Love B2B eCommerce
This guide is part of our Love B2B eCommerce hub - you can find more articles like this one, case studies, and in-depth videos to support your wholesale growth right here! Schedule a personalised, 1:1 consultation with our expert team, and we’ll guide you through every step of your wholesale journey!
At SparkLayer, we work with brands at every stage of their wholesale journey, from those just researching why B2B eCommerce is important to established retailers looking to scale.
In this guide, we’ll answer common questions about B2B, including:
- What is a wholesaler retailer?
- Why is B2B eCommerce important?
- Why should I get into wholesale?
- And, most importantly, is B2B right for you?
What is a wholesale retailer?
A wholesale retailer is a business that sells products in bulk to other businesses, who then resell those products to end customers. For example, a clothing brand might sell bulk orders of clothes to independent shops, which then sell the items individually to shoppers. Unlike B2C (business-to-consumer), where you’re selling directly to everyday, retail shoppers, B2B often involves:
- Larger, bulk orders
- Higher value orders
- Custom (or negotiated) pricing
- Repeat, long-term customer relationships
This is why B2B is often also called wholesale or trade. You can find our handy guide to B2B acronyms and terms here.
Why is B2B eCommerce important?
Because it’s big business! B2B eCommerce is already huge, and it’s only getting bigger. The market is already worth trillions, with more businesses moving away from more traditional wholesale ordering - like face-to-face, or via phone or email. Instead, they’re switching to digital platforms that make wholesale smoother, faster, and far easier to grow. Add in the scalability and self-service elements, and you’ve got a winning strategy!
Another reason why B2B eCommerce is important is that it gives smaller wholesale retailers the same tools as the big players. With the right eCommerce platform, you can showcase products, offer tailored pricing, and manage bulk orders without needing a big sales team. It’s a simple way to reach new customers, build loyalty, and keep up in a market that’s moving fast.
The more accessible wholesale becomes for smaller businesses, the more diverse the buying landscape is - and the more customer-focused your strategies can become. If you’re a small business looking for specific support, we’ve got a guide packed with actionable advice and help!
Why should I get into wholesale?
B2B eCommerce is thriving right now, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down! Predicted to be worth over $36 trillion by 2026, wholesale is a massive opportunity; it’s easier to break into than you might think and comes with a whole host of benefits! These are our top 5 reasons why B2B eCommerce is worthwhile:
- Predictable income - because B2B buying behaviour is structured around ongoing demand, forecasting revenue becomes more predictable. Recurring bulk orders from B2B buyers create a steadier cash flow and make forecasting inventory and finances way easier.
- Higher AOV - B2B involves bigger, bulk orders compared to typical B2C orders. You’ll see customers spend more on each order with you - and see bigger profit margins!
- Market growth - given the rate at which the wholesale industry is growing, getting into B2B is a smart move. It’s only going to be worth more money, so getting set up now is going to pay off big time in the long run.
- Scalability - B2B might feel pretty daunting to get set up, but it’s easier than a lot of people think. Once you’ve chosen the right B2B eCommerce platform and set up your foundations, it’s easy to scale without investing too many more resources or funds.
- Flexibility - you’re in total control of your full wholesale operations, from pricing structures and payment methods through to product catalogues and profit margins.
Ready to explore more? Head to our Love B2B eCommerce hub to find guides specifically for those in the research stage!
Is B2B eCommerce right for you?
B2B isn’t for everyone - the fact you’re asking yourself this question is a great sign though! Here’s a quick checklist to help you figure out if B2B eCommerce is right for you and your existing business or overall goals:
| Good fit | Why |
|---|---|
| You’re not selling yet, but you’ve got an idea for a niche product | B2B competition is high, so starting off with something in high demand is a necessary |
| You’re already selling a lot at a B2C level | Bulk sales are the foundation of B2B, so high order volumes/ rates are a good indicator of success |
| You’ve already got a loyal, repeat customer base | B2B thrives on long-term relationships, so having a foundation of happy customers is great |
| You’re ready for a hybrid setup | You can sell B2C and B2B side by side and boost your demand and revenue alike |
Final thoughts
So, why is B2B eCommerce important? Because it represents one of the biggest growth opportunities in online retail today! It’s efficient, scalable, and offers long-term value for both brands and buyers alike.
If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘What is a wholesale retailer ?’ and wondering whether you could become one, the answer is likely to be a yes! Lucky for you, we’ve put together a whole hub of content geared towards brands just getting started on their wholesale journey, with actionable tips and industry insights to get you up and running.
At SparkLayer, we’re committed to helping brands unlock the benefits of wholesale online. Ready to explore whether B2B is right for you? Book a personalised call with our team.