7 Best B2B Wholesale Platforms in 2024 for Maximum Profitability

Starting a wholesale business requires building a website, and choosing the right platform is crucial. However, the overwhelming number of options online can make this decision daunting.

Don’t worry! This article aims to simplify your process by highlighting key features to consider and providing a detailed list of B2B Wholesale platforms to help you get started quickly. Whether new to wholesale or seeking a more efficient solution, this guide is here to help.

What is the best ecommerce platform for wholesale B2B?

Shopify is our top pick for B2B wholesale platforms in 2024, thanks to its robust features, ease of use, and scalability. It offers company accounts, customizable pricing, and easy reordering, making it the perfect choice for businesses looking to streamline their wholesale operations.

Want to know why Shopify stands out? Keep reading to discover more about the best B2B platforms for maximum profitability.

What is a B2B Wholesale Platform?

A wholesale B2B e-commerce platform is an online marketplace where businesses can connect with suppliers and purchase products in bulk. A wholesale platform offers various services, including product catalogs, order management, payment processing, and logistics support, making it easier for businesses to manage their inventory & supply chain and reach new customers.

Top 7 Wholesale Ecommerce Platforms for B2B in 2024

Choosing a massive e-commerce platform can be daunting, but don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of the top 7 platforms tailored to meet the unique needs of B2B wholesalers in 2024.

1. Shopify

Shopify is one of the best platforms for B2B wholesale, especially with its exclusive B2B tools available on the Shopify Plus plan. Shopify Plus enhances B2B wholesale by offering:

• Tailored Product Catalogs and Pricing: Personalized experiences with flexible payment terms.
• Multi-Location Management: Seamlessly manage orders from multiple locations under one account.
• Volume-Based Discounts and Tax Exemptions: Streamline ordering, encourage bulk purchases, and simplify tax management.

To see how Shopify can transform your wholesale operations, check out these inspiring Shopify B2B Examples.

Shopify Plus Key Features & Benefits

• Wholesale channel: Provide a dedicated wholesale channel, allowing you to create storefronts with unique pricing, product catalogs, and payment terms for B2B customers.
• Customizable B2B storefronts: Tailor your wholesale storefronts to match your brand identity and cater to B2B customer’s preferences. This includes customizing themes, navigation, and checkout flows.
• Pricing lists and volume discounts: Set up pricing rules and discounts based on quantity thresholds, customer groups, or specific products.
• Custom shipping rules: Create custom shipping rules based on various factors like product weight, order total, or customer location.
• Minimum and maximum order quantities: Easily set minimum and maximum order quantities per product directly in the product settings.
• Customized payment options: Support a wide range of payment gateways, including purchase orders and net terms.
• Streamlined checkout process: Offer a simplified and secure checkout experience with numerous options for quick reordering, purchase order payments, and negotiated terms.
• Shopify Flow: Streamline various wholesale processes, such as tagging wholesale customers, updating price lists, or sending notifications based on order thresholds.

Visit Shopify

Cons

• Cost of customization and additional features
• Limited built-in B2B functionality (may require apps)
• The initial learning curve for complex B2B requirements
• Transaction fees on each sale
• High competition on a popular platform

Pricing

Shopify offers a range of pricing plans designed for businesses of all sizes, each equipped with features to support your online store’s creation and growth.

However, if you’re interested in B2B wholesale features, these are exclusively available on the Shopify Plus plan. For detailed pricing information on the Shopify Plus plan, please contact the Shopify support team.

For more details, read this article Shopify Pricing Comparison: Plans, Costs & Hidden Fees.

So, Is Shopify Plus Suitable for Wholesale?

Shopify Plus plan is ideal for B2B wholesale businesses due to its intuitive interface, customizable features, and powerful tools for managing orders, inventory, and customer pricing.

