B2B – Business to Business

B2B (business to business) refers to commercial transactions carried out between companies. A manufacturer selling to a distributor, or a wholesaler supplying retailers, are examples of B2B trade.

What sets B2B apart

B2B is characterized by longer sales cycles, large purchase volumes, negotiated terms and long-lasting commercial relationships. Purchasing decisions often involve several people and follow complex approval processes.

B2B in the digital era

B2B e-commerce is growing fast. Modern B2B platforms offer personalized catalogs, negotiated pricing, recurring order management and self-service portals. Digitalizing B2B improves both efficiency and the experience of professional buyers.

A concrete example

An office supplies manufacturer sells its products to resellers (B2B), who then sell them on to end consumers (B2C). Through its B2B platform, the manufacturer offers volume-based pricing tiers, a catalog personalized for each customer, automatic recurring orders and 60-day payment terms. These conditions are tailored to professional needs and would be impossible in standard B2C.