Potential Roadblocks of B2B E-commerce Implementation (Part 2 of 2)

Earlier this month we discussed the subject of B2B E-commerce implementation and discussed a few roadblocks you may face in implementing an e-commerce website for your business. You can read that blog post here.

Since B2B E-commerce requires a very different approach than B2C E-commerce, business leaders are often left feeling confused and overwhelmed. Keep reading as we review three more challenges business owners face in establishing a business to business e-commerce website. Also, ask yourself if these situations apply to you and if so, what steps will you take to overcome those obstacles?

Fear of the Unknown

Did you know that 74% of small business websites do not have e-commerce solutions? That’s a very high percentage of business owners who could potentially be holding back on implementing a B2B E-commerce website due to a fear of the unknown. Questions have likely danced in your head...How will important data be integrated with an online solution? What if my clients reject the lack of in-person salespeople? How will financial transactions take place? What happens when my competition finds out about my pricing?

Each one of your corporate buyers has a unique set of rules and needs, so a one-size-fits-all approach is out of the question. Digital integration, maintaining a high level of customer service, authorizing online payments, and pricing transparency can all be conducted and perfected in the world of e-commerce.

Overwhelming Shipping Solutions

Are you used to manual order taking and manual shipping? You’re not alone. However, it’s 2019 and the time to automate your processes is now. Your clients expect their orders delivered on time and the use of technology allows this to be very feasible. Each one of your corporate buyers has a unique set of rules and needs, so a one-size-fits-all approach is out of the question. An e-commerce platform will be integrated with shipping software and your buyers will receive tracking and delivery information, just as you do when you shop from online retailers, such as Amazon.com. This streamlined process provides even better customer service. The shipping process is smart and intuitive, making it easier for both you as the business owner, and for your clients.

Lack of Human Resources

Sure, you have a great team of people under you in each department at your company. They often wear multiple hats, typically doing more and more of what’s asked of them. So, how can you possibly ask your staff to learn a new task of designing and building a new website, complete with e-commerce solutions? It will take a great deal of time and money to properly train them, then have them turn around and create something new. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Keep your staff doing what they do best and what you originally hired them to do. Instead, hire a full-service website development company that specializes in the field. Working with a full-service website design company allows you to still tend to your other responsibilities.