• Established wholesalers: Businesses with existing wholesale operations looking to expand online or improve their B2B platform
• High-growth businesses: These businesses experiencing rapid growth and needing a scalable platform to handle increasing orders and customers
• Brands with complex needs: Businesses requiring extensive customization of their B2B storefront, pricing, or checkout processes
• Enterprise-level companies: Large organiztions with complex B2B workflows and multiple integrations with existing systems

💡 See detail Shopify Plus Reviews

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a leading e-commerce platform tailored for B2B wholesalers. Its focus on building a robust and fast website helps you create a unique online storefront that seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, whether it’s a CMS, DXP, or custom front end. 

Beyond aesthetics, BigCommerce simplifies your operations with powerful tools that streamline the checkout process for your bulk buyers. Your customers will experience a seamless and efficient buying journey, from browsing your mobile-responsive homepage showcasing unique products to effortlessly completing their purchase.

KBM Advanced Materials is a new company specializing in metal powders for advanced manufacturing industries like 3D printing and metal injection molding (MIM). They’ve built a unique wholesale website on the BigCommerce platform, making it easy for customers to buy their products. The sleek, modern website loads quickly, giving customers a great first impression.

Additionally, BigCommerce streamlines quote management, facilitating negotiations and custom pricing for specific projects. With support for various payment gateways and flexible payment terms like net 30 or 60, KBM can cater to the diverse needs of their B2B customers.

Key Features & Benefits

• Discount couponsgift vouchers: Attract new customers and increase sales
• Highly customizable themes and APIs: Create a unique and professional brand identity
• Automated emails avoid abandoned carts: Recover lost sales and improve conversion rates
• Reliable hosting and security: Ensure the safety and build trust with clients
• Robust SEO features: Increase organic traffic and attract more leads
• Connecting with popular CRM, ERP, and other business tools: Streamline operations and improve efficiency
• Handling large product catalogs and high-volume transactions: Manage complex inventory and pricing structures
• Flexible front-end development and integration with various systems: Customize the user experience to cater to specific B2B needs
• Robust B2B features such as customer groups, price lists, tiered pricing, and quote management: Simplify the process of creating and managing quotes

Visit Bigcomerce

Cons

• Higher-tier plans with advanced B2B features
• Complex to set up and manage compared to simpler platforms
• Specific complex B2B workflows may require custom development or third-party apps

Pricing

BigCommerce offers four main monthly pricing plans for B2B wholesalers from $29 to $399. All plans come with a 15-day free trial and no transaction fees to explore features before making a purchase.

Click here to check out BigCommerce’s full pricing and features

So, Is BigCommerce Suitable for B2B Wholesalers?

Yes, BigCommerce is well-suited for B2B wholesalers, especiall with their B2B Edition offering. It provides essential features such as custom price lists, customer groups, quote management, and purchase orders to expand their online presence.

Especially, the platform is adapted to the following types of B2B wholesalers:

• Mid-sized to Large Wholesalers: Those who need a scalable platform to handle a large volume of products and orders.
• Wholesalers with Complex Pricing Structures: BigCommerce allows for flexible pricing structures like tiered pricing, customer group discounts, and quote management.
• Wholesalers Seeking Customization: The platform’s open API and extensive app marketplace offer endless possibilities for tailoring the platform to specific needs.
• Brands Focused on Customer Experience: BigCommerce allows personalized shopping experiences with features like customer groups and custom catalogs.
• Technically Inclined Wholesalers: The platform’s headless commerce capabilities offer high flexibility for businesses with development resources..

3. Magento Commerce

Magento is a top choice for B2B wholesalers, offering unparalleled flexibility and functionality to streamline your wholesale operations. You can effortlessly create a stylish online store to showcase your latest collections and items. Its intuitive drag-and-drop tools make you design an engaging and user-friendly website without coding knowledge, allowing you to focus on your core fashion business. 

Magento Commerce offers advanced tools for large-scale wholesale businesses to optimize your operations and fuel your growth. B2B wholesalers can manage complex pricing structures, including tiered pricing for different buyer segments, and offer their retail partners personalized discounts or reward programs. 

