BigCommerce has launched B2B Edition, a new offering that enhances the selling experience for B2B enterprise merchants. B2B Edition provides an advanced suite of B2B functionalities through the company’s exclusive partner integration of BundleB2B with BigCommerce Enterprise. The solution helps merchants better facilitate online operations and provide customers with seamless transactions and convenient self-service account capabilities.
BigCommerce Enterprise provides a host of enterprise B2B sales features and integrations with point-of-sale and ERP platforms. B2B Edition expands these functionalities. It streamlines onboarding, support and contract services into one all-inclusive bundle with a single point of contact. B2B companies with complex operations can now add new channels quickly to create B2C-level experiences. Furthermore, companies can run operations for B2B and B2C audiences on a single platform.
B2B eCommerce transaction growth
“United Aqua Group has a unique membership-based business model for pool and spa business owners. This entails a complex set of requirements for our eCommerce backend,” said Scott Ferguson, vice president at United Aqua Group.
“We are able to provide our members all the B2B functionality necessary for their business-specific purchasing. At the same time offering the visual, content-focused experience that gives the feel of a B2C site. We’re confident knowing we now have a flexible and customisable platform that addresses all of our business needs.”
US B2B eCommerce transactions are expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2023. It is expected to account for 17% of all B2B sales in the country. By 2025, 80% of all B2B sales interactions between suppliers and business buyers will take place online. Gartner says 80% of B2B sales interactions between suppliers and buyers will occur in digital channels by 2025.
B2B Edition combines the speed and ease-of-use of BigCommerce’s eCommerce functionality with a focus on platform openness. BigCommerce says it easily connects to mission-critical systems and best-in-breed solutions where needed. It comes with six pre-installed B2B-optimised themes to help businesses get up and running quickly. In addition, the solution enables developers to build freely with open APIs. Additionally, merchants with multiple stores can combine them into one contract whether each individual store uses B2B Edition or not.
Key benefits of B2B Edition include:
- Empower sales teams. Speed up deals with the ability of sales reps to create custom quotes and discounts. Sales teams or customer service can also log in, shop and purchase on behalf of customers.
- Decrease friction in the path to purchase. Attract new buyers and make life easier for loyal customers. Advanced payment options, shared shopping lists and buy-again capabilities allow customers to buy their way.
- Tailor the customer experience. Define custom account hierarchies and price lists to show each customer exactly what they need to see.
“We are advancing B2B digital experiences through enterprise functionality, platform openness and flexibility. This should enable a modernised eCommerce experience for B2B merchants and their customers,” said MaryAnn Bekkedahl, senior vice president of business development at BigCommerce.
“B2B Edition gives sellers a distinct advantage of a B2C-like shopping experience. This helps businesses sell faster, convert at a higher rate and create repeat purchasing and loyalty.”
Enterprise Times: What this means for business?
BigCommerce has been successful in providing eCommerce services and solutions mainly to small businesses. The company has slowly been chomping on the heels of Shopify and Woo Commerce. Its ambitions of going upmarket and appealing to larger companies have been achieved with online stores with Ben & Jerry’s, Molton Brown, Skullcandy and Vodaphone. Now BigCommerce is paying its attention to the B2B marketplace. So, it’s not surprising that BigCommerce has sought to further enhance its B2B offering.
Many B2B businesses are looking to develop digital channels. They may need to supplement Covid-19 revenue losses, outperform competitors or pivot their business model to comply with regulations. However, transitioning to digital is complex. It requires integrating a variety of platforms and processes. Ensuring crucial processes such as quoting is brought to the digital experience in the correct way will be vital. BigCommerce’s B2B Edition will definitely be a service offering to watch.
