The Benefits of an Industrial eCommerce Platform for Manufacturers

Increase Online Sales with an Industrial eCommerce Platform

The industrial manufacturing sector is arguably one of the last to move into the eCommerce world. However, more manufacturers are starting to see the benefits of selling online. Selling online can save a business time and money while leading to greater profits and more loyal customers.

Since manufacturing customers also happen to be consumers of other goods, they have begun to expect a manufacturing eCommerce integration option when purchasing for their businesses. If your manufacturing business hasn't branched into eCommerce, the time to do so is now.

The Benefits of eCommerce

Selling online can benefit a multitude of business sectors and industrial manufacturing eCommerce is no exception. An eCommerce site enables manufacturers to provide more information about their business and products to potential customers. Having an online store allows the seller to create in-depth product pages.

Instead of having to train multiple salespeople to pitch products the right way, manufacturers are able to present the customer data the way that they see fit. This also cuts down on training and personnel costs. An online store also allows a manufacturer to reach more businesses than they could have otherwise. This can greatly increase customers and profits.

Establishing Your eCommerce Store

When looking to establish a manufacturing custom eCommerce store, it's important to choose the right eCommerce platform. The Clarity eCommerce platform is specially designed to accommodate business-to-business needs like those represented in manufacturing. Some key needs to keep in mind when developing your online store is custom-built ordering, handling the purchase order, linking it to supply chain, and storing and displaying various pricing levels for each of your customers.

Custom-Built Ordering

One of the biggest differences between manufacturing and B2C products is that many orders to manufacturers may be for custom builds. Your eCommerce site needs to be able to allow your customers to let you know specifically what they want. A follow-up phone call from your sales or customer service team to ensure that you understand what the customer wants is still and will always be a good idea.

Handling Purchase Orders

While most B2C online stores only accept credit cards or a form of payment that goes through right away, many of your B2B customers will expect to be able to pay with purchase orders. Have your eCommerce site designed to allow your customers to bypass payment with a credit card if you already have an agreement in place.

Price Points for Different Customers

Most B2B companies have agreements with their customers on prices. Your customers will be at different price points and your eCommerce store needs to reflect that. When a certain customer logs on, their specific prices should be the only ones that they are able to see. The right eCommerce platform enables you to make that happen.

How Manufacturing Businesses See Growth

An industrial eCommerce platform plays a pivotal role in propelling the growth of the manufacturing sector by fostering innovation, expanding market reach, optimizing operational efficiency, and promoting collaboration.

Reach Customers on a Bigger Scale

Industrial platforms open doors to unprecedented market reach. Manufacturers can access a global customer base that extends beyond their traditional geographic boundaries. This global exposure creates opportunities to tap into previously untapped markets and diversify revenue streams.

Through these platforms, even smaller manufacturers can gain visibility on an international scale, leveling the playing field and increasing online sales.

Better Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency is greatly improved through the adoption of industrial eCommerce platforms. These platforms streamline processes such as inventory management, order processing, and communication with customers. Real-time inventory tracking and supply chain management reduce overstock and understock situations, leading to optimized resource allocation.

Automated order processing and payment systems reduce manual errors and lead times, resulting in quicker and more accurate fulfillment of orders. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces operational costs, contributing to overall profitability.

Kickstart Innovation

These platforms stimulate innovation within the manufacturing industry. As manufacturers compete in the digital marketplace, they are driven to enhance their products, services, and processes to stand out. This competition sparks innovation, leading to the development of more advanced and efficient products.

ECommerce platforms also feature customer reviews and feedback, providing manufacturers with valuable insights that can guide product improvements. This can improve the customer experience and increase customer satisfaction for manufacturing businesses.

Improved Collaboration

Industrial eCommerce platforms foster collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem. Manufacturers, suppliers, and customers can interact seamlessly, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas, and resources. Manufacturers can collaborate with suppliers to ensure timely availability of materials and components, preventing production delays.

Customers can provide feedback and suggestions, allowing manufacturers to tailor their offerings to meet specific needs. This collaborative environment fosters mutually beneficial relationships that drive industry growth.