The development of B2B e-commerce propositions is lagging behind that of B2C platforms, but what is certain is that considerable catch-up is now being made. This means that companies that want to strengthen their e-commerce strategy are confronted with a large number of different solutions, providers and implementation partners.  

In this blog, we explain the different development phases of e-commerce platforms. We also help you make the right choices when it comes to platforms and implementation partners. And we explain which issues can ensure that your e-commerce platform supports the intended business goals, now and in the future.

From one digital sales channel to international growth 

For many companies, the development of their B2B e-commerce platform can be divided into phases. You may recognize yourself in one or more of the following steps:  

Step 1: Companies often start with one digital sales channel; a webshop as a desktop application. 

Step 2: In this phase, it is important to expand the e-commerce business. This can be done by optimizing per screen type in the direction of its own "use case". For example; order at the office via a computer versus additional ordering on location with a tablet or telephone. 

Step 3: The company wants to grow and sell internationally. 

Avoid the need for (the costs of) a new platform 

Every next step in the development of the B2B e-commerce platform, if properly implemented, always results in better business results. When choosing the platform, make sure that you (organization) are not forced to invest in a new platform at every step (we call that *re-platforming at rb2).  

*Replatforming is the term used to replace the current platform with a new platform. If a company determines that the current platform no longer satisfies the (future) e-commerce proposition, then replatforming is inevitable.  

The costs of re-platforming are almost never synchronized with the turnover and therefore probably not justified on a commercial basis. So it is important to choose a platform that can last several growth phases, at the necessary adjustment costs. 

Optimize for organic growth and adoption of the e-commerce platform 

In step 2 of the e-commerce growth process, you strive for the autonomous growth of the channels. Even if you do not focus on organic growth, there will be a progressive insight into how to improve the results. After all, it is only when you are "live" that it becomes clear whether the e-commerce proposition really makes the users - your customers and your organization - happy. Being able to make systematic improvements in user-friendliness is important for achieving organic growth. 

Do you want to read more about the 3 recommendations and the technical tips that we provide to make the right choice for your B2B e-commerce platform? Then download our white paper "Choosing a B2B e-commerce platform, 3 things to get you started"