Key Features & Benefits

• Customer-specific pricing and catalogs: Customize pricing strategies and improve robust relationships with different types of clients.
• Quick order forms: Streamline the ordering process, increasing customer satisfaction and saving time.
• Quote management system: Simplifies generating and tracking quotes for bulk purchases.
• Personalized offers and volume-based discounts: Increase average order value and reward loyal customers
• Saved lists of frequently purchased items: Save buyers time and encourage buyers to reorder items.
• Tracking and managing orders: Improve order fulfillment and customer service across multiple channels and locations.
• A variety of payment methods and credit lines: Facilitates larger transactions and strengthens business relationships.
• Integrations with major carriers and customizable shipping options: Offer shipping solutions flexible to meet customer needs.
• Robust security measures: Protect sensitive data and transactions.
• Accessing order history, invoices, and account information: Reduce the workload for customer service teams.

Cons

• Limited Out-of-the-Box B2B features
• The steep learning curve to become familiar with the platform
• Magento Commerce, with advanced B2B features, can be more expensive
• Longer development time due to its complexity and customization options

Pricing

• Magento Community: Free
• Magento Enterprise: Start at $22,000/year
• Magento Commerce Cloud: Start at $2000/year (includes hosting)

So, Is Magento Commerce Suitable for B2B Wholesale?

Absolutely, Magento Commerce is one of the best choices for B2B wholesale platforms. With its user-friendly interface and robust functionalities, it’s a clear winner compared to other options.

Notably, Magento Commerce caters to a wide range of B2B wholesale businesses:

• Scalable: Adapts to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises
• Growth-oriented: Provides tools and features that facilitate seamless expansion as your business requires
• Wholesalers with Extensive Product Catalogs: Handles massive product catalogs, making it perfect for wholesalers offering a wide variety of products with complex configurations and pricing structures.
• Businesses with Technical Expertise: Require technical knowledge to harness fully. Wholesalers with in-house development teams or access to Magento developers leverage the platform’s full potential.

4. Prestashop

PrestaShop empowers industrial B2B wholesalers to streamline operations and improve the buyer experience. It offers tailored features like custom price lists for customer segments and tiered discounts to incentivize bulk purchases. Additionally, it simplifies order management with custom forms and quick reorder options, while flexible payment terms cater to diverse business needs.

For example, Industrial Supply Co., a leading industrial equipment and supplies distributor, transformed its B2B wholesale operations with PrestaShop. They faced challenges with manual order processing and inconsistent pricing. By leveraging PrestaShop’s customer segmentation, they created tailored catalogs and pricing tiers for different client types. 

They also incentivized bulk purchases with volume discounts and streamlined ordering with quick reorder options and customizable payment terms. Furthermore, the platform’s quote management feature streamlined custom orders and price negotiations. As a result, Industrial Supply Co. experienced increased sales, improved efficiency, enhanced customer satisfaction, and better inventory management.

Key Features & Benefits

• Price display flexibility: Foster personalized interactions and increase sales
• Customizable redirect pages: Improve customer shopping experience
• Tax exemptions for specific customers/groups: Simplify tax management and cater to B2B clients
• Access control for products, categories, and pages: Create smooth shopping experiences for different customer segments, enhancing personalization and sales
• Product catalog management and variations: Cater to diverse customer needs
• Quote conversion with cart link into an order: Streamline the quote-to-order process and improve customer satisfaction
• Built-in tools for promotions, discounts, and SEO optimization: Attract more organic traffic
• Customer quote submission: Boost negotiation and flexibility
• Quote button customization for specific products, categories, and customer groups

Cons

• Limited functionality for large businesses with complex operations
• Requiring managing hosting and other services independently
• Premium modules and themes can increase overall expenses
• Setup and customization may necessitate technical skills

Pricing

This open-source platform is free of charge. You can download PrestaShop and create an online store right away.

So, Is PrestaShop Suitable for B2B Wholesalers?

Yes, with its advanced features, PrestaShop offers an excellent choice for B2B wholesalers seeking to expand their market reach and increase their conversion rate in different business sizes.

