B2B Ecommerce 2018

Business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce sales will have explosive growth in coming years and will soon rise beyond the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, according to industry forecasts. B2B buyers want to make business purchases online, and B2B companies continue to see the benefits of using ecommerce to supplement their existing buying mechanisms.

• While digital has been transforming B2B sales for more than two decades, there is still a need for more complex solutions to support the intricacies of B2B commerce. B2Bs typically work with a consultancy to determine how aggressive their digital sales strategy should be and the best way to implement it.
• Direct web stores are the most common type of B2B ecommerce. B2Bs either build in-house or partner with a vendor to craft an on-site experience that will serve their buyers. Features like advanced search, detailed content, custom account specifications and mobile accessibility are all important.
• Many B2Bs are enhancing their direct offerings through hybrid approaches that balance a blend of online self-service with human-assisted sales.
• Indirect digital channels—like a distributor or marketplace—aren’t as common as direct, and B2Bs must carefully weigh the pros and cons of selling through these methods.
• Ecommerce will not replace traditional sales. Digital channels should be considered an extension of current models and part of an omnichannel strategy.
• The success of omnichannel commerce hinges on technological integration unifying all systems.

WHAT’S IN THIS REPORT? This report will explore how B2B buying and selling are transforming as digital commerce continues to grow. It will discuss best practices for strategy across ecommerce channels, how digital works together with traditional sales, as well as the importance of omnichannel commerce and tech integration.