In today’s fast-paced business world, companies need efficient and reliable platforms to manage their transactions and operations. B2B (business-to-business) platforms have become essential tools for modern businesses looking to streamline their processes, increase revenue, and stay competitive. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best B2B platforms for modern businesses in 2023, highlighting their key features and benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Shopify is a versatile platform suitable for various ecommerce needs.
- BigCommerce is known for its ease of use, making it a popular choice for businesses.
- Amazon Business offers a vast marketplace with extensive reach.
- Grainger specializes in industrial supplies and MRO products.
- DHgate connects businesses with Chinese manufacturers for bulk purchases.
1. Shopify
Shopify is a top choice for businesses looking to sell online. It offers a range of plans to suit different needs, from small startups to large enterprises. The platform is known for its ease of use and extensive features.
Pricing Plans
Shopify has several pricing plans:
| Plan | Annual Cost | Month-to-Month Cost | Transaction Fees (Online) | Third-Party Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $5/month | $5 | 5% | N/A |
| Basic | $29/month | $39 | 2.9% + $0.30 | 2% |
| Shopify | $79/month | $105 | 2.7% + $0.30 | 1% |
| Advanced | $299/month | $399 | 2.5% + $0.30 | 0.60% |
| Plus | $2,300/month | N/A | Custom | 0.20% |
Key Features
- Unlimited Products
- POS Lite
- Online Store and Website
- Abandoned Cart Recovery
- Marketing Automations
- Shipping Discounts
- Import Taxes
- B2B Sales
- 24/7 Support
Service and Support
Shopify offers 24/7 support through email, live chat, and phone. The platform also has a helpful chatbot that can answer most questions by referring to Shopify’s documentation. If you need more help, live agents are friendly and knowledgeable.
Shopify is ideal for omnichannel sellers and those who want to use unique AI features in their workflows.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free 3-day trial, then one month for $1
- Most dropshipping integrations
- Omnichannel selling
- POS functionality
- Multiple payment methods
Cons:
- No free plan
- Must purchase a custom domain name
- Limited selection of free themes
Expert Scores
| Decision Factor | Score | Scoring Weight | Expert Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Features | 25% | High | Shopify offers the best e-commerce tools for selling products or dropshipping. |
| Site-Building Tools | 20% | Medium | Create an online store with themes or custom code, but only 12 free themes. |
| Payment Processing | 15% | Medium | Standard rates for Shopify Payments; lower rates with higher-tier plans. |
| Pricing and Value | 10% | Low | Expensive, with extra fees for third-party payment processors. |
| Service and Support | 10% | Low | 24/7 support available, helpful chatbot. |
Overall, Shopify is a robust platform for modern businesses, though it may be pricey for some budgets and not always user-friendly.
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a robust e-commerce platform designed to help businesses grow their online presence. BigCommerce is built for selling online, offering a range of features that cater to retailers’ needs.
BigCommerce’s plans start at $29 per month (billed annually) and include unlimited storage, bandwidth, and products. The platform supports multiple currencies for international sales and various payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay.
Key Features
- No transaction fees
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Omnichannel selling
- Customer and content segmentation (available in Plus and Pro plans)
- Persistent cart feature
Pricing
| Plan | Annual Cost | Month-to-Month Cost | Unlimited Products | POS Integration | Discounts and Coupons | Customer and Content Segmentation | Abandoned Cart Recovery | Persistent Cart | B2B Price Lists | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $29 per month | $39 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – | – | – | – | 24/7 phone, live chat, and ticket |
| Plus | $79 per month | $105 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – | 24/7 phone, live chat, and ticket |
| Pro | $299 per month | $399 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | – | 24/7 phone, live chat, and ticket |
| Enterprise | By quote | By quote | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Priority 24/7 phone, live chat, and ticket |
Service and Support
BigCommerce offers 24/7 support through phone, live chat, and tickets. While the support agents are friendly, they may not always have the answers you need. For more complex issues, you might need to consult a developer.
BigCommerce is a great platform for growing businesses, offering a wide range of integrations and 24/7/365 customer support.
Who Should Use BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is ideal for online retailers looking to leverage built-in sales and marketing tools to boost leads and sales.
3. Amazon Business
Amazon Business is a platform where businesses can buy items from other businesses. It’s mostly used for business-owned purchases rather than finding inventory to resell. Amazon Business is one of the biggest B2B marketplaces in the world.
Benefits
- Reach a global audience through the marketplace.
- Use Amazon’s reputation and supply chain network.
