Bulk Ordering
What is it? This capability allows B2B customers to place large volume orders quickly and efficiently through the eCommerce platform.
Why is this important? Bulk ordering streamlines the purchasing process for customers who regularly buy in large quantities. It saves time by enabling rapid order placement, reducing the need for manual data entry. Bulk ordering tools can include features like CSV upload, quick order forms, or the ability to easily duplicate past orders.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- What features do you offer for bulk ordering?
- Can customers upload order lists from Excel or other formats?
- How does the system handle inventory checks for large orders?
Minimum Order Quantities
What is it? Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) are a feature that allows distributors to set and enforce a minimum number of units or order value that customers must purchase.
Why is this important? MOQs are crucial for maintaining profitability and help distributors manage inventory efficiently and reduce the costs associated with processing many small orders. MOQs can encourage larger purchases, potentially increasing average order value. They also help maintain pricing structures and protect relationships with different customer tiers. For customers, clearly displayed MOQs set expectations upfront, reducing potential friction in the ordering process.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- How does your platform manage minimum order quantities?
- Can we set different minimums for different products or customers?
- How are minimum order quantities communicated to customers during the ordering process?
Customer Account Management
What is it? Customer account management features allow B2B buyers to independently manage their accounts, view order history, update information, and handle user permissions within their organization.
Why is it important? This tool set empowers customers with self-service capabilities, enhancing their experience and independence. Buyers can easily track orders, manage repeat purchases, and maintain their account details without contacting customer service. This self-sufficiency not only improves customer satisfaction but also significantly reduces the workload on the distributor's support team.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- What features are available for customers to manage their own accounts?
- Can customers view their order history and track past purchases?
- How granular are the permission settings for different user roles within a company account?
Quick Order Functionality
What is it? Quick order functionality enables B2B customers to place orders rapidly without navigating through the entire product catalog.
Why is it important? Quick order tools save time for repeat customers who know exactly what they need, streamlining the purchasing process. This convenience can lead to increased order frequency and volume. For distributors, it reduces cart abandonment and encourages customer loyalty. Quick order functionality is particularly valuable for industries with frequent, routine orders or for customers reordering standard supplies.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- What quick order features does your platform offer?
- Can customers save and reuse order templates?
- How does the quick order process integrate with customer-specific pricing?
Automated Reordering
What is it? Automated reordering is a feature that allows B2B customers to set up recurring orders for products they regularly purchase, without manual intervention each time.
Why is it important? This capability enhances customer convenience by eliminating the need for repetitive order placement, saving time and reducing errors. For distributors, it ensures a steady, predictable revenue stream and improves inventory forecasting. Automated reordering can increase customer loyalty by locking in repeat business.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- Does your platform support automated reordering?
- How flexible are the options for recurring order frequency?
- Can customers easily modify or cancel their recurring orders?
B2B Shopping Cart Functionality
What is it? B2B eCommerce shopping cart functionality is a suite of features that manages complex pricing, payments, and ordering. It includes wholesale pricing, dynamic comparisons, PO entry, secure payments, customizable checkouts, and flexible promotions.
Why is it important? This functionality addresses the complex needs of B2B transactions, offering personalized pricing, enhanced security, and streamlined ordering. It provides flexibility for various business requirements, improving user experience and efficiency. By catering to the unique needs of industrial distributors and manufacturers, it can potentially boost sales and customer satisfaction.
Questions to ask an eCommerce vendor:
- Can your shopping cart handle the complexities of B2B transactions, including tiered pricing, volume discounts, and the ability to set custom pricing for specific accounts?
- Does your shopping cart offer dynamic pricing comparison that automatically applies the lowest price (regular vs. sale) for each customer based on their pre-defined pricing structure?
- Can customers also enter a purchase order (PO) number for reference during checkout?
- How does your platform handle secure credit card vaulting for both immediate charges and future scheduled payments?
- Does your platform allow configuration of the checkout experience for different customer segments, including displaying location-specific details for shipping, taxes, and currencies?
- Does your shopping cart allow guest checkout functionality for one-time buyers?
