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The landscape of industrial B2B commerce is undergoing a profound transformation, with a significant majority of buyers now opting for online purchases. A recent report by Channel Marketing Group and BigCommerce highlights this accelerating digital shift, revealing that 65% of industrial B2B buyers are placing their orders online. This marks a substantial increase from just 45% in 2018, underscoring a clear and decisive move towards digital channels within the industrial supplies market.

The report indicates from their survey of industrial supplies buyers and contractors that convenience is a top priority across every stage of the buying process. Buyers are increasingly valuing the ease and efficiency that digital platforms offer. This is a key area that we strive to deliver with our GOb2b platform for B2B businesses to transform the sales process, not just provide an ecommerce site.

Key takeaways from the report include:

• Online Dominance – a significant portion of industrial B2B buyers are regularly purchasing electrical, HVAC, and various industrial supplies online.
• Efficiency and Time-Saving – the online buying experience is consistently perceived as easy and a valuable time-saver for busy professionals.
• Digital – is the preferred channel for most buyers, allowing 24/7 access via websites and apps.

The study emphasises the critical importance of providing seamless online experiences. In today’s competitive digital environment, distributors must prioritise features such as personalised pricing, real-time inventory visibility, and intuitive navigation. The report serves as a clear warning: buyers are quick to switch allegiances if a distributor’s website fails to meet their expectations for convenience and efficiency. For industrial suppliers, embracing and excelling in digital commerce is no longer an option — it’s a necessity for sustained growth and customer loyalty.

If you’re ready to go digital with a modern, efficient, time-saving ordering experience website and app that integrates with your accounting system now is the time to take action.

Get in touch with GOb2b today