopify. But remember, the setup is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you start to customize your B2B store to meet your unique business needs and offer a seamless and personalized shopping experience for your wholesale customers.

At First Pier, we're committed to helping you navigate B2B on Shopify. We can guide you through these steps and much more, ensuring that you're fully equipped to harness the power of B2B e-commerce. So, why wait? Let's start your B2B journey on Shopify today.

Key Features of B2B on Shopify

B2B on Shopify is not just about enabling wholesale transactions on your online shop. It's about streamlining operations, enriching the customer experience, and driving growth. Let's delve into some of the key features that make B2B on Shopify a game-changer for businesses.

Customer-Specific Catalogs

In the B2B world, one-size-fits-all doesn't cut it. Each of your clients has unique needs and demands. Shopify Plus allows you to cater to these by creating customized product catalogs for each of your clients. This means you can tailor the products, variations, and prices that each of your B2B customers sees when they log in. This level of personalization helps you provide a tailored buying experience, potentially increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Payment Terms and Currencies

One of the most important aspects of B2B transactions is the flexibility in payment terms. Shopify Plus enables you to offer flexible payment terms to your B2B clients. You can send invoices, set due-on-fulfillment terms, and more. This not only makes it easier for you to manage your cash flow but also reduces payment delays, leading to smoother transactions and happier customers.

Moreover, if you're dealing with international clients, Shopify Plus allows you to set customer-specific currencies. This ensures that your customers can shop and pay in their local currency, making the buying process more seamless and user-friendly.

Purchase Order (PO) Number for B2B Orders and Draft Orders

Keeping track of B2B orders can be a daunting task. But with Shopify Plus, you and your customers can add a Purchase Order (PO) number to B2B orders and draft orders. This significantly simplifies order management and reduces any potential confusion or disputes.

In addition to these, Shopify's B2B suite also offers comprehensive order tracking, streamlined checkout processes, and secure card storage, among other features. All of these are designed to make your B2B operations as smooth and efficient as possible.

At First Pier, we're here to help you leverage these features and more, so you can effectively run your B2B operations and achieve your business goals. Whether you're just starting out in the B2B space or looking to optimize your existing operations, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Pricing and Costs of Shopify B2B Ecommerce

When you're planning to set up B2B operations on Shopify, it's crucial to understand the associated costs. This will allow you to budget appropriately and ensure that there are no unexpected surprises down the line. Let's take a closer look at the pricing plans that Shopify offers for B2B businesses.

Basic Shopify B2B Pricing Plan

For businesses just starting out in the B2B space, the Basic Shopify plan can be a cost-effective starting point. This plan costs $39 per month and comes with two staff accounts. However, you may find that as your business grows, you'll need more features and resources, which are offered in the higher-tier plans.

The Shopify plan is $105 per month, and it comes with five staff accounts and added features like useful reporting and internationalization features. For larger businesses, the Advanced Shopify plan is priced at $399 per month, offering up to 15 staff accounts and advanced reporting features.

Revenue-Based Pricing for High Revenue Businesses

If your business brings in more than $1 million per year, you should consider Shopify Plus. This plan starts at $2,000 per month and offers a host of additional features.

However, it's important to note that if your revenue is above $800,000 per month, the fee becomes a revenue-based model. In this case, you'll pay 0.25% of your monthly revenue. This pricing structure provides scalability, as the cost of using Shopify Plus is proportionate to your revenue.

At First Pier, we understand that every business is unique, and your choice of Shopify plan will depend on your specific needs and budget. We're here to help you navigate these options and choose the plan that's right for you.

The cost of running a B2B operation on Shopify is not just about the monthly fees. You should also consider the cost of additional applications to extend the platform's capabilities. On average, our merchant partners spend about $250 per month on apps.

In conclusion, Shopify's transparent pricing structure makes it a popular choice for B2B businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a small start-up or an established enterprise, there's a Shopify plan that can cater to your needs and help you grow your B2B operations.

B2B vs B2C on Shopify: Understanding the Differences

As you navigate ecommerce, understanding the distinction between B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) models is crucial. While Shopify serves as a robust platform for both, the nature of transactions, sales cycles, and user experience can vary significantly between the two.

Sales Cycles in B2B and B2C

B2C transactions usually involve direct sales to consumers, such as ordering a book on Amazon or subscribing to a streaming service. The sales cycles in B2C are typically short and straightforward as they rarely require negotiation.