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: PrestaShop’s affordability and ease of use make it a great starting point for smaller wholesalers with limited budgets and technical resources.
• Businesses Targeting Specific Niches: PrestaShop’s vast module marketplace offers solutions for various industries, allowing wholesalers to tailor their stores to their specific niche.
• Budget-Conscious Wholesalers: PrestaShop’s free core software and affordable modules make it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to minimize expenses.

5. WooCommerce

WooCommerce, with its flexible nature and extensive plugin ecosystem, has emerged as a powerful platform for B2B wholesale businesses. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to cater to the unique needs of wholesalers, from custom pricing and tiered discounts to streamlined order management and personalized customer experiences.

With WooCommerce, B2B wholesalers can easily create a professional online storefront tailored to their niche. They can showcase their product catalogs with high-resolution images and detailed descriptions, set individual prices for different customer groups, and offer volume-based discounts to incentivize bulk purchases.

Key Features & Benefits

• Tax-exempt customers and orders: Provide a smoother checkout experience and simplify accounting for B2B transactions.

• Track stock levels and set minimum order quantities: Ensures accurate inventory management, preventing overselling and stockouts.

• Freebase platform with budget-friendly plugins: Reduces initial investment costs, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
• Extensive range of plugins for B2B functionality: Adapt to changing business requirements.
• Delayed payment options suitable for B2B transactions: Improve cash flow for buyers and sellers.
• Customer-specific catalogs and pricing options: Improve customer experience and maximize profitability.
• Show or hide specific products for different customer groups: Simplify product management and improve the user experience.
• Simplify bulk ordering with quick order forms and product tables: Improve order accuracy and reduce customer frustration.
• Set different price levels: Reward loyal customers and incentivize bulk orders.
• View order history and track shipments: Reduce the burden on customer support.
• Segment customers into different groups: Create a personalized shopping experience.

Cons

• B2B features require additional plugins, increasing complexity.
• It only works with WordPress, limiting platform options.
• It is not ideal for high-volume or large-scale businesses.

Pricing

The WooCommerce B2B plugin offers a lifetime license with two options: the regular license at $99 or the extended license at $199.

So, Is WooCommerce Suitable for B2B Wholesalers?

Alright, WooCommerce can be adapted for B2B wholesalers with the help of various plugins and extensions. These plugins add essential features such as tired pricing, custom catalogs, wholesale order forms, or restricted access for wholesale customers.

Specifically, WooCommerce meets all sizes of B2B wholesalers:

• Small to medium-sized businesses: For instance, a craft brewery selling wholesale to local pubs and restaurants would find WooCommerce’s affordability and ease of use appealing.
• Wholesalers with customizable needs: A specific distributor with complex pricing structures and product variations could leverage WooCommerce’s vast plugin ecosystem to tailor the platform to their requirements.
• Content-focused wholesalers: Suppliers could use WooCommerce’s WordPress integration to create engaging blog posts, recipes, and other content to attract and educate potential B2B buyers.

6. Amazon Business

B2B wholesalers can find everything they need on Amazon Business. With a vast selection of products, the platform helps businesses save more through bulk purchasing and tiered discounts. Moreover, it simplifies operations with features like tax exemptions, team purchase management, and inventory tracking. 

Key Features & Benefits

• Business pricing and quantity discounts: Offer competitive prices and volume-based discounts to attract bulk buyers
• Tax exemption program: Simplify tax-exemption purchases for eligible businesses, reducing administrative overhead
• Multi-user accounts: Allow multiple users within a company to access the account and streamline procurement processes.
• Analytics and reporting: Gain insights into spending patterns, track purchase history, and optimize buying decisions.
• Guided buying: Set purchasing policies and approval workflows to control spending and ensure compliance.
• Pay by invoice: Offer flexible payment options like net 30 terms for approved businesses.

