E247: 📦B2B Commerce Corner #13 | HOW & WHY B2B COMMERCE IS TAKING CENTRE STAGE AT BIGCOMMERCE - Lance Owide, BigCommerce
Exploring the Evolution and Vision of B2B eCommerce with Lance Owide from BigCommerce
eCommerce has been rapidly evolving, with B2B becoming an increasingly vital part of the industry. In a recent conversation with Lance Owide, the General Manager of B2B at BigCommerce, we delved into the integration of B2B functionalities within the BigCommerce platform, the acquisition of B2B technologies, and the future vision for B2B eCommerce.
The Journey of B2B Commerce at BigCommerce
BigCommerce, known for its comprehensive eCommerce solutions, has taken significant strides in the B2B sector. In 2021, they launched their B2B Edition, a white-labeled product that combined the functionality of Bundle B2B. Following its success, BigCommerce acquired Bundle B2B and B2B Ninja, aiming to integrate them into the core platform fully.
The integration process is no small feat. It involves merging not only the technology but also the teams and processes to ensure a seamless experience for users. This is a challenge BigCommerce is tackling head-on, with a vision to make B2B functionalities a fundamental part of their platform.
The Impact of B2B Commerce
The rise of B2B commerce is evident, with manufacturers and distributors rapidly moving online. BigCommerce's B2B Edition has facilitated this transition, providing tools for invoicing, quoting, and company account management—features that are crucial for B2B transactions. The ability to manage multiple users under one company account has been a game-changer for businesses.
With the current landscape where travel is restricted, BigCommerce's B2B solutions have been a lifeline for businesses needing to shift sales online. They've allowed businesses to replicate the personal sales experience digitally, ensuring customers receive the same products and pricing they would from a sales rep.
BigCommerce's Open SaaS Philosophy
BigCommerce stands out with its open SaaS approach, offering a platform that's both robust and flexible. This philosophy is embodied in their product development, where B2B functionalities are considered microservices that fit seamlessly into the broader suite of services. This approach has allowed them to cater to the diverse needs of businesses ranging from small startups to billion-dollar enterprises.
Multi-Storefront and Headless Commerce
The multi-storefront compatibility and headless commerce functionalities are key highlights of BigCommerce's offerings. These features enable businesses to manage multiple eCommerce sites from a single backend, regardless of whether they're B2B or B2C. This flexibility allows for easy expansion and customization, catering to various business models and customer experiences.
The Future of B2B eCommerce
Looking ahead, BigCommerce is focusing on enhancing the sales team experience by developing tools that streamline sales processes and improve efficiency. Features like web hooks for company object integration, customizable quoting templates, and a unified buyer and sales team portal are on the horizon.
Conclusion
BigCommerce's dedication to B2B eCommerce is shaping the future of how businesses sell online. Their journey from acquiring B2B technologies to integrating them into a cohesive, flexible platform is a testament to the potential of B2B commerce. As the company continues to evolve, it's clear that BigCommerce is poised to be a leader in the eCommerce industry, driving the growth and innovation of B2B online sales.
To learn more, check out the related THE ECOMMERCE EDGE Podcast episode below: