B2B eCommerce has evolved significantly, with businesses shifting towards digital platforms to manage wholesale operations. Companies that rely on bulk sales, such as manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers, need a streamlined, automated, and scalable solution. Shopify Plus provides an enterprise-level platform specifically designed to cater to the unique requirements of B2B transactions.
With Shopify Plus, businesses can sell to wholesale buyers, offer custom pricing, set flexible payment terms, and automate processes, all within a seamless and highly customizable environment. This guide explores how Shopify Plus B2B works, its key features, benefits, and best practices to maximize wholesale efficiency.
I. Understanding Shopify Plus B2B
Shopify Plus B2B is a specialized wholesale solution built into the Shopify Plus platform. It enables businesses to manage both B2C and B2B operations from a single store or set up a dedicated wholesale storefront. Unlike standard Shopify plans, Shopify Plus offers exclusive B2B functionalities such as price lists, net payment terms, company accounts, and automation through Shopify Flow.
This solution is designed for businesses with high-volume transactions, requiring features like bulk ordering, personalized customer pricing, and multi-location inventory management.
1.1. The Future of B2B eCommerce with Shopify Plus
B2B eCommerce is evolving rapidly, and Shopify Plus is at the forefront of this transformation.
- 70% year-over-year growth in Shopify Plus B2B merchants
- $11.46 trillion in projected B2B eCommerce sales by 2024
- 80% of B2B sales expected to be digital by 2025 (Gartner)
For wholesalers, manufacturers, and enterprise brands looking to modernize operations, Shopify Plus provides the flexibility and power needed to scale.
1.2. Why Choose Shopify Plus for B2B Commerce?
B2B eCommerce is growing at an unprecedented rate. In the U.S. alone, it is projected to reach $11.46 trillion by 2024, outpacing B2C growth. Shopify Plus has seen a 70% year-over-year increase in B2B merchants, proving its effectiveness in wholesale eCommerce.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Seamless management of both B2B and B2C in a single store
- Automated pricing and discounts for different customer segments
- Flexible payment terms and invoicing options
- Advanced bulk order capabilities
- Scalable infrastructure to handle high-order volumes
Let’s explore the features that make Shopify Plus a leading solution for B2B eCommerce.
1.3. Who Should Use Shopify Plus for B2B?
- Wholesalers and distributors who need automated pricing and bulk order management
- Manufacturers looking for a seamless self-service B2B portal
- Enterprise businesses expanding into global markets
With Shopify Plus, businesses can streamline operations, improve customer experience, and drive B2B sales more efficiently than ever.
Ready to transform your B2B business? Explore Shopify Plus today! 🚀
II. Key Features of Shopify Plus B2B
1. Customer-Specific Pricing & Discounts
Managing different price tiers is a common challenge in B2B. Shopify Plus simplifies this with:
- Automated price lists for different customer segments
- Volume-based discounts to encourage larger purchases
- Exclusive wholesale pricing visible only to approved buyers
This eliminates the need for manual price adjustments, saving time and reducing errors.
2. B2B Checkout & Payment Terms
Wholesale buyers expect flexible payment options. Shopify Plus supports:
- Net payment terms like Net 15 and Net 30
- Secure credit card vaulting for faster transactions
- Custom checkout workflows tailored to different buyer needs
These features ensure a smooth purchasing experience for B2B customers.
3. Bulk Order & Inventory Management
Handling large-volume orders requires efficient inventory tools. Shopify Plus includes:
- Minimum order quantities and bulk purchase increments
- Order approval workflows to streamline purchasing
- Real-time inventory sync across multiple warehouses
This helps businesses manage stock levels and prevent overselling.
4. Dedicated Wholesale Storefront
For brands that need a separate B2B experience, Shopify Plus offers:
- Restricted access for approved buyers
- Custom product catalogs for different customer segments
- Self-service portals for quick reordering
A dedicated wholesale storefront makes the buying process easier for bulk purchasers.
5. Advanced Automation & Integration
Shopify Plus integrates with ERP, CRM, and inventory systems to automate workflows. Businesses can:
- Auto-approve wholesale orders based on preset conditions
- Send automated emails for order confirmations and follow-ups
- Sync inventory in real-time to avoid stock issues
With Shopify Flow, businesses can reduce manual work and improve efficiency.
6. Multi-Currency & Global Expansion
For brands selling internationally, Shopify Plus supports:
- Localized storefronts with multiple languages
- Multi-currency pricing for global buyers
- Custom shipping rules for different regions
These features make it easier to scale and reach new markets.
