Today, we’ll discuss the best B2B Platforms to know. Not forgetting, these B2B (Business-To-Business) platforms offer an Online Marketplace where businesses can buy and sell products or services with other businesses. They assist businesses in connecting with each other, sharing information, and conducting transactions in a secure and reliable environment.
One thing is for sure, these business-to-business or B2B eCommerce platforms continue to grow in popularity as businesses steadily pivot to digital structures. As consumers are drawn to businesses that offer the convenience of online shopping, B2B sellers must also meet the heightened demand of an influx of wholesalers, large retailers, and resellers online.
On that note, every marketer knows that establishing a digital presence is more essential than ever to business growth. Thus, B2B Sales and other business marketing experts can’t afford to ignore it anymore. One way to get digital is through a B2B ecommerce platform that offers automation, personalization, and efficiency at cost-effective prices.
Technically, these B2B Platforms have become an integral part of the e-commerce sector and have revolutionized all conventional buying and selling methods. According to the latest stats, B2B e-commerce is expected to grow by another 20% in 2023. Not only this, but Statista has predicted that 17% of the entire B2B sales would be generated through online means.
Why B2B Platforms Matter To Digital Online Web Businesses
Firstly, these B2B Platforms reduce costs associated with sales and marketing. Secondly, they also help reduce the overall business infrastructure and overhead costs. Whilst, lowering marketing expenses, and lessening the need for intermediaries. Of course, they still incur some expenditures, yes, but compared to traditional marketing techniques they are more cost-effective.
B2B Platforms enable sellers to reach the mass market at scale. It also provides a consistent and constant omnichannel presence, giving customers access to services whatever their geographical locations and time zones are. Aside from expanding your customer reach, shifting to them provides several strengths that ultimately help drive B2B growth by far.
The technology that powers B2B platforms eliminates labor-intensive manual processes that hamper traditional B2B sales models. They automate sales processes, foster better partner relationships, boost customer engagement, and improve business productivity. But, B2B Platforms also offer other numerous benefits for businesses to drive growth and sales.
Below are a few of the other benefits:
- These platforms provide businesses with access to a large number of potential customers from various demographics
- B2B Platforms also enable businesses to streamline their procurement process and reduce transaction costs
- A safe environment for businesses to transact with each other helps build trust and reduce the risk of fraud or disputes
- The trend of B2B business comes with great opportunities to collaborate with other businesses from across the globe
- A seamless and convenient experience for customers, allowing them to search for and purchase products or services easily
As an example, we can consider Leeline as a well-known company for organizing the safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation of goods. Whereby, you can get a secure and reliable solution for all your freight requirements in China. That said, the company heavily relies on some of the topmost B2B Platforms in order to power up its online marketplace business.
The Topmost Trusted B2B Platforms For Online Marketplace Trading
Just like we aforementioned, B2B (Business-To-Business), a type of electronic commerce (e-commerce), is the exchange of products, services, or information between businesses, rather than between businesses and consumers (B2C). A B2B transaction is conducted between two companies, such as wholesalers and online retailers.
An industry report forecasts the B2B commerce market to achieve sales of over $2.4 trillion by 2025. This is almost double the $1.5 trillion in sales in 2021, making B2B commerce one of the fastest-growing sales models today. With these platforms, you can turn your WordPress website into an eCommerce shop optimized for both B2C and B2B customers.
Generally speaking, the are many tools that facilitate cross-border trading. But, the B2B Platforms listed below are some of the most trusted and reliable applications in the world that facilitate trade operations worldwide. Thus, businesses can choose the platform that best suits their needs and can be assured of a secure and reliable business experience.
1. Amazon
First on the list is Amazon Business which is a highly popular and widely used B2B Marketing platform in the world. It was founded by American business tycoon Jeff Bezos in 1994. Businesses can access millions of products and services. Including office supplies, industrial equipment, electronics, beauty, healthcare, IT solutions, and plenty more via this website.
It also offers tools such as spend analytics and integration with procurement systems to help businesses manage their purchases more efficiently. It operates in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and India. Amazon Business is a highly reliable trading forum known for its competitive pricing.
