B2B Ecommerce: The Future of Wholesale and Distributor Sales

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stock of a wholesaler or distributor of the future
“In a few years there will be two types of companies: Those that do business over the Internet and those that are out of business.”

– Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft
This phrase was said in 1995, at a time when the commercial potential of the Internet was still unknown. Since then, this prophecy has been coming true year after year. The purchasing behavior of B2C consumers has already changed, and this trend is also driving innovations in the B2B sector. After all, corporate buyers today make their own personal purchases via the Internet.

At the epicenter of this digital transformation is the guatemala whatsapp database sector, which is beginning to explore the potential of marketplaces and B2B ecommerce platforms . B2B ecommerce, in particular, has emerged as a vital digital sales channel for wholesalers, enabling them to reach a wider audience with operational efficiency.

Summary
B2B ecommerce and its particularities
Ambev's Bees Initiative: Pioneering B2B Ecommerce
B2B Dropshipping: A Digital Bridge Between Wholesale, Distribution and Retail
The Influence of Marketplaces
Omnichannel Experience
Salesperson and Representative Buy-In: The Core of B2B Ecommerce Success
Sankhya: A Technological Ally
Integration with ERP Systems: The Backbone of Efficient Management
Conclusion
B2B ecommerce and its particularities
B2B ecommerce is not just a trend, but a necessity for wholesalers looking to expand their market reach and streamline their operations. Through B2B ecommerce platforms, wholesalers can now interact with business buyers, facilitating business transactions with greater transparency and efficiency. Unlike B2C ecommerce, where transactions are generally simpler, B2B ecommerce involves more complex transactions, often with customization requirements, price negotiations, and stricter regulatory compliance, making effective integration with ERP systems vital .

Check out the main differences between B2B and B2C ecommerce.

Ambev's Bees Initiative: Pioneering B2B Ecommerce
A notable example of how large companies are navigating the B2B ecommerce landscape is Ambev’s Bees initiative. Ambev (AB InBev), the world’s largest brewer, launched the Bees platform with the goal of strengthening the connection between the company and its business partners. Through Bees, Ambev established a direct digital channel with bars, restaurants and other points of sale, facilitating the ordering and delivery process. This initiative not only exemplifies the transition to digital in the wholesale sector, but also highlights how B2B ecommerce can create operational synergies and strengthen business relationships. B2B ecommerce platforms like Bees can offer accurate inventory management, efficient order processing and, most importantly, a simplified shopping experience for customers.

According to the 2nd quarter 2023 earnings report released by AB Imbev on August 3, approximately 64% of AB InBev's revenue comes from digital channels, with Bees accounting for the majority of this percentage.

B2B Dropshipping: A Digital Bridge Between Wholesale, Distribution and Retail
In the B2B ecommerce landscape, the B2B dropshipping model stands out as an innovative strategy that benefits both wholesalers and distributors and their retail customers. In this model, while wholesalers and distributors maintain physical inventory, retailers have the freedom to sell these products without having to maintain their own inventory. This creates a win-win business dynamic where retailers can expand their product portfolio and reach a wider audience without worrying about the logistical and warehousing complexities. On the other hand, wholesalers and distributors are able to move their products more effectively and efficiently through digital channels. Integration with ERP systems is vital in this arrangement, as it facilitates inventory management, order processing, and logistics coordination between all parties involved. Furthermore, by utilizing a well-structured B2B ecommerce platform, wholesalers and distributors can provide real-time information on inventory availability, allowing retailers to operate confidently in the digital environment. The B2B dropshipping model, therefore, exemplifies how digital innovation, when supported by effective ERP systems, can create a more resilient and responsive supply chain , benefiting all participants in the business ecosystem.

The Influence of Marketplaces
Being present on recognized marketplaces gives wholesalers additional credibility and provides a robust platform to showcase and sell their products to a diverse audience. Marketplaces eliminate many geographic and logistical barriers, providing wholesalers with an express route to global market expansion.

A recommendation for wholesalers and distributors who intend to take advantage of the strong branding work that big players like Mercado Livre, Amazon and Shopee have is to acquire a Hub, a tool that connects your ERP to the main marketplaces and facilitates the management of advertisements and orders.