Cloudfy | Best-in-Class B2B Ecommerce Software https://www.cloudfy.com/tag/b2b-ecommerce/ B2B Solution to Simplify, Save & Scale Tue, 11 Jul 2023 13:30:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.cloudfy.com/app/uploads/favicon.jpg Cloudfy | Best-in-Class B2B Ecommerce Software https://www.cloudfy.com/tag/b2b-ecommerce/ 32 32 Digital Transformation in the Pharma Industry: The Rise of B2B Ecommerce Systems https://www.cloudfy.com/articles/digital-transformation-in-the-pharma-industry-the-rise-of-b2b-ecommerce-systems/ Wed, 28 Jun 2023 14:41:42 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=46298 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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The pharma industry is always evolving. It’s a competitive market and customer expectations are high. Digital transformation will play an important role in its future

The sector must respond to increasingly strict regulation, greater security requirements and continuing supply chain challenges. Manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical products and equipment need new ways to simplify and scale their businesses. They also need new skills and tools to launch and promote products online and to create and manage customer experiences.

The pharma industry is becoming increasingly complex. New international partnerships, outsourced production and shifting market definitions are all leading to major changes.

To reduce costs and increase sales day-to-day operations must become more efficient and customer focussed.

Cloudfy is designed to meet the needs of complex B2B sales in the pharmaceutical sector. Order processing and customer service benefit from modern automation and software integration while customer self-service and easy payments streamline sales.

Your software as a service (SaaS) solution includes client ordering and sale representative apps and client connectors. Cloudfy provides key tools like serialized stock management, quantity limits, product safety sheets, and restricted product combinations.

The pharmaceutical industry has digitized much of its product information and marketing content. However, digitally transforming sales and customer service still has a long way to go.

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Customer experiences

B2B Commerce Platform for Healthcare Industry

Traditionally new medicines or devices are the priority in pharmaceuticals sales and marketing. The story has been about clinical effectiveness, safety and advantages over competitors. While these features remain important, those who are planning for market growth now recognize customer loyalty is essential.

Delivering high quality customer journeys online is becoming a priority across the pharma industry. Alongside product quality and innovation, it is moving to the top of the agenda.

Friction and inconvenience anywhere in the purchasing journey will affect customer satisfaction and, ultimately, revenue. There are valuable lessons available from online retailers and direct to consumer (D2C) sales. Online support, apps and advice can all help boost sales. Above all, personalized customer experiences are likely to replace a ‘single solution’ approach to pharmaceutical marketing and selling.

Building digital relationships

B2B Ecommerce Portal for Pharma Industry

Digital transformation in the pharma industry has already started but is largely focused on data, research, and operations. Product development relies on digital resources and measurement. Building on these uses of digital tools, the next step is to use them for marketing and selling.

Many manufacturers are exploring the benefits of D2C sales. Some start-ups have chosen it as their only route to market. For pharmaceuticals companies it provides the opportunity to optimize the benefits of their research and development investment. There are opportunities to build unique digital relationships with consumers, prescribers and distributors.

As part of this trend B2B ecommerce provides a range of digital connections. This might include digital marketing, product delivery tracking, sales rep and customer apps and wider sector specific marketplaces.

Digital transformation priorities

Strategic intent

Pharmaceuticals companies need a strategic approach to evaluation, development and digitization of all their touchpoints. It must include all types of customers, service providers, funders, employees and suppliers. The biggest hurdle is not the technology but the organization and its culture. To create outstanding customer experiences, everyone must support this intent.

Understanding audiences

Personalized experiences are only delivered through deep understanding of the needs and expectations of different target groups. To build trust and lasting relationships each persona must have a tailored journey with high quality content and relevant experiences. Data is needed on behavior, goals, pain points, drivers and decision-making processes.

Customer interactions

Digitizing documents or processes won’t result in digital transformation. Becoming a truly digital business requires a new approach to customer interactions. Fully digital and seamless experiences across different platforms and devices is just the beginning.

The benefits of digital transformation in the pharma industry

Analytics and data

B2B ecommerce increases access to valuable insights and customer behavior data. They can underpin marketing plans and inform strategies. Business system integration and well-designed processes for capturing, organizing, managing, and analyzing customer data can drive transformation and business growth.

Customer focus

Like retailers, pharma businesses can make their B2B ecommerce platform central to their customer relationships. It can become the core of improved and automated customer-facing services, saving time and costs and improving customer experiences.

Consistency

Implementing a B2B ecommerce platform creates a digital foundation for a more customer-focused culture. Integrations provide seamless and coherent experiences across all channels and devices and allow data sharing. Processes and decision-making are inevitably improved.

Customer satisfaction

Some large pharmaceuticals companies are already developing customer satisfaction programs and measurement methods. Tools such as Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) help to assess the quality of experiences. Through them a better understanding of perceptions across different target groups is developed.

Digital Transformation in the Pharma Industry: The Rise of B2B Ecommerce Systems

How Cloudfy helps with digital transformation in the pharma industry

Cloudfy is a software as a service (SaaS) B2B ecommerce platform specially designed to meet the needs of complex pharma sales. We specialize in designing and developing B2B ecommerce solutions for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers around the world.

Together we can implement a modern B2B ecommerce solution as part of the digital transformation of your pharmaceuticals business.

Book a free Cloudfy demonstration to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry refers to the integration and utilization of digital technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive business growth.

Personalized customer experiences play a crucial role in boosting pharmaceutical sales by fostering customer loyalty and satisfaction. Tailored journeys, high-quality content, and relevant experiences help build trust and lasting relationships with customers.

  1. A specialized B2B ecommerce platform offers several benefits for pharmaceutical sales.

    •  It serves as a centralized platform for customer relationships, enabling improved and automated customer-facing services. 
    • By integrating various channels and devices, it ensures consistent experiences, saves time and costs, and enhances overall customer satisfaction. 
    • Additionally, it provides valuable insights into customer behavior and data, enabling informed marketing strategies and driving business growth.

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Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers: A Comprehensive Guide https://www.cloudfy.com/articles/mastering-b2b-marketing-strategies-for-manufacturers-a-comprehensive-guide/ Thu, 22 Jun 2023 09:11:48 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=46017 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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Here’s a guide to business to business (B2B) marketing strategies for manufacturers from the team at Cloudfy. With our cross-sector experience we understand the fiercely competitive manufacturing environment and what’s needed to stand out from your competitors.

Manufacturing products and services can appear to be very similar. Your marketing must include everything your buyers need to know before they make their decisions. You’ll need to be laser-focussed on how you solve your customers’ problems to differentiate your offer. There are some important steps you can take to give your marketing strategy the firm foundations needed to ensure success.

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Market research in the manufacturing sector

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-6

Understanding your target audience is the first essential step. Market research provides valuable information about what your customers want and need. You’ll gain useful insights into what they like and dislike about your company, your products and your competitors. It’s the first piece of information you need to win their business in future.

You might use surveys, focus groups, interviews, and data you already hold about customer buying behavior to build the picture. It takes some time, but understanding your target audience makes your marketing more effective. To make sure you have high quality data you might outsource the process to B2B ecommerce, marketing or research specialists.

Once you have this information you can explore how to set yourself apart from your competitors. Reviewing what your target audience says about your competitors’ products helps you answer customer questions and concerns. Exploring how your competitors engage with their customers and position their brand helps you define valuable points of difference.

Search engine optimization

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-4

B2B buyers want and expect to carry out most of their research online. They are also happy to complete the majority of their purchasing process without the help of a sales representative.

If customers can’t find you, you’ll miss valuable sales opportunities. However, making sure your brand and product information are easily found online is a clear opportunity for competitive advantage. Making sure every element of your website is designed to provide helpful information that’s easy to use is essential. Professional support from a specialist B2B search engine optimization agency can make all the difference.

You’ll see more website traffic and conversion rates will improve when you’re backed up with frictionless customer journeys and high quality content.

Website optimization

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-3

Not all websites are the same. When you look behind the scenes, there can be problems that affect your online performance and search engine result page (SERP) results. A slow site or one that isn’t responsive on mobile devices can undo all your good SEO work.

Your user interface must also be carefully designed to make your customer’s experience easy and rewarding. It needs to look good and work hard. 

This includes simple enquiry and subscription forms so visitors can request information and give you their contact details. Clear and easy page navigation helps  your buyers learn more about your products. Make buttons to request a quote (RFQ) and see product details visible and easy to use. At each contact point make sure buyers know where they are and how to return to previous information.

Value added content

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-5

Your efforts to attract customers to your website is wasted if they don’t find what they want. Providing content that your audience wants to read is the next essential step.

