Monogo e-commerce news, better purchasing experience in B2B segment
Over the years, I have seen many ways to present products, shopping paths in B2B platforms. Sometimes it even happens that such platforms are completely closed, i.e. without logging in, it is not possible to view the offer. One might ask, how then is the customer supposed to find out what you have on offer?
The simple answer is, from a sales representative, right? Well no, because customers are increasingly looking for products online. Research in the US says that 66% of the time, this is the way to find a B2B supplier. In other countries, sure this figure fluctuates, but the trend is clear.
Another study shows that in B2B e-commerce, companies are scoring serious growth. What, then, can be done to serve customers well in this channel? The same study shows that a platform alone may not be enough. In addition to a great B2B platform (more on that in a moment), the entire process from signing the contract, onboarding to the B2B shop, to good customer service, needs to be taken care of in order for the B2B customer experience to be properly digital.
This is where a few problems arise. As the interviewees condemn, IT departments are afraid of losing control of the company's e-commerce ecosystem. Added to this are sales representatives who fear for their jobs. Specifically, that they will not be needed once automation is implemented. In some cases, this may be a reality, but shouldn't we empower them to focus on finding a new customer, look after their best [customers], and let the repetitive stuff be done by the software? The answer comes to mind.
As if that wasn't enough, managers, have a relatively low awareness and understanding of the benefits that come from a more efficient way of serving customers. All of this adds up to a very dangerous situation. The risk of falling out of the race for the customer can materialise. Fear, apprehension and lack of understanding of this new sales channel, internal politics and a poor process for implementing the change, can either delay or even block a key modernisation of the B2B sales approach.
How then to avoid this? How do you manage the change process? You've probably conducted, or witnessed, many change processes in your company. Certainly some of them, and hopefully all of them, have been successful. You certainly need to talk to people. Fear often has big eyes, but there is always a way out. At Monogo we have experience of working with consultancies to help guide such a process, if you feel this could be the solution for you, give us a call, we would be happy to help.
The final factor that can make a difference to the success of a change is choosing the right tools. By this I mean IT tools, good software that will open up completely new opportunities for your business. The B2B platforms that we implement is Adobe Commerce. Contrary to appearances, it is not reserved for the richest companies. On the contrary, compared to its price segment, it is second to none. The fact that the giant Adobe bought Magento a few years ago and is investing heavily in it makes it reliable. In my experience, and the implementations we run, also on other engines, the maturity of Adobe Commerce is on another level. Higher of course.
Finally, an inspiration. Alibaba, the giant in the B2B channel is introducing Super September - a promotional period that lasts until the end of the month. It's worth looking at the structure of their pages, particularly the product pages. They are very reminiscent of retail.
To summarise:
- B2B e-commerce is growing globally.
- people are afraid of investment and automation in B2B e-commerce because they might lose control or their jobs.
- personalisation, end-2-end digitisation of all processes, and other familiar characteristics of B2C e-commerce are widely expected by buyers on B2B platforms.
- Alibaba, the international B2B giant is introducing Super September - discounts and promotions on its platform. The product pages are worth a look.
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