III. Setting Up Shopify Plus B2B Wholesale
Step 1: Choose the Right Shopify Plan
- Sign up for Shopify Plus (starting at $2,000/month).
- Shopify Plus offers wholesale pricing, bulk ordering, automated payment terms, and more.
Step 2: Choosing Your Store Model: Blended vs. Dedicated Store
Before building your B2B store, you need to decide between a blended store (B2B + B2C in one store) or a dedicated store (B2B only).
Which one should you choose?
- If you want a single storefront and simpler management, go with a blended store.
- If B2B is your primary focus and you need custom pricing & bulk order automation, a dedicated store is the better option.
Step 3: Customizing Your Shopify Plus B2B Store
To provide a seamless wholesale experience, you must customize your store with B2B-specific features.
# Custom Themes & Professional Store Design
- Use Shopify’s B2B-compatible themes or hire a developer for a custom storefront.
- Ensure easy navigation, bulk ordering features, and a trustworthy design.
# Custom Pricing for B2B Customers
- Offer volume-based discounts and custom price lists for different buyers.
- Apps like Wholesale Pricing Discount help automate tiered pricing strategies.
# Third-Party Apps for B2B Optimization
- Order Management: Track & manage high-volume orders with ease.
- Customer Service: Live chat and helpdesk integrations improve buyer experience.
- Marketing Tools: Automate email campaigns & abandoned cart recovery for wholesale buyers.
Step 4: Set Up Customer Management
- Create Company Profiles: Manage multiple buyers under a single account.
- Assign Custom Catalogs: Show different products & prices to different companies.
- Enable Tax Exemptions: Apply tax exemptions for qualified B2B buyers.
Step 5: Automate Payment Terms & Orders
- Offer Flexible Payment Terms (Net 15, Net 30, Net 60).
- Set Up Deposits & Partial Payments for large orders.
- Track Payments using Shopify’s automated invoicing & notifications.
Step 6: Optimize Product Pages & Checkout
✔️ Improve Product Pages: Add detailed descriptions, images, bulk pricing, and videos.
✔️ Streamline Checkout: Enable Shop Pay, credit card, and invoicing options.
Step 7: Enhance Customer Support & Order Management
✔️ Live Chat & Helpdesk: Use apps like Gorgias for instant support.
✔️ Order Tracking & Returns: Provide self-service portals for bulk buyers.
IV. B2B on Shopify – Pricing Plan Overview
As B2B eCommerce continues to grow, businesses are shifting from traditional wholesale methods to digital-first solutions. Shopify offers powerful B2B capabilities through Shopify Plus, providing advanced features tailored to wholesale merchants. But how much does it cost to run a B2B store on Shopify?
This guide breaks down Shopify’s pricing plans for B2B sellers, comparing costs, features, and the value of upgrading to Shopify Plus.
4.1. Can You Run a B2B Store on Shopify’s Standard Plans?
Shopify's standard plans (Basic, Shopify, and Advanced) are primarily designed for B2C businesses. However, you can still sell wholesale products using:
- Discount codes for bulk pricing
- Apps like Wholesale Club or B2B/Wholesale Solution
- Manual customer groups for restricted pricing
While these workarounds can support small-scale B2B operations, they lack automation, advanced price lists, and streamlined bulk ordering. If you're scaling your wholesale business, Shopify Plus is the better choice.
4.2. Shopify Plus B2B Pricing
To unlock full B2B functionality, businesses need Shopify Plus, which starts at $2,000/month. The cost scales based on revenue, with variable pricing for larger enterprises.
- Best for Growing B2B Businesses: Shopify Plus provides wholesale-specific pricing, automation, and self-service portals—essential for scaling operations.
Conclusion
Shopify Plus B2B is a comprehensive solution for businesses looking to scale their wholesale operations. With advanced features such as custom pricing, flexible payment terms, self-service portals, and automation tools, Shopify Plus provides the necessary infrastructure to run a successful B2B eCommerce business.
Whether businesses choose to integrate wholesale with their existing Shopify store, create a dedicated B2B storefront, or leverage third-party apps, Shopify Plus offers the flexibility to cater to various wholesale needs. By implementing best practices such as optimizing the registration process, automating workflows, and improving customer support, businesses can create a seamless and efficient wholesale experience.
For companies looking to grow their wholesale presence and streamline bulk sales, Shopify Plus B2B is a powerful platform that delivers both scalability and efficiency.