Unified b2c and b2b E-Commerce Website: Importance for Business
Ever since the e-commerce industry emerged, there has been no looking back. That is to say that the sector has done exceedingly well for itself. The sector has also evolved considerably since then, giving us at least two key forms of an e-commerce business: B2B and B2C. Now, as the world pursues efficiencies along with better growth, there is growing consensus that integration of B2B and B2C e-commerce websites is the way forward.
Today more and more companies are trying to sell both consumers and businesses to grow sales and increase their market share. Organizations either make a product or sell in larger quantities can take advantage of economies of scale and generate huge margins selling direct to consumers rather than just to companies at a bulk discount.
Though traditionally, many companies split up their sites for B2B and B2C channels to simplify operations because the two markets were so different
They are correct and here are some key benefits of such integration to help you see why that is.
1. Reduced costs of operations: The thing about operating two different websites for two different sets of customers means that the e-commerce company has to deal with nearly double the costs as well. Of course, this is not great for business, though it can be easily dealt with via the integration of B2B and B2C e-commerce websites. Wait, does that not take a toll on each of the two individual business’ operations? Provided such integration is strategized and executed carefully.
2. Enhanced reach: Unless involving extraordinary circumstances (i.e. products), both B2B and B2C businesses have their customer base and reach. Now, if you were to integrate the two, i.e. integrate your B2C and B2B e-commerce website, you would be able to instantly enhance your reach. Think about it: the B2C business will have access to B2B customers and the other way round as well. This can play a huge role in improving the customer acquisition rate for the business.
3. Streamlined catalog: See, if you are catering to two different categories of customers, it is a given that you will end up developing and maintaining two different catalogs as well. Do you know what can help you save all that effort? Integrating your B2C and B2B operations, of course; with a single site, companies can put all their products into one catalog which is much easier to maintain and also helps eliminate a lot of complexities from processes and operations.
4. Ease of operations: When you develop and operate two different websites to cater to the needs of each customer type, you end up needing a whole lot more expertise, resources, and investment than you would if you were running just one website. So, integrating the B2B and B2C operations of your e-commerce business allows you to greatly simplify operations, which can go a long way in enhancing overall efficiency and productivity across the board.
There is no doubt about the fact that the world of e-commerce business and how companies go about executing their businesses has changed dramatically over the years. Out of all the changes, the shift from exclusively engaging in B2C sales or B2B sales to selling to both types of customers is easily one of the biggest and one of the most interesting changes for this sector.
This is large because of the world of benefits companies stand to gain from the decision to sell to both consumers of their products as well as other businesses. Of course, such an undertaking necessitates the support of robust technology-driven tools. So if you too are looking to implement such integration for your business, we recommend you start with looking for a trusted name for b2c mobile app development and take it from there.
