Season 1/4 – Shopify B2B apps

Shopify B2B apps – the Flatline go-to’s

Shopify has brought its B2B game to the next level. There are a lot of opportunities to take from the eCommerce platform and also a lot of apps to be used. We’ll introduce you to the B2B basics of Shopify and our Go to apps, for Shopify Plus but also for our standard plan users.

Shopify B2B functionality for different plans

Shopify’s B2B functionality, specifically tailored for wholesale operations, is predominantly available for Shopify Plus plan users. This suite of features enables businesses to engage in B2B transactions directly through their Shopify stores, without needing third-party apps. It includes the ability to set customer-specific catalogs, payment terms, and currencies, and to manage multiple customers and locations under a single company profile​​.

For those on standard Shopify plans, direct access to Shopify’s built-in B2B features as seen with Shopify Plus is not available. However, standard plan users can still venture into B2B or wholesale operations by leveraging third-party apps or creating a separate, password-protected storefront. These methods allow for custom pricing and order processing within the Shopify admin, albeit with a less integrated experience compared to Shopify Plus​​​​.

An alternative approach for standard plan users looking to sell wholesale is through Shopify’s marketplace, Handshake, or by utilising Shopify’s array of discount and wholesale apps. Handshake is a marketplace powered by Shopify, designed for wholesale transactions, but it’s important to note that it’s currently available only to businesses located in the US. Wholesale apps available in the Shopify App Store can automate the process of selling wholesale, offering features like volume discounts, custom catalogs, and order management. This provides a viable pathway for Shopify store owners not on the Plus plan to engage in wholesale activities​​​​.

In summary, while direct B2B functionality is a highlight of the Shopify Plus plan, standard Shopify plan users have various tools and apps at their disposal to facilitate wholesale operations. These alternatives can help bridge the gap, enabling businesses of all sizes to explore and expand into the B2B marketplace.

Shopify Plus – B2B functionality

Shopify Plus offers a comprehensive B2B (Business to Business) functionality that allows merchants to tailor their eCommerce operations to meet the needs of wholesale or bulk buyers. This functionality is designed to provide a seamless, scalable solution for businesses looking to serve other businesses efficiently. Here’s an overview of what Shopify Plus B2B functionality offers and how it can be utilized:

Shopify store types and efficiency

Dual storefronts

Merchants can create a separate, password-protected storefront for B2B transactions or manage both B2C (Business to Consumer) and B2B sales from a single store. This flexibility allows for targeted marketing and sales strategies for different customer segments.

Streamlined operations

The platform supports streamlined operations for selling directly to other businesses, including bulk orders, custom pricing tiers, and payment terms. It’s designed to handle the complexity of B2B transactions while maintaining an intuitive user experience for merchants.

Customisation and integration

Custom pricing and catalogs

Shopify Plus allows for custom pricing models for different customer groups, negotiated pricing, and the ability to display custom catalogs for B2B customers, ensuring a personalised shopping experience.

ERP and API Integration

The platform offers robust API access and integration capabilities with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This ensures that B2B sales operations can be seamlessly integrated with existing business processes and systems for inventory management, order fulfillment, and customer relationship management.

Enhanced features for B2B

Payment options

Shopify Plus supports a variety of payment options suited for B2B transactions, including invoicing and the ability to set net payment terms (e.g., Net 30).

Bulk ordering and discounts

The platform facilitates bulk ordering and allows merchants to set up volume discounts or tiered pricing to incentivise larger purchases.

Account management

B2B customers can manage their accounts, track orders, and reorder with ease, enhancing the customer experience and encouraging repeat business.

Utilising Shopify Plus B2B functionality

Merchants can leverage Shopify Plus’s B2B functionality to:

Expand market reach

By targeting wholesale buyers and businesses directly, merchants can tap into new markets and revenue streams.

Improve operational efficiency

The platform’s integration and automation capabilities can significantly reduce manual workloads, streamline order processing, and improve accuracy.

Enhance UX

Providing a tailored shopping experience for B2B customers, from personalized pricing to self-service account management, can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.

For more detailed information on Shopify Plus’s B2B functionality and how it can be utilized, you can visit the official Shopify Plus website and explore their resources, including guides and case studies on B2B eCommerce.

Flatline’s Go-to’s

BSS – a B2B wholesale solution

This app for Shopify offers an all-in-one solution for merchants looking to enhance their B2B and wholesale business operations. It’s designed to provide a seamless shopping experience for B2B customers, allowing for custom pricing, registration forms for wholesalers, quantity breaks, and more. This app supports a wide range of features including wholesale pricing customisation, tax control, and various integrations, aiming to streamline wholesale operations and improve the customer experience. It’s available with a free plan option and is compatible with the latest Shopify themes, making it accessible not only for Shopify Plus users but for a broad range of Shopify merchants looking to expand their wholesale capabilities. For more details, visit the Shopify App Store​​.

SparkLayer B2B & wholesale

SparkLayer B2B & Wholesale is a comprehensive Shopify app designed to enhance your store’s B2B and wholesale capabilities. It’s not limited to Shopify Plus users, so it’s accessible for all Shopify merchants. The app enables powerful features such as easy B2B order placement, account management, repeat orders, B2B shopping lists, and much more, seamlessly integrating with your existing Shopify theme. It supports over 100 B2B-specific features including price lists, net payments, and quantity rules. SparkLayer aims to provide a beautiful B2B experience, facilitating both B2B and B2C operations from the same Shopify store​​. For more information, you can visit the SparkLayer B2B & Wholesale app page on the Shopify App Store.

We at Flatline Agency, official Shopify Plus partners, are here to help you take your business to the next step, including custom development, design, and marketing. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

As the ecommerce agency behind many of these Shopify Plus B2B rollouts, we help merchants choose between apps like BSS and SparkLayer based on real catalogue complexity, not just feature lists.