Well-researched blog posts, whitepapers, e-books, technical specifications, and 360º images help visitors understand your products and complete their research.

You can create content specifically relevant to your business and industry by using your own research and existing knowledge. You can position yourself as an industry-leading expert with sector specific commentaries, reports and webinars. Fresh new content will intrigue customers and encourage them to continue visiting your site, even if they aren’t yet ready to buy.

Maximizing social media opportunities

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-1

Many B2B buyers are now millennials. They use social media as a business tool as well as for keeping in touch with friends and family. When you’ve written an interesting blog post, for example, it makes sense to share it on social media.

You’ll increase the chances for your potential customers to see it by publishing on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram. However, your content must be tailored to the channel. If this fills you with dread, a professional marketing agency will help you create social media schedules and calendars. They can write content and suggest subjects to engage your audiences and maintain a consistent presence for your brand.

You’ll also need to maintain the momentum with regular posts that provide industry-specific information rather than promoting specific products. Save your sales messages for special occasions like product launches, major new contracts or visits to trade shows and exhibitions.

Multi-media engagement

Mastering B2B Marketing Strategies-2

Augmented reality and virtual reality, live streaming and video marketing all offer new ways to engage with your B2B audiences. More and more online activity involves video content, making it an effective marketing tool. It’s becoming even more popular than email, blogging or infographics.

Partnering with multi-media experts helps you create engaging content to sell your products. This might include behind-the-scenes production tutorials, brand stories and customer testimonials.

Marketing measurements that matter

To be effective, you must measure the results of your marketing. Your B2B ecommerce site provides valuable in-depth data. Data-driven marketing involves collecting, managing, and analyzing information to improve business decisions and gain insights into your customers’ needs. You can develop your marketing strategy and generate new ideas for products or services.

Well-designed marketing measurements help to improve customer acquisition and engagement. You can keep track of your most popular products, average order size and frequency of purchase. Your reports can be generated in near real time and you can even set automatic triggers when certain things happen.

Analytics help you improve your marketing content and design, increase sales, and engage buyers. You can determine what’s most important to your customers so you can prioritize your plans.

Partnering with multi-media experts helps you create engaging content to sell your products. This might include behind-the-scenes production tutorials, brand stories and customer testimonials.

Work with a B2B ecommerce specialist

Standing out in a competitive manufacturing market requires good planning and a thorough understanding of market trends. At Cloudfy we specialize in meeting the needs of our manufacturing clients. 

Cloudfy is a purpose designed B2B ecommerce website platform. Together we can seamlessly provide high quality content and exceptional customer journeys across multiple channels.

Find out how you can benefit from our integrated approach. Book a free Cloudfy demonstration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Market research helps manufacturers understand their target audience, their needs, preferences, and buying behavior. It provides valuable insights into customer expectations, allowing manufacturers to tailor their marketing strategies to meet those needs and stand out from competitors.

SEO improves the visibility of a manufacturer's brand and product information online, ensuring they can be found by potential customers. It increases website traffic, enhances user experience, and boosts conversion rates, ultimately leading to more sales opportunities.

  1. Providing valuable content, such as blog posts, whitepapers, and technical specifications, helps manufacturers educate and engage their target audience. It positions them as industry experts, builds trust with potential customers, and keeps them coming back to the website for future purchases.
  1. B2B manufacturers can leverage social media platforms, like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, to share industry-specific content, engage with their target audience, and promote their brand. It helps increase brand visibility, establish thought leadership, and drive website traffic.

Multimedia, including videos, augmented reality, and virtual reality, allows B2B manufacturers to create engaging content that effectively showcases their products and tells their brand story. It captures the attention of potential customers and enhances the overall marketing experience.

Marketing measurement enables manufacturers to track the performance of their marketing efforts, analyze customer data, and make data-driven decisions. It helps improve customer acquisition and engagement, identify popular products, and generate new ideas for products or services.

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B2B Ecommerce Trends in Japan https://www.cloudfy.com/articles/b2b-ecommerce-trends-in-japan/ Thu, 15 Jun 2023 10:53:59 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=45348 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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Japan is the world’s fourth largest ecommerce market, after only China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It has grown year after year, with demand only increasing since the epidemic began.

Ecommerce is a terrific strategy to contact Japanese customers since more people are buying and selling online. 93% of Japanese people have an internet connection, while 75% of Japanese people make online transactions. 

The increased impetus for digital transformation and operational efficiency is one of the causes for the rise of the B2B ecommerce industry over the last 5 years. B2B ecommerce has been shown to increase efficiency and sales, which is why so many companies have adopted it.

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B2B ecommerce in Japan

In recent years, Japan has witnessed a significant transformation in its business landscape, particularly in the realm of B2B ecommerce. As the third-largest economy globally, Japan has always been at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation. Today, the country’s B2B ecommerce sector is experiencing a surge, driven by digital transformation, changing consumer expectations, and the increasing adoption of new technologies. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of B2B ecommerce trends in Japan, exploring the key factors contributing to its growth and the future prospects it holds.

Embracing Digital Transformation

The rise of B2B ecommerce in Japan can be largely attributed to the digital transformation initiatives undertaken by businesses across various industries. Traditional business models are gradually giving way to digital platforms, allowing companies to streamline their operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. Japanese businesses are recognizing the importance of digitalizing their processes, from procurement and supply chain management to online marketing and customer support.

Rapid Adoption of Marketplaces

B2B marketplaces are gaining tremendous popularity in Japan, enabling businesses to connect, collaborate, and transact on a single platform. These marketplaces provide a wide range of products and services, catering to different industries, and offer a convenient and efficient way for buyers and sellers to conduct business. Companies can leverage these platforms to expand their reach, discover new suppliers, and find innovative solutions to their business needs.

Mobile Commerce Revolution

Japan has been at the forefront of the mobile revolution for years, and this trend has extended to B2B e-commerce as well. With a highly tech-savvy population and widespread smartphone usage, mobile commerce is becoming increasingly prevalent in the B2B space. Japanese businesses are developing mobile apps and optimized websites to facilitate seamless transactions, allowing buyers and sellers to connect anytime, anywhere.

B2B Ecommerce in Japan

Personalization and Customization

The demand for personalized and customized products and services is growing among B2B buyers in Japan. Businesses are leveraging technology to provide tailored solutions, taking into account the unique requirements of their customers. From product configuration tools to personalized pricing and delivery options, companies are focusing on enhancing the customer experience by offering personalized experiences that meet specific needs.

Integration of AI and Automation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are revolutionizing B2B e-commerce in Japan. Companies are utilizing AI-powered tools for demand forecasting, inventory management, and customer support. Chatbots and virtual assistants are being deployed to provide instant and personalized assistance to customers, improving response times and overall efficiency. Automation is streamlining repetitive tasks, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on more strategic activities.

Cross-border Trade and Global Expansion

B2B e-commerce is enabling Japanese businesses to expand their reach beyond domestic markets. E-commerce platforms and marketplaces are facilitating cross-border trade, allowing companies to connect with international suppliers and buyers. By embracing global trade opportunities, Japanese businesses can tap into new markets, access a diverse range of products and services, and foster international collaborations.

Emphasis on Data Analytics and Insights

Data-driven decision making is becoming increasingly important in the B2B e-commerce landscape. Japanese businesses are leveraging analytics tools and platforms to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and performance metrics. By analyzing this data, companies can optimize their operations, refine their strategies, and deliver enhanced customer experiences.

The B2B e-commerce landscape in Japan is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by digitalization, technological advancements, and changing consumer expectations. Businesses are embracing digital transformation initiatives, adopting marketplaces, and leveraging mobile commerce to enhance their operations and reach a wider customer base. Personalization, AI, and automation are revolution

B2B Ecommerce in Japan_2

How to succeed in the Japanese B2B ecommerce market

There are a number of things that businesses can do to succeed in the Japanese B2B ecommerce market. These include:

  • Partner with a reputed B2B ecommerce platform such as Cloudfy: Partnering with a local B2B ecommerce platform can help businesses to gain access to a wider audience of potential customers. It can also help businesses to navigate the complex Japanese business landscape.
  • Offer competitive prices: Businesses need to offer competitive prices in order to be successful in the Japanese B2B ecommerce market. This is due to the fact that Japanese businesses are very price-conscious.
  • Provide excellent customer service: Japanese businesses place a high value on customer service. Businesses need to provide excellent customer service in order to build relationships with potential customers and to retain existing customers.
  • Market your products and services effectively: Businesses need to market their products and services effectively in order to reach a wider audience of potential customers. This can be done through a variety of channels, such as online advertising, email marketing, and social media marketing.