Cons

• Limited brand opportunities to differentiate themselves
• Wholesalers become reliant on Amazon’s platform and policies, potentially losing control over customer relationships and data

Pricing

Amazon Business offers flexible pricing plans to meet your business needs. Get started with a free account and explore options with the Essential to Medium plan, from $179 to $1,299 per year.

So, Is Amazon Business Suitable for B2B Wholesalers?

Yes, Amazon Business is a powerful platform that helps B2B wholesalers to thrive in the digital age. Its extensive reach, robust features, and focus on streamlining the wholesale buying process provide a competitive advantage for businesses looking to expand their customer base and increase sales.

• Established Brands: Use Amazon’s extensive customer base to expand your market reach and boost product sales.
• Competitive Wholesalers: Take advantage of Amazon’s focus on competitive pricing to offer attractive deals and discounts on bulk orders of popular items.
• Businesses Seeking Efficiency: Simplify your sales process by allowing Amazon Business to manage payment processing, customer service, and logistics, so you can concentrate on growing your business.
• Pet Wholesalers with Standardized Products: Wholesalers offering standard pet food, toys, or grooming products can benefit from Amazon’s large audience and efficient distribution network.

7. Netsuite SuiteCommerce

NetSuite SuiteCommerce offers B2B wholesalers a robust and customizable platform. Its intuitive online storefront showcases products while efficient inventory management and order processing streamline operations. 

Moreover, SuiteCommerce supports wholesalers with bulk ordering, custom pricing for niche brands, and targeted seasonal promotions. Its mobile-responsive design and intuitive interface improve the buying experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Key Features & Benefits

• Accurate stock levels: Prevent overselling and ensure accurate inventory for B2B customers
• Simplified quoting, ordering, and reordering: Streamline the purchasing process for B2B wholesalers and buyers, thus increasing efficiency
• Personalized pricing and product visibility: Specific customers or groups, building loyalty and maximizing profitability
• Customer portals for order tracking and reordering: Empowers customers with self-service capabilities
• Supports purchase orders, credit cards, and ACH payments: Offers flexibility in payment options, accommodating diverse B2B preferences
• Seamless NetSuite ERP integration: Manage inventory, orders, financials, and customer data
• Responsive design: Offer a user-friendly experience across multiple devices
• Integrated marketing tools: Attract and engage B2B customers, driving traffic and sales

Cons

• Complex setup requiring professional assistance
• The steep learning curve for new users
• Limited customization with third-party integrations

Pricing

• Custom pricing is based on modules and number of users.

So, Is NetSuite Suitable for B2B Wholesale?

This answer is Yes. NetSuite’s features and customizable solutions make it a top choice for B2B wholesalers seeking an ecommerce platform.

• Mid-to-Large Enterprises: Businesses with complex operations and multiple sales channels need integrated financials and inventory management.
• Wholesalers Seeking a Unified Platform: Brands streamline their entire B2B operation within a single system, from e-commerce to order fulfillment.
• Businesses with Complex Pricing Structures: NetSuite’s flexible pricing engine can handle tiered pricing, customer-specific discounts, and contract pricing.
• Companies Prioritizing Customer Experience: The platform’s self-service portals and personalized catalogs create a satisfied buying experience for B2B customers.
• Organizations Needing Robust Integrations: NetSuite SuiteCommerce seamlessly integrates with other NetSuite products like ERP and CRM, providing a comprehensive business management solution.

Critical Benefits of Engaging in B2B Wholesale Platforms

The B2B wholesale market is growing rapidly, with e-commerce sales surpassing $2 trillion in 2023. This successful model offers significant benefits for both sellers and buyers.

For Sellers:

• Boost Revenue: Selling in bulk leads to higher order values and increased revenue compared to individual sales.
• Steady Income: Predictable income from wholesale orders helps with financial planning and business growth.
• Expand Your Reach: Engaging in B2B wholesale opens up a more extensive customer base, enhancing market reach and growth potential.
• Increase Sales: Larger orders from businesses lead to higher sales volumes and faster business expansion.

