Shopify B2B is revolutionizing wholesale commerce by merging B2B and DTC operations into a single platform. This enables businesses to increase efficiency and scale faster. For context, early adopters like Brooklinen have seen 60% growth in wholesale revenue after implementation.
Traditional wholesale operations cost businesses millions through manual processes and outdated systems.
For a DTC brand exploring wholesale or a traditional wholesaler ready to modernize, Shopify B2B is good news for you. It is reshaping wholesale ecommerce with modern self-service capabilities, customer-specific catalogs, and streamlined operations.
Read through this guide to learn more about Shopify B2B services!
Shopify B2B – Quick Peek
- Shopify B2B enables businesses to run wholesale and DTC operations simultaneously through a unified platform, reducing operational complexity and technical debt.
- The platform offers enterprise-grade features, including custom catalogs, volume pricing, and company-specific accounts, without requiring separate systems or complex integrations.
- Available exclusively through Shopify Plus, this solution delivers a modern B2B buying experience with self-service capabilities and flexible payment terms.
What Is Shopify B2B?
Shopify B2B is an enterprise-grade wholesale ecommerce solution built directly into the Shopify platform.
Unlike traditional wholesale systems that require separate platforms for B2B and B2C operations, Shopify B2B allows businesses to manage both channels through a single admin interface.
This integration enables seamless inventory management, unified customer data, and consistent brand experiences across wholesale and retail operations.
Who Is Shopify B2B For?
But could this be a right fit for your business? Check the below pointers to know if you fall under the criteria:
- Established DTC Brands – Ready to expand into wholesale (Growing ecommerce brands seeking B2B)
- Traditional Wholesalers – Moving operations online (Legacy businesses embracing digital)
- Hybrid Businesses – Managing both B2B and B2C channels (Multi-channel sellers requiring unified operations)
- Manufacturing Companies – Selling directly to retailers (Manufacturers expanding distribution)
- Industry Distributors – Modernizing ordering systems (Distributors digitizing processes)
How Does Shopify B2B Work?
Let’s move ahead to know how exactly the Shopify B2B platform operates through a three-phase approach:
Phase 1: Setup and Configuration
- Create password-protected wholesale storefronts
- Set up company profiles with specific pricing and payment terms
- Configure product catalogs and quantity rules
Phase 2: Customer Management
- Approve wholesale account requests
- Assign customer-specific catalogs and pricing
- Set up custom payment terms and credit limits
Phase 3: Order Processing
- Process wholesale orders through automated workflows
- Manage invoicing and payment collection
- Track and fulfill B2B orders alongside B2C operations
For further guides or queries that may arise, you can read this official Shopify B2B manual.
Shopify B2B Price Details
For Shopify B2B, there is no separate pricing structure as such. Entrepreneurs who are subscribed to Shopify Plus can all use Shopify’s B2B services. Here is the price breakdown for the same:
| Plan Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shopify Plus Base Plan | $2,300/month ( 3-year term) |
| B2B Functionality | Included with Plus |
| Additional Staff Accounts | Included |
| Custom API Integration | Varies by need |
Note: Annual revenue-based pricing may apply for enterprises exceeding $800,000/month in sales.
To get started with your Shopify B2B journey, get in touch with a Shopify expert from here.
Shopify B2B Features And Benefits
While many platforms offer basic B2B functionality, Shopify’s approach stands out for its thoughtful integration of features that solve actual wholesale pain points.
Let me break down the key capabilities that consistently deliver the most value for businesses:
- Custom Catalogs and Pricing
Create customer-specific product catalogs with unique pricing structures, minimum order quantities, and volume discounts. This enables personalized wholesale experiences while maintaining control over who sees what products and at what price points.
- Company Accounts Management
Manage multiple buyers within a single company account, set specific permissions, and control ordering capabilities. This streamlines B2B operations by allowing different stakeholders within customer organizations to access relevant information and place orders according to their roles.
- Self-Service Portal
Provide customers with a modern self-service experience for ordering, reordering, and account management. This reduces manual intervention in routine operations while improving customer satisfaction through 24/7 access to account features.
- Flexible Payment Options
Support various B2B payment methods, including purchase orders, net terms, and credit cards. This accommodates different customer preferences while maintaining efficient payment processing and reconciliation.
Customers looking to build further custom solutions can also build custom Shopify B2B apps!
Shopify B2B Drawbacks
Looking at the key considerations or hurdles that entrepreneurs ought to know about this Shopify service are four of its drawbacks or potential areas of improvement.
- Cost Barrier – The requirement for Shopify Plus may be prohibitive for smaller businesses
- Limited Customization – Some advanced B2B features may require additional development or third-party apps
- Learning Curve – Staff may need training to effectively manage the B2B functionality
- Integration Complexity – Connecting with existing ERP systems may require significant resources
How To Use Shopify B2B Effectively
Successfully implementing Shopify B2B requires a methodical approach to ensure all components work seamlessly together.
While the platform offers powerful features, following these steps in sequence maximizes your chances of a successful launch and sustained operations.
1. Initial Setup
Start by upgrading your existing Shopify store to Shopify Plus, which unlocks the full B2B functionality suite.
Once activated, configure your wholesale storefront settings, including password protection and branding elements, and establish company profiles that will serve as templates for your B2B customers.
2. Product Configuration
Build your wholesale catalogs by segmenting products specifically for B2B customers, incorporating bulk pricing strategies that reward larger purchases.
Implement volume pricing rules and minimum order quantities that protect your margins while encouraging substantial orders, customizing these parameters based on customer tiers or specific accounts.
3. Customer Onboarding
Create a streamlined wholesale application process that captures essential business information while making it easy for potential customers to request wholesale access.
Set up automated approval workflows that route applications to the right team members, then establish customer-specific pricing structures that reflect negotiated terms and volume commitments.
4. Operations Management
Develop efficient processes for handling wholesale orders through automated invoicing and payment tracking while maintaining real-time inventory visibility across B2B and DTC channels.
Use Shopify’s unified admin to manage all order fulfillment from a single dashboard, ensuring smooth operations as your wholesale business scales.
Note: Careful attention to setup and configuration will prevent common operational challenges as your B2B sales expand.
Is Shopify B2B Good?
Based on market performance and customer feedback, Shopify B2B proves to be a good solution for businesses seeking to modernize their wholesale operations.
The platform’s recognition as a Leader in The Forrester Wave™: Commerce Solutions for B2B in 2024 underscores its capabilities. Read the report here.
Key strengths include:
- Unified B2B/B2C operations
- Modern self-service capabilities
- Extensive integration options
- Regular feature updates
- Enterprise-grade scalability
Shopify B2B Reviews
Understanding the plus points and drawbacks a little better, let’s have a look at the actual customer reviews from the official website and the popular review platform – G2:
Conclusion: Shopify B2B Is Included With Shopify Plus
Shopify B2B represents a significant evolution in wholesale ecommerce, offering a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to modernize their B2B operations while maintaining B2C excellence.
The platform’s powerful features, scalability, and continuous innovation make it a compelling choice for enterprises serious about digital transformation.
Ready to transform your wholesale business? Contact Shopify Plus to explore how B2B capabilities can drive your business growth.