The Japanese B2B ecommerce market is a rapidly growing market with a lot of potential. Businesses that are able to successfully navigate the market can reap significant rewards.

In today’s digital age, physical distance or the size of your company no longer matters. We can connect online from anywhere and deliver a robust B2B ecommerce platform to meet your needs. Schedule a demo now to know more!

Frequently Asked Questions

The growth of B2B ecommerce in Japan is driven by factors such as:

  • Digital transformation initiatives
  • Changing consumer expectations
  • Rapid adoption of marketplaces 
  • Mobile commerce revolution
  • Personalization and customization
  • Integration of AI and automation
  • Cross-border trade
  • Emphasis on data analytics.

Embracing digital transformation allows businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, enhance customer experiences, and digitalize processes such as procurement, supply chain management, online marketing, and customer support.

B2B marketplaces are gaining popularity in Japan as they provide a convenient and efficient platform for businesses to connect, collaborate, and transact. 

They offer a wide range of products and services, cater to different industries, and help companies expand their reach, discover new suppliers, and find innovative solutions.

Mobile commerce is highly prevalent in Japan, driven by its tech-savvy population and widespread smartphone usage. Businesses are developing mobile apps and optimized websites to facilitate seamless transactions, allowing buyers and sellers to connect anytime, anywhere.

Businesses are leveraging technology to provide tailored solutions, considering the unique requirements of their customers. This includes using product configuration tools, personalized pricing and delivery options, and focusing on enhancing the customer experience by offering personalized experiences that meet specific needs.

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How B2B companies are reducing their carbon footprint with new technologies https://www.cloudfy.com/how-b2b-companies-are-reducing-their-carbon-footprint-with-new-technologies/ Wed, 07 Jun 2023 08:50:31 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44974 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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There are growing expectations for business to business (B2B) companies to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Both customers and investors are looking for evidence of sustainable practices. As a result, sustainable supply chain management is now much higher on the agenda. New technologies play an important role in helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

How B2B companies are reducing their carbon footprint with new technologies

Cloudfy’s effectiveness and ease of use will give your customers confidence to buy online. Special offers, promotions and valuable online content can all help them make sustainable choices. Once they are confident with online self-service you can introduce new and more environmentally friendly products and services.

Online orders can be seamlessly passed to sales, finance, stock control and distribution systems for fast and efficient recording and measurement. You’ll reduce the risk of human errors and can automatically offer more sustainable delivery and packaging options.

This year in the United States alone there have been seven confirmed major weather events leading to losses of more than US$1billion. Dramatic weather like this and concerns over our use of resources mean B2B buyers are prioritizing environmental issues.

Decarbonization throughout the supply chain is a driving force for change. Customers are demanding to know what businesses are doing to reduce their carbon footprint. Measuring the overall environmental impact of B2B purchasing choices is becoming an important concern. Organizations urgently need enterprise (ERP) applications that can accurately measure, monitor and help reduce carbon emissions. To build customer confidence environmental data must be captured in near real-time with automated collation and analysis for fast feedback.

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What’s green technology and how can it help?

New technology and business models can support changing purchasing behavior to reduce carbon impact. Green B2B ecommerce provides new and creative options to reduce waste, minimize carbon emissions, and support informed choices from sourcing to manufacturing, shipping, and delivery. This might include recycling options for old products at checkout, data about materials and manufacturing sustainability, tracking and measurement.

Behind this trend is the growing viability of renewable energy, increased commitment to global initiatives, and investor demands for robust ESG programs.

Leading B2B ecommerce providers such as Cloudfy and Adobe are also highlighting the importance of climate change in online purchasing choices.

Over eight out of 10 employees want their employers to do more to reduce the effects of climate change. Almost two thirds say they are more likely to work for companies with strong sustainability policies and practices.

Supply chain partners want to work with companies that share their environmental and social responsibility goals. Investors are looking for much stronger evidence of effective ESG programs.

The importance of environmental transparency

Worldwide regulations are under development that will require reporting of emissions and environmental impacts. This will bring increased expectations for sharing sustainability data and operational transparency.

Green B2B ecommerce providers are likely to play a leading role in these changes. Businesses that help their customers quantify and report on the carbon footprint of their purchasing will have an advantage.

The requirement to provide detailed emissions data with every transaction isn’t very far away. ‘Offsetting’ existing carbon emissions through environmental projects such as re-forestation won’t remove existing carbon impacts. As a result, many advocates and investors are questioning the transparency, regulation and verification of these projects.

Carbon capture and removal technology has potential to offer more. However, delivering and measuring commercially viable and scalable options is still challenging.

Technology-based environmental solutions

Digital communication

integrated business solutions combining your B2B ecommerce platform and back-office systems streamline data sharing and improve communication. Overall, this can significantly reduce your organization’s carbon footprint. For example, using electronic data interchange (EDI) for documents and transactions is cheaper, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

Supply chain management

Eight supply chains account for more than half of global carbon emissions. Improved processes could significantly reduce emissions and protect the environment.

New technology can improve visibility of the whole supply chain. Shared measurements help customers manage risks and identify opportunities to reduce emissions. Larger buying groups could also drive changes by encouraging investment in more sustainable practices.

AI & ML

All sizes of organization find it hard to collect data about their carbon impact. This is key to understanding and improving business processes.

Advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI & ML) can help. Large amounts of data can be automatically collected and analyzed in near real time to provide carbon impact insights. This could include buyer behavior, shipment and packaging choices, for example.

Digital twins

Performance measurements throughout the supply chain will help companies track the progress of their decarbonization plans. Digital twin technology can be used to measure and assess supply chain options that improve efficiency. Used with AI technology this can support planning simulations and help to set and meet targets while maintaining profitability.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology has potential to create new economies around sustainability objectives. These might include carbon offset marketplaces, energy management, and tokenization platforms for renewable energy. For example, the Nori marketplace focuses on carbon removal, providing financial rewards for carbon-capture farming practices. Other options include secure traceability throughout the supply chain and support for digital trading in recyclable materials.

Cloud-based solutions

Cloud-based B2B ecommerce technology like Cloudfy is ideal for collecting customer data and onward performance tracking and benchmarking. It can be updated in near real-time so choices can be more easily understood and emissions monitored. Through collaboration with other supply chain partners, you can have a complete end-to-end view. Used with ESG management and monitoring tools like Planetly or Accuvio wider monitoring and reporting can be automated and managed.

Find out how you can build your environmental credentials with Cloudfy. Book a free demonstration today.

B2B companies are leveraging various technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. These include green B2B ecommerce platforms that offer recycling options, data on materials and manufacturing sustainability, and tracking capabilities.

Environmental transparency is crucial for B2B companies due to increasing regulations and stakeholder demands for sustainability reporting.

AI and machine learning technologies enable B2B companies to collect and analyze large amounts of data in near real time. This data can provide insights into carbon impact.

By leveraging AI and ML, businesses can identify areas for improvement, optimize processes, and make informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint effectively.

Blockchain technology offers opportunities for creating new economies around sustainability objectives.

By facilitating secure traceability throughout the supply chain and supporting digital trading in recyclable materials, blockchain can help B2B companies track and mitigate their carbon impact.

Cloud-based solutions, such as Cloudfy, enable B2B companies to collect and track customer data in near real time, allowing for better understanding of choices and monitoring of emissions.

Through collaboration with supply chain partners and integration with ESG management and monitoring tools, cloud-based solutions provide a comprehensive view of sustainability efforts, automating monitoring and reporting processes.

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Revolutionizing Manufacturing in New Jersey: The Best B2B Ecommerce Platform for Manufacturers https://www.cloudfy.com/b2b-ecommerce-platform-for-manufacturers-in-new-jersey/ Wed, 31 May 2023 09:17:56 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44400 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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If you’re a manufacturer in New Jersey looking to expand your business, you know how important it is to have an online presence. With the rise of Ecommerce, it’s crucial to have an easy-to-use platform that allows you to sell your products online. That’s where Cloudfy comes in – it’s the best B2B Ecommerce platform for manufacturers in New Jersey.

