Next big thing for business: B2B online marketplaces | Algolia

By 2025, Gartner predicts that 80% of B2B (business-to-business) transactions will be processed through digital channels. This shift is driving an increase in the launch of global B2B marketplaces by medium to enterprise-size businesses. A B2B ecommerce marketplace differs from a B2C marketplace in several ways, including the types of products and services offered, the nature of transactions, and the purchasing process. Thriving examples of B2B marketplaces include Alibaba, Amazon Business, ThomasNet, Shopify, eWorldTrade, and Global Sources. The benefits of setting up a B2B marketplace include increased visibility, efficient workflows, easy product comparison, and cost savings. However, challenges such as poor quality control, security concerns, inefficient search functionality, and loss of the human touch must be addressed to optimize the platform.