A fully integrated business to business (B2B) ecommerce platform is a strategic priority to increase your fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sales. Speed and competitive pricing are the keys to success whether you’re an FMCG manufacturer, distributor or wholesaler.
An effective B2B ecommerce solution helps improve operational efficiency and build loyalty through fast and convenient online customer self-service. That’s why it’s predicted the global value of FMCG B2B ecommerce will exceed US $1220billion by 2031.
To take full advantage of growth in the sector you’ll want a solution purpose designed for complex FMCG sales.
As a successful FMCG business, you must meet the detailed product and delivery requirements of busy retail managers and administrators. Your FMCG customers expect fast, efficient and convenient purchasing.
Cloudfy B2B ecommerce software is purpose designed for complex FMCG sales with tight margins and high expectations.
With integrated ordering included, you don’t need customization or plug-ins to simplify your processes. You can provide popular options such as cXML and PunchOut and create bespoke solutions using Excel uploads and FTP, for example. There’s also a powerful application programming interface (API) to meet your unique requirements.
Warehouse management (WMS) and enterprise (ERP) system integration and electronic data interchange (EDI) provide end-to-end automation. You can improve visibility internally and externally thanks to near real time synchronization between your key business systems. You’ll have accurate and up-to-date information about all your digital transactions.
Challenges in the FMCG sector
Fast-selling, low-cost items such as food, beverages, healthcare and cosmetics make the FMCG sector unique. Short shelf lives mean handling high volume ordering efficiently at speed is essential. In this competitive environment innovation and automation help improve profitability and support business growth.
Automation
Traditional cost-reduction methods in the FMCG sector can no longer keep up with the pace of change. Automation has become a necessity to streamline processes, improve efficiency and meet customer expectations. Understanding how to harness the power of process optimization is now a critical business tool.
Sustainability
Consumers are more environmentally aware so actively implementing environmentally friendly practices in the FMCG sector can drive growth. Initiatives to use recycled materials, reduce packaging and save energy are now industry best practices. Offering your B2B customers sustainable choices can strengthen your FMCG brand and attract consumers.
Customer experiences
Enhanced customer experiences aren’t just a requirement for big ticket purchases. Consumers want to engage and interact with brands and, when done successfully, this increases B2B sales. Augmented and virtual reality (AR & VR) helps end-users and buyers build relationships with your products which increases brand loyalty.
Top B2B ecommerce features for the FMCG sector
B2B ecommerce helps your buyers find, compare, and choose products, maintain their stock levels to satisfy expectations for instant availability. Here are some of the top features to transform your B2B online sales.
Marketplaces
There’s no doubt online marketplaces allow you to reach new customers and launch new products. They’re a valuable tool for your buyers, helping them with product discovery and comparisons. The disadvantage is that you don’t build direct relationships with your customers or control their online experiences. One option you can consider is marketplace integration to link your own B2B ecommerce website with popular providers and retail partners.
Customer self-service
A robust customer self-service portal delivers accurate information about your products and services. Including real time inventory and logistics information improves transparency across your supply chain. You can include multiple options for packaging and delivery to suit your customers’ needs. If you sell internationally you can also simplify and streamline compliance.
Data analytics
Big data and analytics can transform FMCG marketing strategies, providing a better understanding of customer preferences, behavior and needs. Finely tuned marketing campaigns improve your return on investment and allow you to adapt to market changes.
Direct to consumer (D2C) sales
Many FMCG companies now engage consumers directly through their own online and offline sales channels. It improves understanding of customer needs and increases customer loyalty. A D2C selling approach provides unique opportunities for personalization, special offers and promotions, and support for your retail partners.
Process efficiency
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing processes throughout the FMCG sector. Predictive analytics can streamline supply chains and improve production efficiency so you can become more flexible and responsive. Improved personalization and faster, more efficient processes a strengthen customer relationships. Artificial intelligence solutions such as machine learning (ML) and computer vision (CV) enhance customer experiences and increase retention.
Personalization
Showing your customers relevant content, including contract pricing and bespoke catalogs enhances their online experiences. Recommendations based on search behavior and buying histories increase sales for related products. Targeted promotions can also improve upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
Omnichannel sales
Your buyers’ expectations evolve all the time so you’ll want to take full advantage of all your digital sales channels. You can expand your customer base and improve retention with an effective strategy for your online and offline channels.
Repeat ordering
You can simplify repeat ordering for exactly the same or similar items based on customers’ order histories. They can simply reorder the same products from previous orders, adjust the quantities, and save favorite order templates. With customer and field sales representative ordering apps it’s easy to place orders anywhere, at any time.
Case Study: EFG
EFG Wholesale Distribution Export is the largest independent trade-only wholesale business in the UK. They provide over 50,000 houseware and consumer product lines from over 1,000 brands. They chose Cloudfy to meet the B2B ecommerce requirements for their expanding FMCG business.
Transforming your FMCG business with B2B ecommerce from Cloudfy
When you operate in the FMCG sector there’s always the risk of disruption from materials shortages, increased costs and supply chain pressures. When you use the latest technology you are better equipped to respond quickly and effectively. You can improve customer experiences, increase loyalty and minimize costs to stay competitive.
Cloudfy’s B2B ecommerce platform simplifies your buyers’ purchasing journeys with easy navigation, real-time inventory visibility and tailored pricing. Automatic workflows minimize order errors so you’ll improve efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. Seamless ERP integration improves order processing so your customers can order with confidence.
Find out why Cloudfy is the best B2B ecommerce platform for businesses in the FMCG sector. Book a free demonstration today.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a powerful and effective B2B ecommerce platform you can improve operational efficiency. You can collect valuable data to improve personalized customer experiences. You’ll also simplify and streamline sales across multiple online and offline channels.
When you choose a SaaS solution you can minimize your in-house IT requirements and maintain the latest best practice and security standards. Sales order processing can scale easily to meet peak demand and your B2B ecommerce platform can grow with your business. When your solution includes pre-built extensions and integrations you can cost effectively customize your platform to meet changing market needs.
The best solution will depend on your unique business requirements. However, you will need flexible and powerful B2B ecommerce features specifically designed to meet the complex needs of FMCG sales. Specifically, look for providers who offer flexibility and cost-effective scalability with a proven track record in the sector.