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Why Cloudfy is the Best Ecommerce Platform for Manufacturers

There are many reasons why Cloudfy is the best Ecommerce platform for manufacturers in New Jersey. Here are just a few of them:

  • Customization: Cloudfy allows you to customize your B2B Ecommerce platform to fit your unique needs. Whether you need a specific layout or design, or you need to integrate with other software systems, Cloudfy can be tailored to meet your needs.
  • Scalability: As your business grows, you need an Ecommerce platform that can grow with you. Cloudfy is highly scalable, allowing you to add new products, customers, and features as your business expands.
  • Ease of Use: Cloudfy is designed to be easy to use, with an intuitive interface that makes it simple to manage your B2B Ecommerce platform. Whether you’re adding products, managing orders, or updating your website, Cloudfy makes it easy to get the job done.
  • Security: With Cloudfy, you can rest assured that your B2B Ecommerce platform is secure. Cloudfy uses the latest security protocols to protect your data and your customers’ data, so you can sell online with confidence.
  • Customer Support: Cloudfy offers exceptional customer support, with a team of experts available to help you with any questions or issues you may have. Whether you need technical support, training, or advice on how to optimize your Ecommerce platform, Cloudfy’s support team is there to help.

Cloudfy is suitable for a wide range of manufacturing industries, including

Industrial Equipment

If you manufacture industrial equipment such as machinery, tools, or parts, Cloudfy can help you reach a broader audience and streamline your sales and order fulfillment processes.

Automotive

If you manufacture automotive parts, accessories, or equipment, Cloudfy can help you reach a wider audience and streamline your operations.

Medical Devices

If you manufacture medical devices such as diagnostic equipment, surgical tools, or medical supplies, Cloudfy can help you sell your products to healthcare providers and institutions online.

Pharmaceutical Products

If you manufacture pharmaceutical products, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other healthcare products, Cloudfy B2B ecommerce platform can help you expand your reach and streamline your sales and order fulfillment processes.

B2B Ecommerce Industries

PVF (Pipes, Valves, and Fittings)

If you manufacture PVF products, including pipes, valves, fittings, and other industrial products, Cloudfy can help you sell your products online to customers all over the world, making it easier for them to find the industrial products they need.

Fashion and Apparel

If you manufacture fashion and apparel products, Cloudfy can help you sell your products online to customers all over the world. With Cloudfy’s e-commerce platform, you can reach a broader audience and streamline your sales and order fulfillment processes.

Food and Beverage

If you manufacture food and beverage products, Cloudfy can help you sell your products to retailers and consumers online, streamlining your sales and order fulfillment processes.

These are just a few examples of the manufacturing industries that can benefit from using Cloudfy as their B2B ecommerce Ecommerce platform. No matter what type of manufacturing business you run, Cloudfy can help you expand your reach, streamline your operations, and grow your business.

Benefits of Ecommerce in Manufacturing Industry

Why Manufacturers in New Jersey Need Ecommerce: Benefits

Ecommerce is essential for manufacturers in New Jersey for several reasons.

First, it allows you to reach a broader audience. With an Ecommerce platform, you can sell your products to customers all over the world, not just in your local area.

Second, Ecommerce can help you streamline your business operations. With an online platform, you can automate many of your sales and order fulfillment processes, freeing up time and resources to focus on other areas of your business.

Finally, Ecommerce can help you grow your business. By expanding your reach and streamlining your operations, you can increase your revenue and profits, allowing you to reinvest in your business and continue to expand.

If you’re a manufacturer in New Jersey looking to expand your business, Cloudfy is the best Ecommerce platform for you. With its customization options, scalability, ease of use, security, and customer support, Cloudfy offers everything you need to succeed in the world of Ecommerce. So why wait? Sign up for Cloudfy today and start selling online!

Cloudfy stands out with its customization options, scalability, user-friendly interface, robust security, and exceptional customer support, making it an ideal solution for manufacturers in New Jersey.

Absolutely! Cloudfy allows you to tailor your platform with specific layouts, designs, and integration options to align perfectly with your manufacturing business requirements.

Is Cloudfy suitable for manufacturers in different industries?

The post Revolutionizing Manufacturing in New Jersey: The Best B2B Ecommerce Platform for Manufacturers appeared first on Cloudfy B2B Ecommerce Software.

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B2B Marketplaces: The Future of Procurement https://www.cloudfy.com/b2b-marketplaces-the-future-of-procurement/ Wed, 24 May 2023 15:43:16 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44310 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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B2B marketplaces will create an ecosystem for buyers and sellers around the world as they face uncertain times. Responding quickly to changing market conditions and customer preferences is essential.

End-to-end digitization improves procurement processes and flexibility and allows you to keep control of costs and risks.

Integration is the driving force for more dynamic and resilient modern procurement networks. Big Data, connectivity and flexibility all play an important part.

Table of Contents

When you are running a B2B Operation you will want an ecommerce platform that does so much more than B2B Software.

Cloudfy is one of the best ecommerce solutions for manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers. Ourr full range of B2B features is designed especially for complex business to business sales and to streamline your operations. It’s also an industry-leading connector that simplifies your relationship with B2B marketplaces and retail partners.

Automated sales processes reduce manual data entry. All the easy to use self-service features will increase customer satisfaction too. Online ordering and near real time status updates reduce customer enqueries so your support teams can add more value. It’s a software as a service (SaaS) solution, so you can reduce your IT support costs too.

B2B marketplaces for choice and efficiency

Retail marketplaces are fast, easy and efficient. We all use them, which is why they have become the benchmark for B2B purchasing. However, as more B2B organisations sell online, customer service and support aren’t always improving to keep pace. As the expectations of B2B buyers increase, businesses must adapt.

Studies have found that B2B buying journeys are complex and can sometimes be difficult. Buying groups often consider multiple solutions, products, suppliers and services before making a decision.

Marketplaces add value by providing all the information individual buyers and organizations need in one place. Specialist marketplaces also offer expert advice on alternative sources of materials, components and products. Added support speeds up the purchasing process and improves your quote to cash performance.

Activities throughout the B2B buying journey

Managing risk with B2B marketplaces

Consumer marketplaces offer a huge selection of products from around the world and B2B marketplaces can do the same. They also provide the benefits of digitization and resilience which are so important for the future.

Supply chain disruptions during the pandemic highlighted the risks of ‘just in time’ procurement. Manufacturers and retailers know they need fast and easy access to reliable alternative suppliers that deliver quality products and materials.

Characteristics of B2B marketplaces

The best B2B marketplaces add value by providing the latest and most accurate product information and pricing. They are easy to use, helping buyers to save time, simplify workflows and improve processes.

Standardized information networks improve efficiency with fast and convenient customer journeys. Automated marketplace transactions in the cloud also support scalability and improve security.

Verifying buyers and sellers in advance gives everyone confidence. When you visit a recognized marketplace you know you’re dealing with legitimate companies and buying genuine products and materials.

However, ‘commoditization’ due to easy online price comparisons on B2B marketplaces is a disadvantage. To avoid pressure to simply offer the lowest online prices suppliers must understand the needs of their best customers. Specifically tailored offers for marketplace users can then help to acquire the right type of customer.

The B2B marketplace mindset

If you’re ready to adopt a more modern approach to your procurement practices, the technology is tried and tested. What many B2B companies are finding more challenging is developing a marketplace mindset.

Small and medium-sized companies can compete with global suppliers on a B2B marketplace. To succeed, they need to respond quickly to their customers’ needs.

Most buyers and sellers now prefer digital self-service and are happy to operate remotely. New working patterns and processes will allow B2B businesses to take full advantage of the opportunities these changing preferences offer.

It’s also important to understand that B2B buying is complex. Typical buying decisions are likely to involve multiple people with different responsibilities. Modern procurement must seamlessly combine suppliers and product selection, requests for quote (RFQ), contracts, payments and logistics.

One in 10 buyers say they are willing to spend over US$1million using end-to-end digital self-service. Developing robust checks and controls to ensure compliance and security for these high value transactions is a priority.

Global B2B supply chains

B2B procurement requires thorough processes for management, compliance and integration. Many marketplaces are not yet ready to meet the standards required for international sales.

Buyers are looking for transparency and competitive pricing, while suppliers want cost effective ways to expand into new markets and locations. Suppliers, freight forwarders, banks and buyers all need to work together to deliver seamless experiences. Industry-specific purchasing groups created by trusted business partners can provide new, flexible integrated supply chains.

 

B2B Ecommerce Marketplace

B2B marketplace vs ecommerce platform

It’s not a simple choice between selling on your own ecommerce platform or a third-party marketplace. You can sell your own products or services online while using marketplaces to access a wider audience.

Marketplaces can be an attractive place to start for customers looking for price and product comparisons. They might buy directly in the marketplace or move on to your own ecommerce site.

Selling directly to your customers via your own B2B ecommerce platform allows you to control each part of your customer’s journey. You will collect useful information about your customers’ preferences at each step.

Using marketplaces as additional sales channels allows you to reach more customers but the information you collect is limited. However, for marketplaces with a strong brand, you can build on their reputation to attract new buyers.