- 20% of UK buyers and 15% of US buyers make purchases through Amazon Business.
Considerations
- The high level of competition makes it difficult to stand out.
- There’s a lack of control over how you sell and communicate with B2B buyers.
- There are limitations over which product categories can be listed on Amazon’s B2B marketplace.
Pricing
- $39.99 per month plus referral fees from 8%, depending on the product category.
Amazon’s B2B marketing platform is incredible, and it allows you to get a great glimpse and easily evaluate preferred suppliers using your Amazon Business account.
4. Grainger
Grainger is a leading B2B platform that specializes in industrial supply and equipment. It offers a wide range of products to meet the needs of various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
Key Features
- Extensive Product Catalog: Grainger provides an extensive catalog of over 1.6 million products, ensuring that businesses can find exactly what they need.
- Multi-Warehouse Management: This feature allows businesses to manage multiple warehouses efficiently, reducing delivery times and costs.
- Access Control: Grainger offers robust access control, roles, and permissions management to ensure security and accountability.
Benefits
- Wide Reach: Grainger’s platform helps businesses expand their customer bases through B2B channels, optimizing sales strategies.
- Custom Solutions: The platform offers customizable solutions to meet the unique needs of different businesses.
- Real-Time Data: With centralized, real-time data on inventory, businesses can make informed decisions quickly.
Grainger’s ability to integrate e-commerce with B2B platforms makes it a versatile choice for modern businesses looking to streamline their operations and expand their market reach.
Conclusion
Grainger stands out as a top B2B platform due to its extensive product range, efficient warehouse management, and robust security features. It’s an excellent choice for businesses aiming to optimize their supply chain and expand their market presence.
5. DHgate
DHgate is a B2B online marketplace that focuses on wholesale products from China. It offers a wide range of items, from fashion to electronics, at competitive prices. What sets DHgate apart is its focus on small and medium-sized businesses. It provides a platform for small business owners to buy products in bulk directly from Chinese manufacturers, helping them save money and increase their profit margins.
DHgate also ensures a secure and easy-to-use platform, with various payment options and buyer protection policies to guarantee safe transactions. Additionally, it offers comprehensive customer service to ensure all buyers are satisfied with their purchases.
Pros
- Immediate access to a global audience
- Multilingual support to reach non-English speaking clients
- Comprehensive catalog, search, filtering options, and promotional features
Cons
- Intense competition
- Associated fees for sellers, which could impact margins
- Over-reliance on a vendor might expose sellers to potential risks
- Lack of customization capabilities
6. Pepperi
Pepperi is a B2B eCommerce platform tailored for brands and wholesalers. It offers a range of features that make it a strong contender in the B2B space.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use with no coding experience required
- Excellent integration with existing systems like ERP, CRM, and accounting software
- Customizable plans that fit any budget
Cons:
- Limited payment options (only credit/debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer)
- Relatively expensive compared to other platforms
- Integration process might be complex or require expert help
Pepperi is a great choice for businesses looking for a B2B-focused solution with excellent integration capabilities. However, the limited payment options and potential hidden costs might be a drawback for some users.
7. WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a powerful plugin that allows you to turn a WordPress site into a fully functional online store. It’s free to use, but you might need to purchase additional extensions to unlock its full potential.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free to use
- Highly customizable
- Supports various payment gateways
- Offers a wide range of extensions
Cons:
- Requires separate hosting, domain, and SSL certificate
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Additional plugins can be costly
Key Features
- Transform a WordPress site into an online store
- Accept online bookings and sell subscriptions
- Support for pre-orders and recurring payments
- Wide range of shipping options
Pricing
While the core WooCommerce plugin is free, many of its extensions come at a cost. Prices for extensions range from $0 to $249 each, depending on the functionality you need.
Service and Support
Support is mainly available through documentation and community forums. For more specialized help, you can hire a WooExpert, which costs around $90 per hour.
WooCommerce is ideal for those looking to build a highly customizable and versatile online store. However, it does require some technical know-how and additional investments in hosting and extensions.
Expert Scores
| Decision Factor | Score | Scoring Weight | Expert Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Features | 25% | High | WooCommerce offers a plugin for almost every e-commerce feature you can think of. |
| Site-Building Tools | 20% | Medium | Offers both free and paid themes, making it highly customizable. |
| Payment Processing | 15% | Medium | Supports its own payment processor and third-party options without extra fees. |
| Pricing and Value | 10% | Low | Free core plugin, but extensions can add up. |
| Service and Support | 10% | Low | Limited to documentation and forums; specialized help is costly. |
| Overall Score | – | – | A good choice for a customizable online store, but not the easiest to implement. |
Best For
WooCommerce is best suited for those who already have a WordPress site and want to add e-commerce functionality. It’s also ideal for businesses that need a highly customizable and versatile online store.
