Guest Post by Kubix
Shopify experts, Kubix, have very kindly put together this great guest post on all things eCommerce solution integration. They share their eCommerce knowledge as well as key insights to delivering a successful wholesale solution implementation…
8 key considerations when integrating Sparklayer
At Kubix, we’ve seen time and time again how integrating an eCommerce solution like SparkLayer on your store can be a game-changer for your B2B eCommerce strategy. SparkLayer enhances the functionality of your Shopify store, allowing you to provide a seamless experience for your wholesale customers.
However, there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure a successful integration. Here's a look at the top 8 things to consider when integrating SparkLayer…
1. Team engagement and building a project team
Teamwork really does make the dream work. For a lot of brands, the first step in integrating a wholesale solution is to build a dedicated project team. It’s important to include individuals who will be directly responsible for managing the software. Having these people involved from the start helps in crafting detailed requirements and ensures their buy-in throughout the project. By engaging the team early on, you also gain valuable insights into the current processes and workflows, allowing for smoother change management and a better understanding of how SparkLayer will improve day-to-day operations.
SparkLayer also offer a great self-service option for merchants who don’t have the resources or headcount for a project team. Their Support team is on hand to help with implementation, onboarding, and ongoing guidance! Working with an agency unlocks a whole new level of customer experience for brands, so it’s definitely worth looking into…
2. Reviewing integrations
Don’t get lost in translation. Before integrating, it's essential to perform a thorough audit of all your existing platforms. This includes understanding how data flows between systems, such as your ERP, finance software, or any other essential tools. Identifying these integration points ensures that SparkLayer can work seamlessly with your existing infrastructure. Establishing the route back from these systems to your main platform will help prevent any data loss or miscommunication during the integration process.
3. Understanding existing processes
Should they stay, or should they go? To ensure you can harness the full power of your wholesale solution, it’s crucial to understand which of your existing processes should be maintained. For example, in B2B transactions, processes like account sign-ups might currently involve emails, online forms, or even faxes. You need to determine how these processes will interact with your Shopify store and decide whether they should be digitised or maintained in their current form. This understanding will help you set up SparkLayer in a way that complements your current workflows rather than disrupting them.
4. Optimising CRM for B2B customers
Putting the ‘R’ into CRM. Customer Relationship Management systems are often an afterthought for B2B businesses, but they play a vital role in a successful eCommerce integration. Consider how you will manage outbound communications, segment your B2B customers, and integrate SparkLayer with tools like Klaviyo for email marketing. If your store serves both B2B and B2C customers, you'll need to find a way to keep all segments happy without alienating any group. Exploring native integrations, such as with HubSpot, can provide additional functionality and streamline your CRM efforts.
5. Managing credit limits and finance considerations
Release your inner accountant. Finance is a critical element of any B2B eCommerce project, and your SparkLayer integration is no different. Engaging with your finance team early in the process is essential to address specific business requirements such as credit limits, permissions, approvals, and product visibility. Understanding these requirements will help you configure SparkLayer and your Shopify store to meet the financial needs of your business and your customers, ensuring a smooth transaction process.
6. Engagement and communication with long-standing clients
It pays to stay in touch. For many B2B businesses, customer relationships are long-standing and deeply entrenched in specific processes. It’s crucial to communicate any upcoming changes well in advance to these clients. This can be done through drip-feeding information about the positive changes coming their way, providing training sessions, or even segmenting high-value buyers for special attention. Additionally, leveraging SparkLayer's Sales Agent feature can enable your team to assist clients directly, guiding them through the new platform and helping them place their first orders with ease.
7. Timing of your integration
Tick tock. Timing is everything when it comes to integrating new tools into your eCommerce platform. Many businesses have specific peak seasons, and the last thing you want to do is make major changes during these critical periods. Consider both your calendar and that of your clients. If you work with distributors or other partners, they may operate on a different schedule, so aligning your integration timeline accordingly is crucial to minimise disruptions.
8. Accepting nuances and compromise
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Every business has its unique nuances, and attempting to automate every single process can be challenging. Be prepared to accept compromises where they benefit the project as a whole. For instance, automating credit checks for B2B clients can be difficult but you can manage this process by setting specific tags in SparkLayer to keep customers on a ‘pay by card’ status until the credit check is complete. In some cases, maintaining certain manual processes outside of the digital ecosystem might make more sense.
Laying the foundations
Integrating SparkLayer with your store can open new opportunities for B2B eCommerce, but it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By engaging your team early, reviewing your existing systems, understanding your processes, and being prepared to adapt and compromise, you can ensure a smooth and successful integration. Keep these top 8 considerations in mind as you move forward, and you'll be well on your way to leveraging SparkLayer to its full potential!
Thank you to Kubix for this brilliant guide to integrating SparkLayer’s B2B eCommerce solution with your existing Shopify store or eCommerce platform. You can find out more about Kubix’s expertise and services here.