If you operate in a specialist market sector, you might consider extending your ecommerce site to become a marketplace owner. It’s an opportunity to offer more products and services without extra inventory, storage, management and fulfillment overheads. You’ll access different market segments and generate new revenue with little investment or risk. Membership fees, transaction fees, or service fees can add to your revenue, depending on your business model.

How to build your digital future flexibly

You build customer relationships directly when you operate your own B2B ecommerce platform. At the same time, you can explore new opportunities on B2B marketplaces. You can test new products and sectors, develop new market insights and plan for future growth.

Cloudfy provides all the tools you need to build a powerful and flexible B2B ecommerce platform. Our industry-leading connector seamlessly integrates with many B2B marketplaces and brands. In one place you can manage all your orders and product listings.

Find out how to become part of the B2B procurement revolution. Book a free Cloudfy demonstration.

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Curious to know “How much an Ecommerce Website costs?” Check this quick guide! https://www.cloudfy.com/how-much-an-ecommerce-website-costs-check-this-quick-guide/ Wed, 24 May 2023 12:14:13 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44271 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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Examining the cost of an ecommerce website can help you understand your most significant Cost whether you’re considering shifting your conventional business online, making your first foray into the world of ecommerce, or simply making sure you’re not already overpaying.

There are a lot of ecommerce website design businesses to pick from, and each one will tell you something completely different, making it difficult to compare them. It’s critical to consider the cost elements for developing ecommerce websites.

So let’s look at what factors does impact the cost and how much it will cost to construct and maintain an ecommerce website in 2023.

Factors Affecting Ecommerce Website Cost

There are several factors that are associated with the cost of an Ecommerce website development and maintenance. Some of the crucial factors are as follows:

  • Website Design: The cost difference between creating a website from scratch and adopting a pre-made template is considerable. 
  • Platform: The cost of an ecommerce website varies significantly depending on the platform you choose (Shopify, Cloudfy, Magento, WordPress, etc.). 
  • Functionality: The number and complexity of a custom-built ecommerce website’s features and functionality affect pricing.
  • Data Import:  If you need to import data, such as details about items or former customers who have made transactions, the cost of the ecommerce website may increase. Make sure your database contains everything you require to maintain the functionality of your website.

Factors Affecting Ecommerce Website Cost

  • SEO and Marketing: A thorough digital marketing plan will cost more money, but it can be necessary for improving visitor traffic and search engine optimisation. It’s a good idea to employ Google Ads advice or an SEO expert to hone your search marketing strategies once your site is live.
  • Integrations With Third Parties: The price of developing an ecommerce website may increase by thousands of dollars if an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) or other third-party systems are integrated with it.
  • Shipping: Some online retailers may have difficult delivery logistics, which might extend the project’s development time.
  • Responsive Design: Design that adjusts to the size of the screen is referred to as “responsive design,” and it can lengthen production times.
  • Ecommerce Development Services:  The ecommerce website design you choose will have an impact on the cost of the website. In general, the more expensive company will provide work of greater quality. Make sure the ecommerce website development services you use are reliable, have a physical office, and are reachable before and after the website is complete in case you have questions.

Domain cost

Every website must have a domain name, which appears as your shop name in the browser’s URL bar. The home address of the website is its domain name. For the same reason that you must register your home address with your local government, you must also register your domain name on the internet. A domain typically costs $10 to $20 per year. Depending on:

  • Your registrar
  • Level of data protection
  • Domain name itself

Hosting cost

Web hosting services are necessary so that people can reach and see your website. The monthly cost of web hosting ranges from $2.49 at the low end to more than $800 at the high end. Depending on:

  • Your chosen hosting plan (Shared, VPS, Dedicated, or Cloud). Your website’s security and performance will be considerably impacted by the hosting type.
  • Hosting company
  • The SSL certificate you are using. Costs for SSL certificates range from zero to $1,000 per year.
  • Additional services (CDN, regular backups, etc.)

The least expensive choice frequently has poor security and loads slowly. No proprietor of an online shop would like this. Therefore, even tiny, low-budget business owners should think about investing in a more expensive product instead of just going for the cheapest.

Here are our referential budgets for a good hosting service for some company sizes:

Small company: $5 – $30/month

Medium company: $20 – $120/month

Large-scale company: $120 – $800/month

Platform cost

Choosing an ecommerce platform is the first step in creating an ecommerce website. A cheap, fully functional digital store may be created with the aid of a platform. You won’t have to start from scratch with coding if you use an ecommerce platform. There are roughly a dozen reliable ecommerce systems available, each with unique benefits and drawbacks.

Some of the ecommerce platforms are free to install, but for your website to function properly, you also need to purchase a tonne of plugins. It’s difficult to determine whether the platform is more affordable or more expensive than others in the end. To pick a platform that is appropriate for your business, you should understand more about its unique capabilities. Contact us to know more!

UX – UI Design & Theme cost

To make a good impression on your consumer, UI-UX design gives your website a pleasing appearance. Additionally, it offers a seamless experience so that customers may purchase happily. Nowadays, having a good site design is not difficult.

You may construct your ecommerce website using a pre-existing template or a unique theme. You may select cheaper or more expensive designs for your ecommerce website based on your financial constraints and company objectives. Let’s examine what each entail:

Ecommerce Design cost type Description
Lower cost designs ✔ Uses Pre-built themes and templates to create webstores.
✔ Drag-and-drop page layouts is used.
✔ Multiple free themes available on popular web-building platforms. However, these templates may seem too familiar to others on the internet.
✔ Customization of website design may be considered for ensuring the required results.
✔ Ecommerce website design templates cost ranges $2500- $9000.
✔ Ecommerce website design template customization cost ranges $9000- $20000.
Higher cost designs ✔ Gives a unique design.
✔ Offers your site a competitive edge.
✔ One should opt for a custom ecommerce UI/UX design and functionality
✔ The cost of building an ecommerce website increase.
✔ Custom ecommerce website development cost ranges from $10,000 and above..

Theme cost

There is a tonne of gorgeous themes available for you to select from. Some themes are so user-friendly for beginners that you can drag and drop changes to them. Depending on how it is used, an ecommerce theme’s price might vary significantly. A sophisticated B2B Ecommerce theme with support for large businesses might cost up to $350- $500. On a lesser scale, you can easily find themes for most platforms costing between $100 and $300, depending on the designs and functionalities. Additionally, practically all platforms have access to free themes. These themes are versatile, simple to use, and responsive, making them ideal for beginners.

 

Custom website Design cost

Of course, you can always hire a designer to create a custom website for your brand with amazing visual effects or animations rather than using pre-built themes. The price ranges from $2,000 to $35,000.

A website that has been completely customized can operate to its maximum capability and scalability. Features and the developer’s fee are the two key variables that affect this price.

While the average hourly wage for developers in the US, Canada, and EU is between $100 and $175, while the pricing for developers in India and Southeast Asia is more reasonable at $15 to $40.

Here is table showing the cost of outsourcing per region:

Region Hourly Cost
USA $80-$140
UK $70-$130
Canada $70-$130
Australia $60-$100
Western Europe $50- $90
India $30- $50

Third party extensions Cost

The features of your website may be enhanced easily and affordably with extensions. Every component of your website may be extended, from SEO and marketing to shipping and accountancy. How you handle the financial side of extensions will affect your extension budget.

If a premium extension is required for a crucial function, you may be able to get by with a free extension for another feature. The objective is to get a decent ROI while staying within the budget.

However, a site with too many extensions may load slowly. An ecommerce store should have between 5 and 10 extensions. A monthly subscription fee is frequently required to utilize an extension. There are several paid ones as well as free ones, though.

The typical price of useful add-ons for well-known platforms ranges from $5 to $99 monthly of for a lifetime, it may range from $40 to $500.

Payment Processing Cost

This is a simple-to-miss Cost that should be factored into your budget. It doesn’t necessarily follow that you won’t be charged just because integrating a payment processor is free. Various systems provide varying ecommerce prices. Processing businesses charge ecommerce startups the following Cost:

Payment processor Cost
Stripe and PayPal Cost for an Ecommerce platform 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Shopify ecommerce payment • 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30 (Basic plan)
• 2.4 +$0.30 (Advanced plan)
2% extra for third-party payment processors
Payment cloud 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction

Online Marketing cost

Ecommerce marketing is a broad field with several distribution methods, including SEO, advertising, email marketing, social media marketing, and others. Depending on the size and direction of your company, you should prioritize different channels.

