“E-commerce” is among the terms that have dominated the B2B sales industry in last few years. While some may be somewhat new to the concept, it’s interesting to note that the first commercially available platform can be traced back to 1995 with the introduction of the Amazon marketplace. Since the dawn of the Internet, the concept of e-commerce has continued to evolve.
While this is great news for industry experts, what about those with little experience or simply starting their foray into the digital space? While we all know that ecommerce bundles are an awesome way to stay one step ahead of the competition, finding the right software package can still be tricky. So let’s examine some of the most significant traits that must be present if you hope to make the right decision.
Scalability
Many would argue that flexibility is the most significant attribute of any e-commerce service. After all, the needs of young B2B companies tend to be very different from those of companies that have been around for more than a decade. So, it is clear to see that scalability is extremely important.
Is it possible (and easy) to upgrade the platform when needed? Can additional B2B sales channels be added at a moment’s notice? Will the software work in synergy with multiple operating systems and does it offer a mobile-friendly design? These are some questions to ask before committing to a particular service or product.
Strong Security Level
B2B transactions are now carried out over the Internet and obviously, security is a really real concern. This is even more relevant when we consider that 15 percent of all small businesses have experienced some type of cybersecurity threat in the past year (1). A powerful cloud-based firewall, use of state-of-the-art SSL encryption and a secure point-of-sale system are all important attributes to look out for when examining an ecommerce platform designed for the B2B sector.
“Headless” design.
How does the term “headless” relate to the e-commerce sector? Headless refers to how the software itself is designed. Headless e-commerce platform offers back and front communication in a single interface. For example, website developer actions can be integrated with existing servers and databases. Why is this important?
Headless systems allow businesses to quickly analyze, interpret, and update related B2B channels when needed. Since this will occur via a centralized framework it’s also much easier to track each modification as it’s made. The goal is to increase client satisfaction and finally, to enable your business to generate more revenue.
Superior Level of Customer Support
Even those who are familiar with B2B e-commerce will still have questions every now and then. This is why a provider must be capable to offer multiple solutions, and we do not just refer to the page dedicated to commonly asked questions in this sense. Modern services should even be complemented by multiple support channels including:
- A phone number
- An e-mail address
- Auto chat widget
It is also wise to choose a platform that will provide you with a dedicated account specialist. Because he’s more likely to know your organization’s needs over time, the right solution can be offered.
Proven Case Studies
Word of mouth is extremely important these days. Keep in mind that e-commerce companies also tend to be marketing specialists. In other words, they all the time want to present their services and products in the best light possible. Be sure to get an objective opinion. One of the signals related to a superior level of transparency is an e-commerce company that’s willing to provide previous case studies; particularly if they had dealings with well-known organizations in the past.
User Friendly Configuration
How easy is it to update the ecommerce software in question? Will you all the time need technical help or can your internal staff do most of the work? How long is the worker orientation period? The user-friendliness of any B2B ecommerce bundle is a final consideration that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Otherwise, you may experience frustrating levels of downtime while carrying out even the simplest modifications.
These are some of the most significant advantages to look out for when choosing the best ecommerce platform for your B2B needs. These systems haven’t only come a long way in last few years, but are often the most cost-effective option at your disposal. If you hope to accomplish a lofty goal in such a competitive community, the guidance outlined above will prove invaluable.