For Buyers:

• Cost Savings: Volume discounts in wholesale significantly lower the cost per unit, making it a cost-effective strategy.
• Flexibility: Adaptable order quantities and delivery schedules streamline inventory management and respond to market demands.

General Benefits of B2B Wholesale:

• Enhanced Brand Visibility: Supplying to various businesses increases brand recognition and trust.
• Optimized Inventory Management: Controlled product flow optimizes inventory management, minimizing the risk of overstocking or shortages.
• Financial Stability: Fixed profit margins create predictable financial outcomes, supporting strategic planning and sustainable growth.
• Accurate Budgeting: Fixed pricing allows for precise budgeting and informed decision-making.

How to Choose a Wholesale B2B eCommerce Platform

Choosing the right B2B wholesale e-commerce platform is crucial for your business’s success. It’s important to consider your specific needs and goals before making a choice. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

1. Define Your Business Requirements

• Size and Scale: Are you a small, medium, or large business? Choose a platform that can match your current size and potential growth.
• Product Catalog: How many products do you offer? Do you have complex product variations or configurations? Look for a platform that can handle your product catalog’s complexity.
• Customer Base: Who are your target customers? Do they have specific needs or preferences? Consider platforms that offer features like customer segmentation, personalized pricing, and self-service portals.
• Sales Channels: Do you plan to sell on multiple channels, such as your website, marketplaces, or social media?
• Budget: Determine your budget for the e-commerce software, including licensing fees, implementation costs, and ongoing maintenance.

2. Essential Features

• B2B-Specific Functionality: Look for features like tiered pricing, bulk ordering, quote management, customer groups, and custom catalogs.
• Inventory Management: Ensure the platform can handle your inventory levels, track stock across multiple locations, and provide real-time updates.
• Order Management: The platform should manage order processing, tracking, and fulfillment for B2B orders.
• Payment Options: Support for various payment methods, including purchase orders, credit terms, and online payments, is crucial.
• Customization: Choose a platform that allows customization of the storefront, checkout process, and overall branding to match your business identity.
• Integration Capabilities: Ensure seamless integration with your existing systems like ERP, CRM, and accounting software.
• Security: Choose platforms with robust security features to protect sensitive customer and business data.
• Analytics and Reporting: Gain insights into customer behavior, sales performance, and inventory trends to make informed decisions.

3. Ease of Use and Support

• User-Friendliness: Choose a platform with an intuitive interface for quickly navigating and managing.
• Customer Support: Ensure the platform provides reliable customer support to assist you with any issues or questions.
• Training and Resources: Look for platforms that provide comprehensive documentation, training materials, and online resources to help you get the most out of the software.

5 Tips To Maximize Profits from B2B Wholesale Platforms

Using the platform’s features strategically can provide many benefits for B2B wholesalers. For example, analytics and reporting tools offer insights into purchasing patterns, helping to identify cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, features like saved lists and recurring orders automate repetitive tasks, saving time.

• Negotiation Strategies: Use the platform's communication tools to discuss pricing, payment terms, and other deal aspects, especially for bulk orders.
• Supplier Relationship Building: Maintain effective communication and give timely feedback to build trust and rapport with suppliers. This can lead to better terms, priority access to new products, and potential collaborations.
• Inventory Management Optimization: Track stock levels, set reorder points, and automate replenishment with inventory management tools to avoid stockouts and overstocking.
• Market Awareness: Stay updated on market trends, new product releases, and industry news using the platform's resources for informed purchasing decisions.
• Value-Added Services Usage: Explore additional services like financing, logistics, and marketing support to enhance wholesale operations and gain a competitive edge.

📚 Read more:

• What Is B2B Wholesale?
• 6 Best eCommerce CMS for Online Businesses
• Vital Store Design Strategies for Online B2B Wholesalers

Final Thoughts

B2B wholesale platforms provide a convenient and cost-effective way for businesses to source products from a wide range of suppliers. By using them, B2B wholesalers can find new growth opportunities and remain competitive in the fast-paced market.

B2B Wholesale Platforms: FAQs