One must create compelling product descriptions, capture eye-catching product photographs, write SEO blogs to increase traffic, run an ad and email marketing campaigns, and do data analysis. While individuals can do these themselves, larger businesses employ a professional agency or their in-house team to complete the task.

Additionally, there are other ways to recruit a marketer or marketing team. You can:

  • Hire a freelancer
  • Hire agency
  • Inhouse

It might be difficult to estimate your company’s marketing cost, but a fair guideline is 10% to 20% of your net sales.

PCI DSS Certificate cost

PCI DSS certification is a set of security criteria that must be met by all retailers who accept payment cards. If you are creating a website that takes credit cards, you must follow these guidelines to secure your clients’ sensitive payment information. The Costs of attaining PCI DSS certification for a website might vary depending on a number of variables.

  • The Cost of employing a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or a PCI DSS consultant to evaluate the security of your website and give a report on compliance (ROC).
  • The Cost of adopting security technologies and solutions like as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and encryption technologies to ensure that your website satisfies the required security standards.
  • The Cost of continuing security maintenance and monitoring for your website to guarantee compliance with PCI DSS requirements.

Depending on the size and complexity of your website, the cost of engaging a QSA or PCI DSS expert can range from a $5000 to $20000 per year.

Overall Cost

Component Cost
Domain cost $10 to $20 per year
Hosting cost $2.49 $800 per month
Platform cost $0 to $25000 per month
Design and Theme cost $0 to $500
Third party extensions $o to $200 per extension
Payment Processing Cost From 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
Online Marketing Cost 10-20% of net sales
PCI DSS Certificate $5000-$20000

Numerous variables affect website construction costs. You may choose a free website builder and spend roughly $200 to register a domain and SSL certificate. Or you may Choose a more adaptable platform and Pay roughly between $15 and $300 each month.

A site’s average construction cost is between $12,000 and $150,000, and its average annual maintenance cost is between $400 and $60,000, according to WebFX.

That is a large range, indeed. The cost of your website is determined by who creates it, the kind of website you’re developing, the hosting company you use, and the templates and extensions you install.

To help you more closely estimate the cost of the site you want to build, you must book a consultancy call now!

FAQs for Ecommerce Website Cost in 2023

A website for online shopping might aid in the growth of your business. You may learn new things, employ cutting-edge marketing strategies, and better understand your consumers by building a consumer email list and marketing to them directly.

The cost of creating an ecommerce website is determined by the needs of the business and any additional features you'll desire. The startup Cost for different ecommerce websites often range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands.

The total cost of building an internet business depends on a number of factors. While starting an internet shop often costs a few hundred dollars for some people, it might cost thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for others. The following will be your responsibility to cover:

  • Ecommerce software.
  • Domain name.
  • Hosting for ecommerce marketplaces.
  • SSL certificate.
  • Charges for payment processing.
  • The store’s theme and designs.
  • Add-ons and extensions

Generally, building a basic ecommerce website can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, more complex websites can take several months or even longer to build.

 

Some of the ongoing costs include

  • domain registration and renewal,
  • website hosting,
  • website security,
  • website updates and maintenance,
  • payment gateway Cost,
  • marketing and advertising Costs.


It is possible to build an ecommerce website yourself using various website builders and platforms available online. However, building a professional-grade ecommerce website requires a high level of technical skill, knowledge, and experience.

If you lack these skills or want to ensure that your ecommerce website is designed and developed to a high standard, you should consider hiring a professional ecommerce website developer.

 

The benefits of choosing a custom ecommerce website design over a pre-made template include

  • Greater flexibility and customization options,
  • Better scalability,
  • Improved user experience,
  • Unique and professional-looking website that stands out from competitors.

Pre-made templates can be cheaper and quicker to set up, but they may not provide the same level of customization or functionality as a custom-designed ecommerce website.

Cost of adding new features or functionality to an existing ecommerce website will depend on the complexity of the changes required. Small changes, such as adding new product categories or updating content, may cost very little.

However, more significant changes, such as integrating new payment gateways or adding advanced search functionality, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

The post Curious to know “How much an Ecommerce Website costs?” Check this quick guide! appeared first on Cloudfy B2B Ecommerce Software.

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Enhance Customer Experience with a User-Friendly B2B Ecommerce Portal https://www.cloudfy.com/enhancing-the-customer-experience-with-a-user-friendly-b2b-ecommerce-portal/ Thu, 18 May 2023 13:50:23 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44147 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

The post Enhance Customer Experience with a User-Friendly B2B Ecommerce Portal appeared first on Cloudfy B2B Ecommerce Software.

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In today’s digital world, B2B businesses are rapidly recognizing the need for a strong online presence to compete in the market. With the advent of B2B ecommerce, firms may now easily interact with clients and partners all over the world, bypassing geographical constraints.  

According to studies, 89% of businesses that prioritize customer experience outperform their competition financially. Furthermore, high-growth companies are nearly 2.5 times more likely than their lower-growth counterparts to ensure that all customer queries are resolved. 

A user-friendly portal that improves the customer experience is critical to a successful B2B ecommerce strategy. In this blog, we will look at the advantages of having an easy-to-use B2B ecommerce portal and how it can assist improve the entire consumer experience.

What is a B2B Ecommerce Portal?

business-to-business ecommerce portal is a digital platform that allows businesses to sell their products or services to other businesses online. It offers B2B buyers a simple and quick method to explore items, place orders, track shipments, and make payments all in one spot.

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What is the B2B customer experience, and why is it important?

The B2B customer experience refers to the cumulative experience that B2B buyers have across all of your touchpoints, during their entire relationship with your business, from awareness through post-purchase.

If you get your B2B customer experience right, you can maximize customer happiness, retention, lifetime value, and, eventually, business development.

If you do it wrong, consumers will simply move their business elsewhere, often spreading the word about their bad experience.

B2B Ecommerce Portal

What are B2B customer expectations?

Given that 70% of today’s B2B decision-makers are millennials (the original digital natives), it’s no wonder that they’re looking for suppliers and goods online.

Two-thirds of corporate customers are going digital on purpose for their B2B needs – at every stage of the purchasing cycle, from research to reordering.

Buyers not only prefer digital, but they also want the same sleek, smart, personalized experiences that they enjoy in their personal online buying transactions in their work-life – experiences that make them feel understood and respected.

They want convenience at every level of the buying process, with seamless buyer-seller interactions at every touchpoint, regardless of channel. They expect a simple yet effective B2B purchase experience.

Customers expect to locate what they’re searching for in as few clicks as possible, obtain precise product information on demand, and place purchases quickly and autonomously 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

These aren’t insignificant needs for purchasers; they’re essential for securing a customer’s purchase and continuous loyalty. In fact, 90% of purchasers would switch providers for a better customer experience.

Despite this, data shows that 50% of ecommerce sites do not completely satisfy the expectations of B2B buyers, and 94% of B2B purchasers have customer experience concerns when purchasing online.

With the power in the hands of buyers, online B2B sellers simply cannot afford to provide a terrible customer experience that falls short of expectations.

What are the Advantages of a User-Friendly B2B Ecommerce Portal?

Simplifies the Purchasing Procedure

A user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform makes the purchasing process easier for consumers. It makes it simple for users to search for items, filter results, and compare pricing. Customers should be able to see their purchase history, track orders, and manage their account information on a solid B2B ecommerce platform, wh

Customer Satisfaction Increases

Customer satisfaction is also increased by a user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform. Customers nowadays demand a smooth and trouble-free internet purchasing experience. A user-friendly portal that delivers accurate and up-to-date information on product availability, price, and delivery times can help boost customer satisfaction.

Improves Efficiency

A user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform may also assist buyers and sellers boost productivity. Customers may quickly explore and order items using a portal, reducing the time and resources necessary for manual order processing. A portal may assist sellers optimise their operations by automating order processing, inventory management, and fulfilment, lowering costs and increasing efficiency.

B2B Portal Benefits

Improves Communication

A user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform also improves buyer-seller interactions. A gateway should make it simple for clients to contact vendors with any queries or complaints they may have. This may be accomplished via a chat function, email, or phone assistance. Businesses may improve their reputation and increase customer loyalty by delivering exceptional customer service.

Offers Beneficial Insights

A user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform also gives useful information on client behaviour and preferences. Businesses may receive insights on what items are popular, what features are most essential to clients, and what pain issues they may have by analysing customer interactions on the portal. This data can help businesses improve product offers, pricing methods, and marketing initiatives.

How to Improve the Customer Experience with an Easy-to-Use B2B Ecommerce Portal?