As well as fast and reliable delivery, and excellent customer service. Still, while Amazon doesn’t quite fit the description of the other platforms listed, according to B2B eCommerce trends, B2B sales through online marketplaces like Amazon are expected to grow. The reason for this actually makes complete logical sense. Today, more millennials hold executive positions.
And, as they’re very familiar with these types of online marketplaces, they’re seeing how Amazon can be used for professional purposes too. If you want to go this route, though, it’s recommended that you check out a tool like Pacvue Commerce, an enterprise platform software suite for advertising, sales, and intelligence that acts like an algorithmic operations manager.
2. Alibaba
Alibaba.com is a name that needs no introduction. It is the world’s largest trading platform, connecting millions of buyers and suppliers from around the world. Founded in Hangzhou, China, in 1999 by Jack Ma, the company was initially founded as a business-to-business online marketplace connecting Chinese manufacturers with overseas buyers.
Today, Alibaba Group is one of the world’s largest technology companies, with operations in more than 200 countries and a market capitalization of over $500 billion. It is the biggest global b2b online directory offering a wide range of products and services, including e-commerce, logistics, and finance.
It is known for its secure platform, advanced search algorithms, and comprehensive customer service. This website is a hub of top-rated foreign suppliers and wholesalers. Equally important, just like Amazon, it offers unified analytics and recommended actions that help you to uncover new opportunities to help grow your business faster.
3. Tradewheel.com
Tradewheel.com is a leading US foreign trade forum that has been operating for over two decades in the e-commerce sector. It is designed to help businesses find authentic suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors of products and services. This b2b sourcing platform offers amazing features such as a product catalog, buyers directory, etc.
As well as trade shows, and real-time communication tools to help businesses find and connect with their desired partners. Tradewheel.com also provides bulk discounts, secure payment options, logistics support, and quality assurance services to ensure smooth and safe transactions for both buyers and sellers.
They have a dedicated team of ISMs to help businesses streamline their purchasing processes and save time and money. This platform is creating numerous worldwide business opportunities.
4. SeeBiz
SeeBiz is a top-rated b2b portal and networking platform that allows buyers and importers from around the globe to connect with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors in one place. It aims to help business traders build relationships and find new opportunities for growth and expansion. It’s a social platform where businesses can conveniently connect with each other.
Thus this platform is putting an end to the hassle that comes with traditional ways of doing wholesale business. They have a massive directory of over 650,000 from authentic international suppliers. SeeBiz also provides a mobile application that allows users to access the platform from anywhere, making it easier to connect with other businesses on the go.
5. Thomasnet
Thomasnet.com is a leading B2B platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing in the US and Canada. It connects international buyers and suppliers in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and engineering. It was founded in 1898 as the Thomas Register of American Manufacturers, a printed directory of industrial manufacturers in the US.
This portal is known for its comprehensive database, advanced search functionality, and amazing customer service. With a vast network of over 500,000 suppliers and millions of products. Overall, it is a valuable resource for businesses looking to source industrial products and services. It connects with verified suppliers to stay informed about industry news and trends.
6. Global Sources
Global Sources is one of the best foreign trade promotion platforms that has been functional for more than three decades. It is based in Hong Kong and is dubbed as the key facilitator in promoting trade with Mainland China. This platform also hosts trade shows and conferences throughout Asia, allowing buyers and suppliers to meet in person and connect with industry pros.
The platform also covers various industries, including consumer electronics, cosmetics, apparel, home products, machinery, and fashion accessories. Global Sources is known for its comprehensive verification process, which ensures that all suppliers on the platform are legitimate and reliable.
6. Europages
Europages is a B2B platform that connects buyers and suppliers in Europe. It offers a wide range of products and services, including industrial equipment, chemicals, and construction materials. Europages is known for its comprehensive database, advanced search functionality, and excellent customer service. The platform offers a massive variety of products.
In particular, from more than 3 million companies in all b2b sectors. It also provides a range of marketing and advertising services to help companies promote their products and services to potential customers across Europe and beyond.
7. DHgate
DHgate is a leading B2B marketplace platform that connects worldwide buyers with Chinese wholesalers and manufacturers. The website was founded in 2004 and is based in Beijing, China. DHgate offers a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, jewelry, home and garden items, and more.
The website has a huge user base, with buyers from over 200 countries and regions. One of the unique features of DHgate is its buyer protection program, which provides safeguards for buyers against fraud, defective products, and other issues.
8. Shopify
Whether you want to add a wholesale option to your existing online retail store or have a dedicated B2B site, Shopify lets you do either on one platform. B2B on Shopify has all the ecommerce features we’re familiar with—then augments them with the essential wholesale features B2B sellers need to run their business online.
Its suite of tools includes advanced theme customization, customer-specific pricing, flexible payment terms, customer authentication, and variable discounts. It also provides you access to Shopify Functions, Shopify APIs, and other native integrations. To minimize friction, it enables seamless enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration with major providers.
Such as Acumatica, Brightpearl, and NetSuite. It also enables integrations with customer relationship management (CRM) and over a thousand business apps. This allows you to easily integrate existing business tools and run your business smoothly. Shopify lends your business more credibility which is crucial when you are building a brand.
9. EC21
EC21 is an international e-commerce platform that was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in South Korea. It provides various services to its users, including a searchable online directory of suppliers and manufacturers, trade alerts, product catalogs, and more. The website is available in multiple languages and has a large international user base.
Buyers or sellers can create a free account and start browsing products or posting listings. The website also offers various paid services and advertising options for businesses looking to increase their visibility on the platform. EC21 is helping buyers around the world how to find wholesalers that are reliable and can fulfill their business needs seamlessly.
10. Made In China
Made In China is a leading name in the e-commerce industry that is a hub of Chinese suppliers and manufacturers. The website was founded in 1998 and is based in Hangzhou, China. Made-in-China.com offers an extensive range of products, including machinery, electronics, apparel, cosmetics, and more. It has over 10 million registered users and a massive global reach.
This website provides a convenient and reliable platform for businesses looking to source products from China exclusively and offers a range of features to help facilitate transactions and ensure buyer satisfaction.
How To Choose The Best B2B Platform To Drive Your eCommerce Business
When choosing a platform, it’s important to consider your specific business needs and requirements to find the best match for your company. By considering the following factors, you can choose a suitable B2B platform to power your business yourself.
Here is how to go about it:
- Choose a medium that brings out the most satisfactory solution and makes the purchasing process easiest.
- Look for a platform that offers the features and functionality you need to run your business effectively. For example, things like payment processing, inventory management, order tracking, and customer management.
- Pick a platform that offers an easy-to-use interface that is also visually appealing.
- Make sure the platform you choose has robust security features to protect your business and your customers, as b2b transactions involve sensitive information like payment details and personal data.
- Choose a platform that offers support when you need it. This includes technical support and all the resources to help you get all the queries resolved.
- Look for a platform that offers pricing that is inexpensive and affordable for the products and services you need.
Overall, B2B Platforms are tools that help power up the product marketplace. As a space for different buyers and sellers to trade products with each other. The most popular example of this is Amazon. Whereby, marketplaces are categorically organized so that many sellers have the opportunity to sell their products or services wherever they are in the world.
Summary Notes:
People are calling B2B eCommerce the next frontier of eCommerce and they’re not wrong! Experts estimate the value of the global B2B eCommerce market at US$12.2 trillion by the end of 2025. That’s over six times the value of the B2C market. B2B Platforms can help to expand your B2C store into a B2B/B2C hybrid, or you want to scale your current B2B business.
Simply put, a B2B eCommerce Platform, is an eCommerce platform that enables wholesale eCommerce between business customers, as opposed to between a business and a private customer (B2C). As we have discussed, most B2B eCommerce Platforms offer many distinct benefits to sellers. Such as the ability to reach a whole new subset of customers (businesses).
As well as to streamline your sales processes to make your business more efficient and more profitable, and leverage big data. Grow and run your wholesale business on B2B Platforms with tools optimized for flexibility and customization, for all your buyers. Sell wholesale together with the rest of your business from one intuitive admin, no apps or coding are required.
