B2B on Shopify
Understanding Shopify B2B
15 years ago we were building custom solutions to solve B2B on Shopify… before ‘B2B on Shopify’ was even a thing!
In 15 years of launching both B2B and D2C Shopify stores, we’ve seen the platform release new feature after new feature – as it has matured into the ecosystem we have today. In the early years, we were building custom solutions to solve B2B on Shopify… before ‘B2B on Shopify’ was even a thing!
Those days are long behind us now. Shopify launched its own native B2B solution in 2022, and they have been adding new features to it ever since.
Shopify B2B is a fantastically versatile system provided for merchants on Shopify Plus. It gives you the option to run a wholesale and direct-to-consumer business, on a single platform, without compromising on features. Shopify Plus gives you everything you need, right out of the box: including curated collections, custom pricing, personalised storefronts and even flexible payment options.
If you prefer to split your operations into separate streams, then Shopify Plus users can additionally take advantage of Shopify Expansion stores – to launch dedicated B2B and D2C storefronts. This can help create a clear separation between your distinct sales channels, something that’s preferable for many brands. Luke Green previously took a deep dive into the pros and cons of blended B2B and D2C storefronts, versus a dedicated B2B storefront. It’s a great resource, so be sure to give that a read if you want to dive into the subject further. But in today’s article, we’re here to answer another burning question:
How to solve B2B on Shopify, without using Shopify Plus.
But why don’t you just upgrade to Shopify Plus?
For many merchants, the benefits of Shopify Plus are so compelling that the upgrade is just good business sense . This will be especially true for those taking full advantage of the extended tool sets on offer. For example, with Plus, you benefit from unlimited staff accounts, localised global selling in up to 50 international markets, and extensive checkout customisation with Shopify Functions.
However, what about smaller merchants? Or those only looking to take advantage of a specific feature – such as Shopify B2B? In such cases, it may be hard to justify the additional monthly cost of Shopify Plus.
So what are your options?
We have good news for you! Shopify is now a very mature platform, with an extensive App Store packed full of useful tools… and solutions to problems you haven’t even discovered yet. And of course, there is no shortage of apps promising to meet your B2B needs!
Wholesale apps like Sparklayer, for example, offer a great alternative solution – allowing you to start selling to B2B buyers across the world. Let’s take a closer look…
B2B on Shopify with SparkLayer
Quick to set up and launch, SparkLayer offers a wide range of features for B2B merchants and their customers, including the following:
Using a wholesale app to tackle B2B is a cost-effective solution for those not currently on Shopify Plus. But SparkLayer is more than just a budget Shopify Plus alternative.
Quick to set up and launch, SparkLayer offers a wide range of features for B2B merchants and their customers, including the following:
- Smart pricing: Create and manage multiple B2B price lists based on global rules – such as a 20% discount across the entire range – or upload CSV prices, giving you complete control over the price your customer pays on a per product basis.
- Tiered pricing: Easily set discounts for your B2B customers, based on the number of units they purchase.
- Multi-buy functionality: Set up pack size rules, to sell your products in minimum quantities or pack sizes – for example, 6 or 12 products in a pack.
- Order limits: Apply rules so that B2B customers can only check out when their order value is above a predefined threshold.
- Convenient payments: Set B2B payment options to allow wholesale customers to pay on account, or set credit limits.
- Stock channels: Separate your B2B stock from your D2C stock, by having SparkLayer fulfil orders from a specific location in Shopify.
- Customise with widgets: Use SparkLayer’s B2B storefront widgets to add functionality like bulk ordering, without the need for extensive custom development.
Naturally, you can also set up multiple customer groups – allowing you to configure unique rules for each group. For example, you might offer additional discounts and increased credit limits to your VIP B2B customers!
Getting started with SparkLayer
So you want to get up and running with SparkLayer on Shopify. Excellent news! But where do you start?
Do you want to run a blended B2B and D2C storefront with SparkLayer? Or are you better off launching a dedicated B2B portal, to completely separate your operations?
This is where a dedicated Shopify B2B agency – such as ourselves! – can really help. We have now supported countless launches of B2B Shopify operations... and with a dedicated B2B workshop, we can build out the solution that meets both your business targets, and your budget requirements. Anything from MVP B2B launches, to enterprise solutions! Contact us today to talk about your new Shopify project.
For help shaping a trade buying experience around your customers and operations, explore our Shopify B2B commerce service.