Make User Experience Design a Priority

Prioritising user experience design is critical for improving the consumer experience with a B2B ecommerce platform. A user-friendly portal should be simple to use, visually appealing, and easy to browse. This may be accomplished by using clear and short product descriptions, high-quality photos, and a straightforward checkout procedure.

Offers Personalization

Personalization is another technique to improve the consumer experience with a B2B ecommerce platform. This may be accomplished by including features such as personalized product suggestions, targeted promotions, and customized pricing. Businesses may boost consumer engagement and loyalty by delivering a personalized experience.

Unique Shopping Experience

Customers value a personalized purchasing experience that responds to their specific requirements. Businesses may deliver a personalized experience to their clients by using a user-friendly B2B ecommerce site. The portal may be configured to display personalized suggestions, search results, and specials based on each customer’s preferences, order history, and behavior. Personalized suggestions can boost customer happiness, stimulate repeat purchases, and boost revenue.

Optimisation for Mobile Devices

Customers are increasingly using their mobile devices to browse ecommerce platforms. A user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform should be mobile-friendly, allowing clients to explore items, make orders, and monitor shipments on their smartphones or tablets. Mobile optimisation may enhance the user experience and make doing business with your firm more convenient for clients.

Self-Service Options

B2B clients desire the capacity to do duties such as purchasing items, monitoring inventories, and tracking shipments on their own. A user-friendly ecommerce site should have self-service options that allow users to complete these chores quickly and simply. Self-service options can save clients time while also reducing the strain of customer support representatives.

Order Administration

A simple B2B ecommerce platform should include strong order management features, such as the ability to see order history, track shipments, and manage refunds. These features can help consumers handle their purchases more easily and lessen the strain of customer care employees. A well-designed portal should also give real-time information on the progress of orders and shipments to customers.

B2B Ecommerce Platform Benefits

Customer Service

Despite the benefits of self-service features, customers will occasionally require assistance from customer support. Customers should have quick access to customer care, such as a chatbot or a customer service hotline, through a user-friendly B2B ecommerce platform. The site should also include detailed information on how to contact customer service and what to expect while doing so.

Tips to optimize customer experience on your B2B ecommerce portal

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The Future of Warehouse Management in B2B Ecommerce: 10 Trends and Predictions https://www.cloudfy.com/the-future-of-warehouse-management-in-b2b-ecommerce/ Wed, 10 May 2023 12:32:48 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=44006 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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Efficient warehouse management is important whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler. However, managing inventory, SKUs, packaging materials, containers, pallets and onward transport is complex. A warehouse management system (WMS) helps you keep track of everything so your products sell successfully online. Combined with a state-of-the-art B2B ecommerce platform like Cloudfy, you can improve efficiency from sale to delivery.

Cloudfy B2B ecommerce software comes with out-of-the-box WMS integration. There’s no need for separate connectors. You can simplify your business, save money and scale your operations. Combined with other key business systems you can share essential information across your organization.

You’ll benefit from industry leading business to business (B2B) and direct to consumer (D2C) ecommerce features. You’ll deliver outstanding online user experiences (UX) with a single low-maintenance and affordable software as a service (SaaS) solution.

Disruptions to supply chains remain a challenge for business to business (B2B) ecommerce operations. Flexible delivery options are now best practice, automation is improving efficiency, and businesses must respond quickly to changing demand. The pandemic inspired creative responses to the immediate challenges; future developments need a more structured approach. Here are some of the current trends and our predictions for warehouse management and B2B ecommerce.

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D2C fulfillment

Some manufacturers successfully implemented direct to consumer (D2C) sales during the pandemic when brick and mortar stores closed. Many warehouse operators now offer a hybrid approach to meet the needs of both B2B customers and D2C operations.

Many manufacturers have discovered the benefits of a more customer centric D2C approach. However, they are reluctant to run their own logistics operations. As a result, there’s increasing demand for third-party logistics (3PL) provision.

Prediction: New collaborative approaches to create seamless customer journeys from purchase to delivery will deliver competitive advantages.

Warehouse management

Multiple connected functions and roles make warehousing complex. With space at a premium, it’s important to use every inch effectively. From inventory management to shipping and customer service, manual processes can hold your business back.

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) streamlines and simplifies warehouse operations. It supports storing, tracking, and transporting your inventory. Integration with B2B ecommerce marketplaces, shippers, accounting and customer service functions simplify processes and improves accuracy.

Prediction: Prioritizing integration of B2B ecommerce, WMS and warehouse robotics will help address staff shortages and reduce operational costs. Inventory locations, picking, packing and onward distribution are all made visible in near real time. You can make the best use of your employees’ time and keep your supply chain partners and customers up to date.

Bridging the skills gap

Warehouse staff and delivery drivers are in short supply. For fast-growing B2B ecommerce businesses this is creating tension throughout their operations. Attracting and keeping the best employees requires competitive pay and extra incentives. Options might include leadership training, flexible work patterns and health and wellbeing benefits.

Prediction: Robotics and automation will improve working conditions by reducing repetitive activities. Employers can then upskill employees so they can spend more time on higher-value work.

Sustainability

Customers want to know in where products come from, how they are made, and how they affect the environment.

Improving the sustainability of B2B businesses and warehousing operations is a major trend.

For example, shipping options such as ‘ship together’ can reduce the amount of packaging and number of delivery journeys needed. Packaging materials using recyclable or compostable materials contribute to reduced carbon footprints. Improved packaging designs that reduce wasted space help minimize transport and material costs. Selection requirements for 3PLs might include electric vehicles for shorter-range deliveries. Timers and monitors for electricity, heat, water and gas can reduce the costs and carbon footprints of business operations.

Prediction: Future decisions about supply chain partners and ongoing management will include sustainability measures. Worldwide regulations will include compulsory reporting throughout the supply chain. This might require evidence of resilience during extreme weather conditions, making analytics and risk assessments important considerations.

Robotics and automation

B2B ecommerce automation allows you to deliver high quality customer support around the clock. It can help manage high order volumes, improve inventory management and meet increasing customer service expectations. Combining this with warehouse automation and robotics can further reduce costs and improve efficiency. It’s an area for development that many companies are now considering.

Prediction: Wearable technology such as smart glasses will improve efficiency and data sharing. Machine learning and augmented reality can improve picking paths and accuracy. Built-in scanners and real-time messaging provide the latest information to your ecommerce site and fulfillment processes.

B2B Ecommerce 10 Trends and Predictions

Micro management

Some companies are already moving from heavily integrated operations to more self-contained micro-supply chains that run in parallel. Customized processes can then make B2B operations more responsive.

For example, smaller warehouse spaces in existing retail stores and sublet spaces in larger warehouses give more flexibility. Closer to large populations, these micro-fulfillment centres can use automation for faster, lower cost deliveries.

To add agility to the digital supply chain microservices linked with application programming interfaces (APIs) offer further flexibility. ‘Composed’ order and spending management, enterprise and customer service systems can meet specific requirements independently.

Prediction: This level of collaboration and agility throughout the supply chain will require updated processes, measurements, skills and practices.

Localization

Minimizing transportation requirements reduces costs and delays. Many companies with single-source and single-region supply strategies are improving resilience by adding multiple alternatives. This might include buying components closer to home for local assembly. More localized supply chains often involve major investment and higher labor costs so the approach must be strategically planned.

Prediction: Multi-warehousing tools allow B2B ecommerce operations to manage and control inventory across more than one location. Integration with your enterprise (ERP) system allows you to manage multiple physical, virtual, and mobile warehousing locations and storefronts.

Inventory reserves

Whether for raw materials or finished products, managing inventory reserves efficiently is an important trend. Global disruptions have highlighted the risks of a ‘just in time’ approach to inventory management. The resulting inventory stockpiling could lead to surpluses in some sectors, combined with a drop in demand due to inflation.

Prediction: Historic inventory patterns and current market conditions will help to calculate future requirements and manage revenue. This will require new skills in strategic stockpiling, back-order planning and sourcing alternative products. Effective decision making is improved when it’s based on near real time data from integrated B2B ecommerce and business systems.

Contract integration

Long-term fixed-price B2B contracts are becoming more difficult to manage in a fast-changing global economy. New contract models are needed to respond to these dynamic conditions and support both suppliers and buyers.

Prediction: Accommodating smaller orders with options to change under certain conditions will give a competitive advantage. Allowing customers to see near real time product data on your B2B ecommerce platform will give them confidence to buy. Integrated business systems will provide greater visibility to manage this growing complexity.

B2B ecommerce growth

More B2B businesses now sell online and buyer preferences for digital purchasing will remain. However, technology can also enable more cross-channel sales journeys. B2B companies should prepare to provide input from expert sales and support staff at key touchpoints.

