Choose the Best eCommerce Software for Your B2B Organization

Choose the Best eCommerce Software for Your B2B Organization
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Back in 2018, Forrester predicted B2B eCommerce sales would reach $1.2 trillion by 2021. It surpassed
that number in 2019. Now there is no more doubt in a B2B eCommerce strategy. So how do you choose
the best software for your organization?

The best B2B eCommerce software should have these three features.
1 – Robust configurations
The best eCommerce platforms have robust integrations with CPQ solutions to empower your
customers to configure your products according to their specifications. Full and robust customization
options and even visual configurators are what will elevate your customer experience, boosting the
confidence of your customers to convert right then and there.
2 – Diverse pricing options
Is your pricing displayed on your website? Does it change based on the channel (partners vs direct)? How
much do customizations factor into the price? This is one of the bare requirements that elevate any
eCommerce platform to one meant for B2B organizations like yours. How that platform presents and
dynamically changes pricing should be a core element when reviewing software.
3 – Consultations and quotes
Every eCommerce platform you consider should give you the opportunity to set up consultations and
quotes for your products or services based on what the customer is seeking. Having your eCommerce
platform directly connected to your CRM allows your forms and other contact methods to be stored in
one place. This makes for a smoother purchasing process behind the scenes for your salespeople.
So which B2B eCommerce software is right for your organization?

Let’s look at some of the leading B2B eCommerce software and weigh the pros and cons of each platform.

Shopify Plus
Shopify is a platform known for state-of-the-art eCommerce, especially their B2B eCommerce solution.
Shopify prioritizes user experience, and delivers on all bare minimum requirements that your eCommerce
platform should have.

Pros:

• Integrates with CPQ software like Epicor
• Advanced custom pricing
• One-step checkout
• Dedicated storefronts through the same back-end
• Wholesale capabilities
• Ecommerce automation
• Level 1 PCI DSS compliant
Cons:

• Limited content capabilities
• Locked into Shopify as a full platform
• Relies on apps for customization
• Limited product variations

Magento
Magento is one of the most popular B2B eCommerce solutions around, and one of the only ones meant
specifically for B2B. This open-source platform offers incredible features and functions that can be
installed on any site. Magento also provides all our bare requirements for a good B2B eCommerce
solution.

Pros:

• Free to download
• Completely customizable and extendable features
• Large selection of integrations
• Great content marketing capabilities
• Integrates with CPQ software like Epicor
• Dedicated storefronts through the same back-end
• Unlimited product variations
• Instant cart and check-out pages

Cons:

• Large learning curve that requires a developer to implement

• Limited support
• Doesn’t include hosting, security, and back-ups
• Magento commerce plan (the premium) is costly
• Compliance is on the shoulders of the business (that’s you!)

Salesforce Commerce Cloud
If your organization is already using (or is looking to move to) Salesforce, then the Salesforce Commerce
Cloud should be the first place you look for a B2B eCommerce solution. Because it’s a part of the
Salesforce ecosystem, it already works seamlessly with your CRM, inventory, and quoting systems.

Pros:
• Super easy and fast deployment
• Feature rich based on customer feedback
• Cloud-based
• Minimal IT intervention for upgrades or new additions
• Premium support
• Integrates with CPQ software like Epicor

Cons:
• Inconsistent UI
• Too many options and features

Upgrade to the best B2B eCommerce platform for your business in 2021.
B2B eCommerce is growing exponentially as we head into 2021. Lead the way into the future of B2B
selling by choosing the best B2B eCommerce platform for your organization.