Top B2B Platforms for Exporting: An Expert Analysis

03/06/2024 By Luana Oliveira 5 Minutes

Contents

Introduction to B2B Platforms

Currently, the digital market has been gaining increasing momentum and becoming the primary choice for consumers, who find in the digital environment a faster, simpler, safer, and cheaper way to make their purchases. Lately, the emergence and expansion of marketplaces have taken the market by storm and now represent a significant portion of both local and international commerce. It is possible to find products from any imaginable segment for sale on major digital platforms, thus generating new opportunities and benefits for both sides, whether as a buyer or as a seller.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on B2B Platforms

The Covid-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point for B2B platforms, as the prolonged closure of physical stores led companies to invest increasingly in digital solutions, reaching a broader consumer base. Currently, even without the restrictive measures imposed by the pandemic, B2B platforms continue to thrive due to their convenience, safety, cost-effectiveness, and reach.

Our main goal in this article is to demonstrate the role and importance of B2B platforms in the market.

Understanding B2B Platforms

So, what is a B2B platform?

When a company sells its products or services to another company, this transaction is known as B2B, which stands for Business to Business. Therefore, a B2B platform is one that connects different companies so that through the digital environment, buyers and sellers can advertise their products, conduct negotiations, provide quotes, and of course, make many sales.

The internet has played a significant role in democratizing markets, allowing people from anywhere in the world to access products from anywhere, thus breaking down barriers of distance, language, price, and availability. Moreover, the internet also helps to increase business competitiveness and stimulate overall economic growth.

B2B Evolution

International data indicate that e-commerce is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20% in the coming years, increasing from 211 billion dollars in 2022 to 400 billion dollars in 2026. Comparing the volume and revenue of B2B operations to B2C, we also notice a significant difference. The term "Business to Consumer," or B2C, refers to sales made directly to the end consumer, such as general stores where it is possible to buy in small quantities.

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With good results and, consequently, positive prospects for the global B2B market, many companies are seeking to strengthen their digital presence, increasingly acting on platforms that enable online exchanges.

We can mention dozens of platforms at the global level, such as Alibaba, Europages, IndiaMart, ConnectAmericas, eWorldTrade, and of course, B2USA, which, besides connecting buyers and sellers from around the world, covering hundreds of market segments, offers complete solutions in import and export.

Main B2B Platforms Reviewed

Increasingly, new B2B platforms are emerging in the market, thus enhancing competition and, consequently, the quality of services available to clients worldwide.

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Today, we brought some examples of marketplaces focused on B2B operations so that you can compare and understand why B2USA stands out with the best market solutions:

Alibaba

Founded in China in 1999, Alibaba Group aimed to facilitate the online presence of small and medium enterprises. Today, the group is a significant conglomerate, being the largest B2B business platform in the world. However, the investment required to operate on the platform may not be as attractive, as the basic plans do not offer good visibility for the company among so many competitors and are paid in dollars.

ConnectAmericas

ConnectAmericas is a business social network from Latin America and the Caribbean dedicated to promoting international trade and investment.

Despite the lower price for companies compared to Alibaba, ConnectAmericas does not offer as many opportunities for international promotion, limiting itself to the main Latin American markets.

Shopify Plus

Shopify holds a significant share in the B2B market and ranks highly among the main platforms in the market. Within it, it is possible to find major international brands, and more and more users register in search of new business on the platform.

However, some aspects, such as the limitation of product variations, limited customizations, and price, may be considered negatives for many small and medium enterprises.

Why Choose B2USA?

With so many options in the market, why choose B2USA? We represent one of the most complete platforms in the market today because, besides connecting buyers and sellers from all over the world, acting as an international showcase for companies, we are a space entirely focused on providing efficiency in operations. We also cannot forget to mention the low cost that B2USA offers, ranging from the free plan to paid plan options with highly affordable prices.

We also provide the best solutions in freight quotes for sea and air transport with the leading companies in the market, as well as assistance in certifications like FDA and various other export and import processes, thus ensuring excellence from the start to the end of your exportation.

Discover our plans that best suit your company's needs and bring your products to the international stage, ensuring that people from all four corners of the globe can view, request quotes, and negotiate directly with you.

Step by Step: Understanding the B2B Purchasing Process

To help you better understand the importance of B2B platforms and how they operate, we have outlined the steps involved in the purchasing process, which usually occurs as follows:

The buyer (or importer) recognizes the need for a purchase or, in the case of larger companies, receives a request from a department to make it;
Then, the buyer starts looking for products that meet their needs, conducting extensive research to find the best value for money;
Upon finding these products, the buyer then needs to check the accuracy of the information and the reliability of the seller (or exporter);
After verifying and certifying the product and supplier information, negotiations begin, leading to the quotation phase based on the quantity, volume, and specifications of the required products;
Once the negotiation is concluded and both parties are in agreement, logistical and bureaucratic procedures begin, involving the arrangement of necessary documents by both the importer and exporter, issuing invoices, classifying the goods, and contacting freight agents to book spaces on ships or airplanes.
The international payment occurs, and the importer needs to exchange currency to receive it in their local currency.

Join B2USA Today

Now that you know more about B2B platforms, why not showcase your company in the largest B2B business showcase in the Americas? Register for free today and present your company to the world!