Prediction: B2B marketplace purchasing of raw goods and components for final products is a likely new growth area. Both suppliers and buyers can benefit, while digital supply chains change in response to new market conditions.

Warehouse management in B2B e-commerce refers to the process of managing and optimizing the movement and storage of products in a warehouse or distribution centre to ensure efficient order fulfilment and delivery to customers in the B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce sector.

It involves managing inventory levels, tracking stock movement, organizing warehouse space, and overseeing order processing and shipping.

Efficient warehouse management in B2B e-commerce can provide several benefits to businesses, including:

• Improved order accuracy and fulfillment speed
• Better inventory control and management
• Enhanced customer satisfaction
• Increased operational efficiency and cost savings
• Improved data accuracy and visibility

Technology can help in improving warehouse management in B2B e-commerce by providing real-time inventory tracking, automating processes, optimizing storage and shipping, and facilitating communication between different systems and stakeholders.

  • D2C fulfillment
  • Warehouse management
  • Bridging the skills gap
  • Sustainability
  • Robotics and Automation
  • Micromanagement
  • Localization
  • Inventory Reserves
  • Contract Integration
  • Ecommerce growth
  • Implement efficient inventory management systems.
  • Optimize warehouse layout for maximum efficiency.
  • Train staff on safety procedures and best practices.
  • Use technology such as barcode scanning and automation to streamline processes.
  • Regularly review and analyze data to identify areas for improvement.
  • Implement a robust order fulfillment process.
  • Use real-time tracking to improve visibility and control.
  • Continuously improve processes through regular monitoring and optimization

The post The Future of Warehouse Management in B2B Ecommerce: 10 Trends and Predictions appeared first on Cloudfy B2B Ecommerce Software.

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Strategize Your “Medical Supplies Business” with this Plan! https://www.cloudfy.com/strategize-your-medical-supplies-business-with-this-plan/ Thu, 04 May 2023 11:48:33 +0000 https://www.cloudfy.com/?p=43940 Business to business (B2B) buying habits are changing and headless B2B ecommerce will help you keep pace. There are so many new ways to access … Read More

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The medical supply sector is one of the most significant in the world, and the COVID-19 epidemic has underlined the importance of this industry in healthcare. This industry includes manufacturing key medical devices, equipment, and supplies used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and injuries. If you are planning to start or already have a medical supplies business, developing a comprehensive business plan and strategy is critical for success.

Steps to create a successful Business Plan

Starting a new business can be an exciting but daunting process. Here are some general steps that can help you create a successful business plan and strategy for manufacturing and selling your medical supplies

Conduct Market Research

Before starting any business, it’s important to conduct thorough market research to ensure there is a need for your product or service. You should look into the demand for medical supplies in your target market, the competition, and potential customers. You can also conduct surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from potential customers.

Develop a Business Plan

Once you have a good understanding of the market, you should develop a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan should include sections on your company’s mission, target market, product offerings, manufacturing processes, marketing strategies, financial projections, and management team.

 

Determine Your Unique Selling Proposition

What sets your medical supplies apart from the competition? Identifying your unique selling proposition (USP) can help you create a marketing message that differentiates your products from others in the market.

Create a Marketing Plan

A marketing plan should include strategies for promoting your medical supplies to potential customers. This can include online marketing, social media, direct mail, advertising, and attending industry events. Your marketing plan should also outline the resources and budget needed for each marketing tactic.

Establish Distribution Channels

Establish Medical Distribution ChannelDetermine how you will manufacture and distribute your medical supplies. This may include setting up manufacturing facilities, partnering with contract manufacturers, or outsourcing production to suppliers. You will also need to establish distribution channels such as selling directly to medical facilities, partnering with distributors, or selling through online marketplaces.

Build Your Sales Team

Your sales team will play a critical role in growing your business. Hire experienced sales professionals who have a good understanding of the medical supplies industry and the needs of your target market.

Monitor and Adjust

Once you launch your business, be prepared to adjust your strategies as needed. Keep an eye on your sales, manufacturing, and marketing efforts and make adjustments as necessary to achieve your goals.

Remember, starting a successful business takes hard work and dedication. But with a well-planned business strategy and effective sales tactics, you can build a successful medical supplies manufacturing and selling business.

Cloudfy: The B2B Ecommerce Platform for Starting Your Medical Manufacturing Business

Cloudfy is an B2B ecommerce platform that can help medical manufacturing companies start a new business by providing a flexible and scalable platform for selling medical supplies online.  

  • With Cloudfy, you can create an online store that is tailored to the needs of the medical industry, with features like advanced product search, detailed product information, and a secure checkout process.
  • Cloudfy can help you create a professional-looking eCommerce store that is easy to navigate and designed to convert visitors into customers. You can customize the look and feel of your store to match your branding and create a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
  • Cloudfy also provides a range of features that are specifically designed for medical manufacturing companies, such as the ability to manage inventory, track orders, and handle returns and refunds.
  • You can easily manage your product catalog, pricing, and promotions, and you can integrate with popular shipping and payment providers to streamline your operations.
  • One of the key advantages of using Cloudfy is its flexibility and scalability. As your business grows, you can easily add new products, expand your product lines, and offer new services to your customers. 
  • Cloudfy is built to scale with your business, so you can focus on growing your sales and expanding your reach without worrying about the technology behind your eCommerce store.

Success Stories: Cloudfy

Cloudfy has several case studies of medical manufacturing companies that have successfully used their platform to start or grow their ecommerce business. Here are a few examples

NHS and Abbott Partnership

Abbott logoThe National Health Service (NHS) of the UK partnered with Abbott Labs to supply diabetes monitoring products to patients. The partnership required a turn-key ordering portal for healthcare professionals and patients to request and confirm the delivery of Abbott’s Freestyle Libre 3 (FS3) product. After a rigorous vetting process, the partnership selected Cloudfy’s Enterprise B2B ecommerce portal for its custom user experiences, subscription ordering capability, enhanced security features, and integration with warehouse management systems.

NAO Global Health

NAO Global HealthcareNAO Global Health, a supplier of medical, surgical, and lab products, wanted to find a specialized B2B ecommerce platform with pharmaceutical sector experience that could integrate with their Quickbooks Enterprise software and provide competitive pricing and batch tracking capabilities. They chose to work with Cloudfy due to their extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the US. Cloudfy Core Edition met all of NAO’s immediate needs, including restricted catalogs and products, contract and standard pricing, and stock management. The Cloudfy integration modules allowed for seamless data flow between Cloudfy, Activate Warehouse Management, and Quickbooks Enterprise. 

Movora

Movora device logoMovora, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of animal joint replacement parts, needed a more efficient and user-friendly B2B ecommerce software for medical devices. Cloudfy’s solution allowed veterinary clients to filter and search for joint replacement parts by various attributes, and provided a related products feature for convenience. The purchase ordering process was automated and streamlined, and customers could track their shipments through their dashboard or email updates. The website was integrated with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central ERP, allowing vets to view and download invoices online, reorder frequently used items, and place phone orders.

UPS Healthcare

UPS Healthcare LogoUPS selected Cloudfy’s Enterprise B2B ecommerce platform for distribution of pharmaceutical products throughout Europe. They were looking for a platform that could be rapidly deployed with high functional capability, integration with backend distribution systems, and the ability to scale rapidly. Cloudfy was chosen for its ability to deliver best-in-class B2B commerce capability straight out of the box.

These case studies demonstrate how medical manufacturing companies can use Cloudfy to create a successful ecommerce business that meets the unique needs of the medical industry. With Cloudfy, businesses can create a customized online store, manage their inventory and orders, and offer a seamless shopping experience for their customers. 

FAQs

  • Provides a roadmap for the company's operations, goals, and strategies
  • Helps attract investors, partners, and suppliers
  • Helps secure funding and loans from financial institutions
  • Provides a framework for managing and measuring the business's performance.
  • Conduct Market Research
  • Develop a Business Plan
  • Determine Your Unique Selling Proposition
  • Create a Marketing Plan
  • Establish Distribution Channels
  • Build Your Sales Team
  • Monitor and Adjust
  • Providing an easy-to-use ecommerce platform for selling medical supplies online
  • Offering customizable templates for creating a professional online store
  • Supporting multiple languages and currencies to reach a global audience
  • Integrating with various payment gateways and shipping providers for seamless transactions
  • Providing real-time inventory management and order tracking features
  • Offering marketing tools such as SEO, email marketing, and social media integrations to reach potential customers
  • Providing analytics and reporting features to track sales and monitor business performance

And much more!

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