What is B2B (business-to-business)?B2B (business-to-business), a type of electronic commerce (e-commerce), is the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, rather than between businesses and consumers (B2C). Show
A B2B transaction is conducted between two companies, such as wholesalers and online retailers. In most B2B business models, each organization benefits in some way and typically has similar negotiating powers. By 2027, global B2B e-commerce is forecast to reach $20.9 trillion, representing a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 17.5% during the forecast period (2020-2027), according to Grand View Research. B2B is conducted via different categories of websites, such as the following:
Many B2B sites fall into more than one of these groups. Models for B2B sites are still evolving, however. Another type of B2B enterprise is software for building B2B websites, including tools and templates, databases, methodologies and transaction software. Business-to-business and business-to-consumer commerce differs significantly.How does B2B work?In B2B, one business sells a set of products or services to another business. Typically, there is a group or department that uses the vendor's products and services. Occasionally, a single user on the buyer side makes a transaction in support of the company's business goals. And some B2B transactions involve the entire company's use of the products, such as office furniture, computers and productivity software. For larger or more complex product purchases, the B2B product selection process is handled by a buying committee, including:
Large purchases might involve a request for proposal, in which the buyer invites prospective vendors to submit proposals detailing their products, terms and pricing. Why is B2B important?B2B is important because every business needs to purchase products and services from other businesses to launch, operate and grow. A company's B2B suppliers offer office space, office furniture, computer hardware and software, and so on. The food that companies stock in their kitchen and the signs displayed on their office building are purchased from suppliers. Types of B2B companiesThere are several types of B2B companies, including the following:
B2B industriesB2B companies operate in many industries, such as:
Benefits of B2BThe following are benefits of B2B:
B2B challengesB2B e-commerce has some challenges, such as the following:
What are examples of B2B companies?Here are some examples of B2B companies: AmazonAmazon, one of the best known B2C companies, also has a B2B business called Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS provides compute power, database storage, content delivery and related features to businesses. It is one of the leading cloud providers with customers such as GE, Hess, Expedia, Philips and BP. AWS Cloud spans 80 availability zones within 25 geographic regions, globally. CaterpillarCaterpillar manufactures construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives and sells these products to other businesses. The company also provides financial services to businesses through its Caterpillar Financial Services business unit. AlibabaAlibaba is one of the world's largest online commerce companies. The Alibaba B2B marketplace is where buyers and sellers worldwide connect and transact business. QuillOwned by Staples, Quill is a B2B e-commerce company that sells office supplies to small and midsize businesses. Quill markets over 100,000 products under the Quill brand, as well as under the Medical Arts Press, Mead, Coastwide, Snack Jar and Java Roast names. UpworkA job search platform, Upwork connects freelancers with employers on projects such as web and mobile app development, social media marketing, content writing, graphic design and more. This was last updated in June 2021 Continue Reading About B2B (business-to-business)
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