A B2B portal or extranet is an online network focused on the exchange of information and the purchase and sale of products or services between companies, never with the end user (B2C). This type of portals, at the same time as marketing, helps companies to:
How is a B2B extranet different from e-commerce?
Even though it functions similarly to any online store, its differences are notable.
- Target market: a user making an online purchase does not act the same way as if he were doing it for his company. A B2B buyer uses work time, spends the company's money and acts more responsibly.
- Tasa de conversión: since the user arrives at a B2B extranet with a specific purchase intention, a higher conversion rate is achieved than in an e-commerce.
- Sales procedure: In B2B, the sales procedure is short and agile, unlike in B2C, which is usually more vast and complex.
- Purchase decision: In B2C impulses and emotions usually prevail, while in B2B, several people can even intervene to make a more rational choice.
- Security: B2B stands out for being a closed and secure platform that only clients can enter. Anyone can access a B2C since it is an open platform.
7 advantages of B2B portals for clients and the company
There are several benefits of using a B2B portal for both customers and the company.
1. Improve customer service
B2B extranets are available at all times, being able to access them from any place and device. Therefore, the customer can check the stock of products, place the order in a few steps or consult commercial information to close a deal.
2. Automate logistics
B2B portals streamline order management and shorten delivery times.
3. They facilitate access to more products or services
A B2B extranet brings customers closer to partner offers and presents them more transparently.
4. Streamline processes and workflows
Many steps are saved and many errors are avoided in traditional order management.
5. Costs are reduced
The number of essential sales visits to close deals is considerably minimized, as well as the time spent on phone support, sending new catalogs and offers, email responses to inquiries about stock and prices, etc.
in addition, The integration of B2B solutions with ERP platforms (Enterprise Resource Planning) enables more detailed control of financial movements.
6. They help to enter new markets
With a B2B solution, it does not depend on local office hours, since internationalization offers possibilities never seen before. And with B2B portals you can explore other markets without having to carry out costly expansions or move commercial teams.
7. They help to know and take advantage of import opportunities.
You can make the most of the costs of acquiring resources or raw materials for production.
Why use a B2B portal?
There are different reasons to opt for a B2B extranet.
1. The company will be open permanently
Customers can place orders and make inquiries comfortably from any device and location at any time.
2. The current and future stock is sold.
Customers can know in real time the availability of the posts and when they are available in case they run out.
3. You save time and money
Los clientes pueden en cualquier momento realizar pedidos y consultas sobre el estado de cuentas, deliveries, Bills, estado de compra, disponibilidad de productos, tiempos de entrega, etc.
in addition, ofrecer dicha información en la extranet B2B anima a los clientes a conectarse y consultar las novedades o promociones activas. Esto puede incrementar el volumen de pedidos que realizan.
Conclution
Si compra y vende a otras compañías, una de las mejores alternativas para digitalizar un negocio y incrementar las ventas es por medio de un portal B2B. Aún cuando no es un trabajo sencillo y tomará tiempo, personal y recursos al principio, indudablemente pondrá su negocio por delante de la competencia. Desde Intelequia ofrecemos DNN Platform para que las compañías puedan trabajar con una extranet B2B de primer nivel.
