E-commerce has become an integral part of consumer habits.
It was only a trend a few years ago, but it has been greatly reinforced since the start of the health crisis.
Buyers have become accustomed to ordering easily, quickly and effortlessly.
These behaviors, which can be found among all Internet users, are now spreading to professional buyers.
When you buy materials from a supplier, you now expect it to be as simple as on a B2C e-commerce site.
The company’s sales strategy must therefore adapt to these new needs.
The simplest solution is to set up a B2B e-commerce site. 
B2B or B2C site?
“B2C” stands for “Business to Consumer”.
Commercial relations are established directly between the company and the consumers of the products it sells.
All marketing is also directed at the private consumer.
“B2B” stands for “Business to Business”.
In this case, commercial relations are established from business to business.
B2B companies therefore target professional buyers.
For the same product, B2B sales often generate lower margins than B2C sales, but involve larger quantities.
B2C requires a large number of customers to be profitable.
B2B can operate with fewer customers.
As sales volumes are high, turnover increases more rapidly.
The most important thing is to establish reliable, long-term relationships with your customers.
Often, B2C e-commerce sites also offer a B2B section for professional customers. 
Why have a B2B e-commerce site?
To simplify purchasing processes
If you trade with companies rather than individuals, creating a B2B e-commerce site is undoubtedly a good idea.
This is because the professional buyers who manage your customers’ accounts are also consumers.
They’re used to ordering products and goods online for their own personal use.
Using an e-commerce site is very easy, and makes it possible to order any available product.
Professional buyers now want to be able to order the products they need for their business as easily as they can buy consumer goods on a B2C e-commerce site.
Traditional purchasing channels can sometimes be long and complex.
Setting up a B2B e-commerce site greatly simplifies the buying and selling process.
Your customers can easily consult your product catalog and order directly what they need.
After all, a B2B e-commerce store reflects the most widespread consumer habits.
To win over prospects and improve your conversion rate
Offering your business customers a B2B e-commerce site will increase your visibility on the web.
Professional buyers prefer to do their research on the web, comparing products and suppliers.
Only then will they decide to place an order.
The more visible your B2B e-commerce site is, the greater your chances of attracting new prospects.
Furthermore, thanks to your site, you’re free from constraints that could block an order.
Opening hours or geographical distance are no longer obstacles to converting a site visit into a firm order.
Furthermore, by implementing a genuine digital strategy within the company, you can attract new customers.
By linking social networks to your B2B e-commerce site, you can develop this sales channel, increase its visibility and accessibility, and improve your conversion rate.
Some examples of well-known B2B companies
Many companies, large and small, offer the products their business customers need on their B2B e-commerce sites.
Some of them are mixed and also do B2C business.
These sites have all been developed with Prestashop.
Mondial Visas
The principle is simple.
Customers can select the type of visa they require for the chosen country, and fill in all the necessary information.
They then send the original documents (passport in particular) by Chronopost.
The site then takes care of the necessary formalities at the consulate or embassy.
The passport and visa can then be returned by post, or collected from an agency.
This site operates both B2C for individuals and B2B for companies whose employees travel abroad.
Site : https://www.mondial-visas.com/
The Council of Europe
In particular, the site features an online bookshop where you can order a wide range of titles on topics as varied as the Parliamentary Assembly, human rights, the environment, education, youth, culture and sport.
The site is multi-currency and multi-boutique.
It sells both physical and dematerialized products.
Site : https://book.coe.int/fr/
Echamat Kernst
Echamat Kernst rents and sells construction and industrial equipment.
Products range from site machinery and construction equipment to personal protective equipment and professional scaffolding.
Site : https://www.magasin-ek.com/
To conclude on B2B sites
As you can see, offering your business customers a B2B e-commerce site can boost your sales.
It also improves your visibility on the web, enabling you to find new prospects.
By making it easier for your customers to order your products, you facilitate the act of buying and significantly improve your conversion rate.
I can put my e-commerce expertise to work for you.
I’ll support you throughout your B2B e-commerce project, from needs analysis to development and training, right through to going live.
Don’t hesitate to contact me, and we’ll work together to find the solution best suited to your needs.
