In today’s digital era, the internet and smart devices play a critical role in one’s life, forcing tech-savvy business owners to adapt to the new realities of eCommerce and transform the future of their eCommerce business. One of the absolute reasons companies are shifting towards online companies is the ability to interact with customers on digital platforms seamlessly.
To succeed and thrive in the eCommerce industry and remain sustainable in online business, it is more important than ever for companies to utilize modern e-commerce platforms. However, when it comes to choosing the right eCommerce platform, the Salesforce Commerce Cloud platform is at the forefront of today’s digital retail market. And this is the reason the adoption rate of its two strengths – Salesforce B2C Commerce and Salesforce B2B Commerce is at its peak.
But the question arises: which Salesforce Commerce Cloud solution can you count upon for all your eCommerce needs? Here, we will be discussing both platforms to help you understand the difference between the two platforms and guide you to make the ideal choice that satisfies all your eCommerce needs.
Introduction To Salesforce B2B Commerce
Salesforce commerce, previously known as CloudCraze, is a cloud-based B2B eCommerce solution that enables businesses to make significant online purchases through a specially designed eCommerce platform. The B2B segment has fewer consumers who regularly buy more products that define its value. Moreover, B2B Commerce Cloud offers B2B customers the same experience as B2C customers.
Introduction To Salesforce B2B Commerce
B2C Commerce Cloud is an excellent cloud commerce solution for the B2C segment that offers many options such as marketing, merchandising, content, promotion, customer service, productivity, and artificial intelligence.
Before 2016, the company was called Demandware and changed its name to Salesforce Commerce Cloud after acquisition by Salesforce for $2.8 billion. The advantage of this platform is that it can handle multiple requests at a single time. Even under load, your site runs fast and maintains scalability with the closest available server when needed. Salesforce Commerce Cloud servers are located globally and are the most powerful, which ensures the online store runs even at the busiest time.
Comparison Between Salesforce B2B and B2C ECommerce Solutions
1. Business Needs Based On Customer Profile & Market Size
The main difference between Salesforce B2B and B2C eCommerce solutions is that they meet business needs by targeting different audiences and even selecting vendors to achieve goals simultaneously.
Salesforce’s B2B and B2C eCommerce solutions differ under various factors, including vendor type, business needs, and target audience. For example, Salesforce Commerce’s B2C tools can be an ideal choice for brand manufacturers, direct merchants, and online retailers looking to sell their products directly to consumers. On the other hand, Salesforce B2B Commerce Cloud may be best suited for consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers.
2. Platform Requirements
B2B platforms require a scalable platform that needs to be offered with out-of-the-box features such as test-to-production migration, and user permissions, order management systems, and much more. Therefore, it leverages powerful tools to help you efficiently manage complex mechanisms such as order management, contract pricing, and more.
Compared with the B2C model, there is a requirement for a stable platform with a large database to optimize work for customers and offer them unique shopping opportunities. Therefore, Salesforce Deployment Services has tools like Einstein AI for better customization, performance, user management, and security.
3. Multi-channel Support
With regard to providing multi-channel customer support, the Salesforce B2C Commerce platform allows you to integrate with third parties individually in the following areas:
• Ratings and reviews
• Email services
• Tax processing
• Payment processors
While Salesforce B2B Commerce has the enabled functionality to integrate third-party stores, you can integrate your product catalog with leading online retailers like Amazon, Alibaba, eBay, etc., and sell your products or services through well-known third-party platforms.
4. Payment Method
B2C eCommerce requires a fast and easy payment process with easy payment process for consumers. That’s why Salesforce B2C Commerce offers instant payment options such as automated clearing transactions (ACH), credit/debit card processing, subscriptions, orders, and more.
However, a B2B marketplace consisting of multiple user accounts requires different payment options, including other options like compliance, budgeting, etc. This is why Salesforce B2B Commerce supports various payment methods, including orders, credit cards, etc.
In short, it can be said that platforms differ in their types and components. Each will be a great solution for your niche depending upon your business needs, from shopping to fulfillment to customer service.
To learn more about the differences between B2B and B2C eCommerce platforms, you should hire a certified Salesforce Commerce Cloud Partner. Awarded as the Silver Salesforce Consulting Partner and best Salesforce Commerce Cloud Partner, the Cloud Analogy team brings you the platform’s robust capabilities that transform your business and reach new heights of success in a more optimized and effective way. Get in touch with a leading Salesforce Consulting partner now!