On the other hand, B2B transactions often involve complex processes and longer sales cycles. For instance, if you're using B2B on Shopify to sell manufacturing components to an automobile company, the transaction will likely involve multiple stakeholders, negotiations, and approval processes. The complexity of these transactions is why B2B sales cycles are usually longer in comparison to B2C.

Stakeholders, Negotiations, and Approval Processes in B2B

In a B2B transaction, multiple decision-makers are often involved in the purchasing process. This can include managers, executives, or even a procurement team, depending on the size and structure of the business. This contrasts with B2C, where often the decision-maker is the individual consumer themselves.

Negotiations are another hallmark of B2B transactions. Using B2B on Shopify, you might negotiate pricing, payment terms, or delivery schedules with your business clients. This is usually not the case in B2C transactions, where prices are typically fixed and non-negotiable.

Approval processes are another aspect of B2B transactions that are typically not seen in B2C. For example, a purchase order may need to go through several layers of approval before a purchase is finalized. This can extend the sales cycle but also allows for greater accuracy and accountability in the process.

Understanding these differences is key in tailoring your ecommerce strategy, whether you're primarily B2B, B2C, or a mix of both. At First Pier, we specialize in helping businesses navigate these complexities, leveraging the powerful features of Shopify to drive growth and success in the online marketplace. Whether you're looking to enhance your B2B operations or streamline your B2C sales, we're here to help.

Expanding into B2B Market: Strategies and Tips

The digital world has transformed the way businesses operate, and B2B ecommerce on platforms like Shopify is a testament to this shift. As we navigate the complexities of online selling, understanding the B2B market's dynamics and the strategies to succeed in it becomes imperative.

The Importance of B2B Market

The B2B market is a juggernaut, and the opportunities it presents are too significant to be ignored. It's projected to be five times larger than the direct-to-consumer (DTC) market, underlining the immense potential it holds for businesses willing to explore it. Moreover, McKinsey analysis shows that online sales in the US retail jumped 40 percent year over year in 2021, suggesting a promising trajectory for those venturing into the B2B ecommerce space.

Successful Strategies Used by B2B Brands

In the realm of B2B on Shopify, numerous brands have carved a niche for themselves by leveraging digital channels effectively. There's much to learn from their success stories. For instance, Amazon, which accounts for 37.8% of all ecommerce sales, owes its success to a relentless focus on customer convenience, offering a broad range of products and fast, reliable shipping. Similarly, Walmart has integrated its online and offline shopping experiences seamlessly, offering a 'Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store' service that caters to the immediacy that customers crave.

Buyer Trends Impacting Wholesalers

As the B2B landscape evolves, so do buyer behaviors and expectations. There are three key trends driving this change. First, customers are seeking an omnichannel experience, expecting to interact with brands across various platforms seamlessly. Second, personalization is more critical than ever. Online B2B buyers are increasingly switching suppliers for a more "consumer-like" purchasing experience. Finally, customers expect a consistent brand experience across all marketing platforms and channels. Understanding and adapting to these trends is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in B2B ecommerce.

Prioritizing Factors When Expanding into B2B Ecommerce

As your business embarks on the journey of B2B ecommerce, there are certain factors to prioritize. First, you must select a robust ecommerce platform that supports both B2B and DTC selling. Shopify, with its wide array of features, is a strong contender. Second, you need to understand your customers' needs and preferences to offer a personalized buying experience. Lastly, it's crucial to establish detailed transparency into your ecommerce profits and losses and earmark specific ecommerce marketing investment.

In conclusion, expanding into the B2B market on Shopify is not just about adding a new sales channel. It's about understanding the changing dynamics of the market, adapting to them, and leveraging the right strategies to grow your business. And, at First Pier, we're here to help you navigate this journey with our expertise in Shopify development and optimization.

B2B/Wholesale Solution: An All-in-One Wholesale Solution

As you venture into B2B on Shopify, one tool that can significantly enhance your wholesale operations is the B2B/Wholesale Solution. This tool is designed to offer a seamless shopping experience for your B2B customers while providing you with valuable insights from your wholesale customers, all in one place.

