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We may never know the precise birth-date of the on-demand Economy, but 2016 was certainly the year that the concept came into more general awareness. Suddenly everyone was an expert on the “Gig Economy” as news of B2C companies and services such as Uber and Air BnB took the limelight with their economic growth.
Guardian article (1) “Why retailers stop selling online: the hidden cost of e-commerce” claims the costs of e-tailing, namely free delivery and returns, are making B2C less attractive for retailers.
Frost & Sullivan forecasts that the global b2b ecommerce market will top $6.7 trillion by 2020, making it twice the size of the b2c market. This predicted growth is being fuelled in part by the increasing influence and b2b buying power of millennials – according to PwC, they’ll account for 50% of the global workforce by 2020.
We often hear about companies taking a short-term view of their approach to b2b ecommerce, rather than thinking about systems and solutions that will be best-fit for meeting longer term business goals. In our experience, looking past the quick-fix and adopting a more strategic view usually results in better decisions – particularly when it comes to technology investment. Here are some thoughts on a fast and effective way to create a basic strategic ecommerce plan.
B2B ecommerce is now a must-have. In just a few short years, “trade suppliers” have upped their game. Anyone who is anyone in trade sales has an integrated B2B ecommerce site.
Today’s b2b buyers are increasingly tech savvy and continually looking for simpler ways to research and purchase the products they need for their businesses. Forrester calls this new era of the connected buyer ‘Age of the Customer,’ and refers to companies that are able to systematically anticipate and respond to customer needs. Yet it’s surprising just how many b2b manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors fail to put the needs of their customers first when planning their approach to ecommerce. So how do you go about developing a successful customer-focused b2b ecommerce strategy?
As 2017 arrives, here are some of the strategic issues that could impact on the way B2B ecommerce shapes up through the year…
In B2B ecommerce, it can be tempting to think that our trade status means customers can easily navigate the meanings behind long words and jargon. But words are currency* and although it’s tempting to use long words and long sentences, we really should stick to the shortest words possible.
The Internet of Things (IoT), or digitising the physical world, will transform the way companies do business over the next 10 years – and both b2b and b2c ecommerce will be at the heart of that transformation. Sensors and actuators built into everyday objects and machines, and connected by networks to computer systems will enable ecommerce to stretch across the entire customer journey, from awareness to intent, to purchase and beyond.
Many of our articles are all about the technical elements of B2B ecommerce. Over the years we have shown you how to boost product sales, improve your photos, add videos, sell more, save time and make more profits when using B2B ecommerce.