As we reflect on 2024 and look ahead to the new year, businesses everywhere are planning for growth and innovation. For companies managing B2B or hybrid (B2C and B2B) eCommerce, this is a critical time to evaluate whether your current platform reflects the ambitious goals you’ve set for 2025.
The eCommerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and the systems that worked a year or two ago might now feel outdated. With customer expectations shifting and the need for efficiency greater than ever, many businesses are reaching a pivotal moment: should you re-platform to unlock new growth potential? Choosing an operations-focused B2B platform might just be the key to driving scalability.
Here are 8 signs that your business is ready to re-platform:
1. You’re new to B2B or hybrid eCommerce - welcome!
If you’ve recently joined the world of B2B or hybrid eCommerce, you’re likely trying to navigate the complexities of managing wholesale and individual customers simultaneously. Not all platforms are built equal, and your business (and sanity) will hugely benefit from a solution that’s specifically designed with built-in B2B customer management features.
2. You want to expand your wholesale offering with new, B2C-style features
While a lot of reasons to re-platform are "push" factors, like challenges with your existing setup, more brands are leaning toward "pull" factors that will enhance their offering - like dynamic or custom pricing for wholesale customers, personalised experiences, and self-service ordering.
3. Your team’s time is spent on manual tasks more than customer service
One of the clearest indicators that it’s time to upgrade your platform is that your team is bogged down by repetitive manual tasks. From managing orders and inventory to handling custom pricing for wholesale customers, these activities can eat into time that would be better spent building relationships. Investing in an efficient order management system can simplify workflows and help your team focus on what really matters - your customers. Add on a self-service option where your customers can order whenever they want, from whenever they are? You’re golden!
4. You want to better manage your customers and personalise experiences
Today’s B2B buyers expect the same level of personalisation they experience in B2C eCommerce. If your current platform doesn’t allow you to segment customers, tailor pricing, or create bespoke product recommendations, it might be time to explore other options. The right tools for B2B customer management can empower you to deliver intuitive, frictionless experiences.
5. You don’t have the resources to support 24-hour or global ordering
Internationalisation is booming within B2B, but it’s not without its challenges. Buyers in different time zones want the ability to place orders at their convenience. Platforms with built-in B2B customer management features can support global operations and ensure you’re meeting the needs of a growing customer base.
6. Your tech stack can’t integrate with your longer-term platform plans
Technology moves fast, and your eCommerce platform needs to integrate seamlessly with your other tools. From CRMs and ERPs to efficient order management systems, a disconnected tech stack can lead to inefficiencies and frustrations. Invest in a solution that evolves as your business grows!
7. You want more oversight and control over your cash flow & inventory
Cash flow and inventory management are critical to the success of any B2B operation. Payment functionality like net terms can help you manage cash flow and prevent late-paying customers from ordering until they’ve settled their bill. You can even restrict net payment options to just your loyal customers (using Customer Group settings with SparkLayer, for example) so that newer customers have to pay upfront until you’ve formed a trusting relationship.
8. You’re struggling to balance B2C and B2B demand
For hybrid eCommerce businesses managing both B2B and B2C channels, balancing inventory and demand can be a logistical nightmare. Without a comprehensive platform, stockouts or overstocks become a common issue. Learning how to simplify B2B order processes can help you align your operations and avoid costly mistakes. Adding pre-order options can better inform inventory forecasting as you can track demand in real-time. Choosing a platform that integrates with software like Inventory Planner goes a long way, too!
So - what’s next?
If any of these signs resonate with your business, it’s time to explore a new B2B platform. Re-platforming can seem like a daunting process, but the rewards are worth it: increased efficiency, happier, loyal customers, and a system that grows alongside your business.
Ready to make the leap? Contact us today to start your journey to scalable, sustainable growth!