Key Features of B2B/Wholesale Solution

The B2B/Wholesale Solution is packed with features that simplify and streamline your wholesale business. One of the key features is the ability to offer custom pricing on selected products. This level of customization helps you establish strong, lasting relationships with your wholesale customers.

Other notable features include:

• Wholesale pricing: You can set custom pricing, amount/quantity breaks, and additional fees.
• Wholesale customers: The tool offers a wholesaler registration form and can automatically tag customers and orders.
• Wholesale features: You can set order limits, quantity increments, and manual orders, among other things.
• Tax Control: Automate VAT exempt and tax display rules to comply with regulations.
• Other features: Create discount codes, set up 'buy one get one' deals, add fields to order, and more.

The B2B/Wholesale Solution provides you with a comprehensive set of tools to manage your wholesale operations effectively.

Pricing Plans of B2B/Wholesale Solution

The B2B/Wholesale Solution offers four pricing plans, each designed to cater to different business needs:

1. Essential Plan: For $25/month, you get unlimited quantity breaks, the ability to create and verify registration forms, auto-tag customers/orders, and add custom notes.
2. Advanced Plan: At $50/month, you get all the features of the Essential Plan plus custom pricing, tax display options, discount codes, order limits, multi-currency support, and more.
3. Platinum: For $100/month, you get access to all the features, including form conditional logic, price per variants, custom price list per customer, import/export pricing rules, and API for pricing.
4. Free Forever: This plan includes all features for development stores, partner test stores, stores under Shopify free trial, and is friendly for developers/agencies.

All charges are billed in USD, with recurring and usage-based charges billed every 30 days.

User Reviews and Ratings of B2B/Wholesale Solution

The B2B/Wholesale Solution has received high praise from merchants. They highly recommend this app for its comprehensive B2B and wholesale features, including custom pricing, customer registration, and order minimums. Users also commend the user-friendly interface, seamless integration with Shopify, and customizable features. Many appreciate the tool's ability to streamline wholesale operations and offer special pricing for B2B customers.

At First Pier, we understand the complexities that come with B2B sales, and we're here to help you make the most of the resources available. With tools like the B2B/Wholesale Solution, optimizing your wholesale operations on Shopify becomes easier and more effective.

Conclusion: Leveraging B2B on Shopify for Business Growth

We've covered a lot of ground, exploring the ins and outs of B2B sales on Shopify. But what does it all boil down to? Simply put, leveraging B2B on Shopify can significantly transform your business operations and drive your growth in the B2B space.

Harnessing the Power of B2B Ecommerce

It's no secret that B2B ecommerce is growing at a faster rate than B2C, with B2B online sales projected to reach $1.8 trillion in the US by 2023. This trend signifies that businesses are recognizing the potential of B2B ecommerce and turning to platforms like Shopify to capitalize on this growth.

Creating Tailored Buying Experiences

With Shopify, you have the flexibility to create customized product catalogs and pricing lists for each of your clients. This degree of personalization allows you to offer tailored buying experiences to your B2B customers, potentially increasing their satisfaction and loyalty.

Streamlining Your Workflows

Shopify Plus simplifies your workflows with automated payment terms and custom data fields. This reduces the administrative burden and allows you to focus on strategic business activities.

Reaching International Customers

Shopify Plus also allows you to reach international customers with localized storefronts, currencies, and tax exemptions. This international reach can significantly expand your customer base and fuel your business growth.

Capitalizing on Emerging Markets

Finally, exploring B2B ecommerce opportunities in emerging markets can drive significant growth. For instance, Africa has seen significant ecommerce growth, and engaging with these untapped regions can open a wealth of opportunities.

Here at First Pier, we're passionate about helping businesses like yours navigate the complex landscape of ecommerce. With our expertise in Shopify development and optimization, we're ready to support you in building a high-performance online store and achieving sustainable ecommerce growth.

Leveraging B2B on Shopify for your business growth is not only a smart move but also a necessary step in today's digital economy. So, are you ready to take your B2B sales to the next level? Contact us today and start exploring the possibilities with Shopify Plus.

The future of B2B ecommerce is here, and it's on Shopify. It's time to seize the opportunity and drive your business growth. With Shopify and our team at First Pier by your side, you're well-equipped to conquer the B2B market.

The journey to B2B ecommerce success begins with a single step. Take that step with us at First Pier, your trusted partner in Shopify B2B sales. Let's grow together.