8. Wix eCommerce
Wix eCommerce is a robust B2B platform designed to help businesses provide a personalized shopping experience. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop editor that allows you to create stunning websites quickly. With this tool, you can customize your store using powerful design features and add images and videos effortlessly.
Wix eCommerce supports advanced customer profiles and segmentation, enabling businesses to target specific customer groups more effectively. The platform also includes built-in analytics to monitor customer buying behaviors in detail. This helps in identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
Key Features
- Real-time inventory management
- Automated shipping processes
- Secure checkout with encryption
- Multiple currency and language support
- Integration with popular tools like PayPal, Stripe, and QuickBooks
Pricing
Wix eCommerce plans start at $20 per month, with a 14-day free trial available. The pricing includes hosting, a domain, and an SSL certificate, making it an all-in-one solution for online businesses.
Wix eCommerce is ideal for businesses looking for an easy-to-use platform that offers comprehensive tools for building and managing an online store.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly site editor
- All-in-one pricing
- Free templates
- Unlimited product listings
- Recurring payments support
Cons:
- Entry-level plan has a storage limit of 50 GB
- Limited dropshipping integrations
9. LifeRay
LifeRay is a top choice for businesses looking to create personalized web experiences. It offers a range of features that make it stand out in the B2B platform market.
Key Features:
- Customized workflows
- Inline editing
- Dynamic publishing
- Localization
- Adaptive media
LifeRay also provides a variety of useful extensions, such as the StreamForce (LifeRay Salesforce connector) and SAP business objects connector. These tools help businesses integrate seamlessly with other systems.
LifeRay leverages tailored-navigation and detailed product information to make it a self-service platform.
Pricing
LifeRay’s pricing is based on customized quotes. The platform offers different plans, including a Platinum plan that provides 24/7 phone support.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive personalization features
- Useful extensions for integration
Cons:
- Setup can be challenging for beginners
LifeRay is ideal for businesses that need a highly customizable and integrated B2B platform. Its dynamic features and extensive support options make it a strong contender in the market.
10. Episerver
Episerver, now known as Optimizely, was founded in 1994 in Sweden. Initially, it focused on developing CMS technology. In 2019, Episerver entered the B2B eCommerce market by acquiring Insite, a B2B eCommerce startup. More recently, they acquired Optimizely, a digital experience management company, and extended that brand name across all products.
Optimizely solutions are primarily geared towards enterprise-grade B2C brands, but they can also be configured for B2B use cases. This makes it a versatile platform for various business needs.
Key Features
- Comprehensive CMS capabilities
- Advanced digital experience management
- Suitable for both B2B and B2C applications
Pros
- Versatile for different business models
- Strong CMS and digital experience tools
- Enterprise-grade solutions
Cons
- Can be complex to set up
- May require significant investment
Optimizely offers a robust platform that can handle both B2B and B2C needs, making it a strong contender in the eCommerce space.
Conclusion
Choosing the right B2B platform is crucial for modern businesses aiming to thrive in 2023. Each platform has its unique strengths, catering to different business needs, whether it’s ease of use, customization, or advanced features. By understanding your specific requirements and comparing the options available, you can find a platform that not only meets your current needs but also supports future growth. Remember, the best platform is one that aligns with your business goals and helps you achieve success in the competitive B2B market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B2B platform?
A B2B platform is an online marketplace where businesses can buy and sell products or services to other businesses. These platforms help streamline transactions and improve efficiency for companies.
Why should I use a B2B platform?
Using a B2B platform can save time and money by simplifying the buying and selling process. It also offers features like bulk ordering, custom pricing, and better inventory management.
Is Shopify good for B2B businesses?
Yes, Shopify is a popular choice for B2B businesses due to its flexibility, ease of use, and various features tailored for business needs.
What makes BigCommerce a good B2B platform?
BigCommerce is known for its user-friendly interface and robust features, such as customizable pricing and integrated payment options, making it a great choice for B2B companies.
Can small businesses benefit from B2B platforms?
Absolutely! B2B platforms can help small businesses reach a larger audience, improve their sales processes, and compete with bigger companies.
Are B2B platforms secure?
Most reputable B2B platforms have strong security measures in place to protect your data and transactions, ensuring a safe and reliable experience.