Supercharge Your Wholesale Business with Shopify Plus B2B

The B2B ecommerce space isn’t just growing—it’s exploding, on track to hit a jaw-dropping $20.9 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 17.5%. To stay competitive in this fast-moving market, businesses like yours need more than just a solid platform—you need one that’s robust, scalable, and built with your unique needs in mind. Shopify Plus B2B isn’t a repackaged version of DTC; it’s a purpose-built solution crafted to tackle the real-world complexities of wholesale. As a leading Shopify Plus agency, we’ll show you how to tap into its power and unlock your next growth phase.

Understanding the power of Shopify B2B

What is Shopify B2B and why does it matter?

Shopify B2B isn’t a separate platform—it’s a powerful suite of features built right into Shopify Plus, tailored specifically for businesses selling to other businesses. It combines the seamless, intuitive experience Shopify is known for with the advanced tools wholesale operations demand. In other words, you get the best of both worlds: the user-friendly interface you already love, now supercharged with the B2B functionality you need to scale.

Key differences between B2B and B2C Ecommerce:

B2B transactions differ significantly from B2C. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Order volume: B2B orders are typically much larger, reflecting businesses' need to stock inventory or procure supplies in bulk.
• Pricing: B2B Pricing in B2B scenarios is frequently subject to negotiation, with businesses expecting volume discounts or special rates based on their purchasing power and relationship with the supplier.
• Payment terms: In B2B transactions, payment terms can be more complex, typically involving net payment periods, purchase orders (POs), or trade credit arrangements that extend beyond the immediate transaction.
• Access: Access to B2B stores is often restricted, requiring business clients to log in and authenticate their accounts to view customized pricing and product catalogues tailored to their needs.
• Customer relationships: B2B transactions focus on long-term relationships and often require dedicated account management.

Shopify B2B addresses these unique requirements, providing a streamlined and efficient experience for you and your wholesale customers.

Why choose Shopify Plus for your B2B venture?

Shopify Plus is the ideal platform for B2B ecommerce. Many businesses assume setting up a B2B online store is complex and time-consuming. Shopify Plus shatters that assumption. Here's why it's the perfect choice:

• Rapid deployment: Traditional B2B platforms can involve lengthy implementation times; Shopify's B2B store has one of the fastest launch times in the market—think weeks, not months. Shopify Plus offers pre-built templates, intuitive tools, and comprehensive support to get you up and running quickly.
• Centralized management: Manage both your B2C and B2B operations from a single Shopify Plus admin. This streamlines inventory, customer data, and order processing, saving you time and reducing errors. Manage your B2B and DTC channels in one place.
• Reduced tech debt: Streamline your operations by managing both B2B and DTC on a single platform, avoiding the need for expensive and complicated integrations.
• Flexible payment options: Offer a wide range of B2B-specific payment terms, including Net 30/60/90, POs, trade credit, and even PayPal. Credit card vaulting makes repeat purchases easy for your customers.
• Customized pricing & discounts: Quickly implement tiered pricing, volume discounts, and customer-specific price lists. Automatically apply discounts based on customer login, order quantity, or other criteria.
• Tailored inventory availability: Use catalogs to control product availability for specific companies and locations.
• Personalized customer experiences: Segment your B2B customers based on purchase history, order volume, or industry. Create unique product catalogues and pricing for each segment, delivering a highly tailored buying experience.
• Company accounts: Allow multiple buyers from the same organization with different roles and permissions.

Deep dive into Shopify B2B features

Key Shopify B2B features to drive wholesale success

Shopify Plus B2B is packed with features designed to streamline your wholesale operations and boost your bottom line:

• Workflow automation (Shopify Flow): Automate repetitive tasks such as sending invoices, managing order fulfilment, and handling low inventory notifications.
• Extensive app ecosystem: Shopify's massive app ecosystem provides unparalleled flexibility and customization options for B2B businesses. Get access to over 8,000 apps in the Shopify App Store to extend functionality, including integrations with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP), CRM tools, and advanced analytics platforms.
• Seamless integrations: Connect with popular accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero), CRM platforms (Salesforce, HubSpot), and ERP systems (Acumatica, Microsoft Dynamics 365).
• Bulk ordering capabilities: The bulk ordering process has been enhanced for greater convenience, allowing buyers to quickly reorder past purchases or add multiple products to their cart. Simplify large orders with quick order forms, SKU uploads, and CSV import options.
• Multi-currency and Multi-language support: Expand your reach globally with localized storefronts and support for multiple currencies and languages.
• Customer portals: Provide B2B clients with self-service access to order history, pricing, payment terms, and account details.
• B2B analytics: Track key wholesale metrics separately from your DTC data to gain actionable insights and optimize your B2B strategy.
• New features & updates: Shopify continuously adds new B2B features, including enhanced workflow automation, company account requests, sales rep permissions, a B2B-optimized theme ("Trade"), and expanded payment options.

Blended vs. Dedicated stores

Choosing the right Shopify B2B Store setup: Blended or Dedicated?

Shopify Plus offers two main approaches for setting up your B2B store:

• Blended store: A single Shopify instance serving B2B and DTC customers offers streamlined management and marketing synergy but may require more customization. It is best for businesses that sell similar products to B2B and DTC with a unified inventory.
• Dedicated store: A separate Shopify instance exclusively for B2B customers will allow for a highly tailored B2B experience and distinct branding but requires managing two separate stores. Choose this option if you are looking for a completely separate wholesale experience with restricted access for B2B customers.

Partner with us for Shopify Plus B2B excellence

Shopify Plus is the leading platform for B2B ecommerce. As a certified Shopify Plus agency, we have the expertise to help you succeed. We offer:

• Strategic guidance: Choosing the right store model (blended or dedicated).
• Implementation & configuration: Setting up all essential Shopify B2B features.
• Custom development: Creating bespoke themes and functionalities.
• System integrations: Connecting Shopify Plus with your other business systems.
• Ongoing support & optimization: Ensuring your B2B store continues to perform at its best.

Ready to transform your wholesale business? Contact Us for a Free Consultation.