B2B Marketplace Software: Comparison of the Best Marketplace Software Providers

The internet is full of opportunities. This is especially true in the field of electronic commerce, which many retailers utilize. Among these are the so-called B2B marketplaces, where business customers engage in business-to-business trading. Due to the boom in eCommerce and the various advantages that B2B trading offers, it is no surprise that the business idea of an internet marketplace is also popular among those who wish to start their own ventures in the field of internet and eCommerce. Since there is already a variety of software available, creating such a B2B shop is relatively simple and fast. But how do you find the right software for such online shops? What should be particularly considered in 2024 when developing online marketplaces? In this article, we present the most popular software for B2B marketplaces and compare for you ten well-known top programs to help you choose the right one for your own marketplace.

The Key Points at a Glance

The Top Exchange Platforms at a Glance

What Is a B2B Marketplace?

A B2B marketplace is an online shop in which the supplier or operator specifically serves companies. Unlike traditional shops where end consumers are the primary users, B2B marketplaces cater exclusively to business customers. Accordingly, the sales volume is higher and the required tools are different. They trade with each other in usually larger quantities and purchase products that are later resold to end consumers. A true B2B marketplace is specifically geared towards the business sector. It offers specialized payment methods, functions, and enables the purchase of larger quantities of products. The customer base is generally very limited and different terms and conditions apply, as it is exclusively for business customers. Many of these B2B shops are also not found via search engines and are mainly known through insider knowledge. 

If you want to create a pure B2B marketplace, you will typically need specialized online marketplace software or B2B marketplace software that meets these specific expectations, and you must familiarize yourself with the requirements of companies. These are fundamentally different from the requirements and expectations of end consumers, who mostly use platforms with a standard marketplace solution such as Amazon or eBay. Alternatively, you can have your own online marketplace developed in a multi-vendor system for both B2B and B2C.

How Does a B2B Marketplace Work?

A B2B marketplace software offers extended functions and features that normal platforms do not provide. Otherwise, the CRM with sales and billing, etc., works in the same way as a regular online shop. However, there are some peculiarities, such as in payment, order quantities, and the terms and conditions. After all, companies have different prerequisites and conditions as well as different requirements than the end consumer. The B2B marketplace must be configured to meet these requirements and serve them. Our marketplace software typically supports both trading options so that you can develop your own online marketplace with Shopboostr for both corporate customers and end consumers.

This is why many companies order larger quantities of products for resale to their end customers. Often, they have their own obligations and deadlines that must be met. This means that the processing and delivery of orders must be reliable. If delays occur, the customer company may no longer be able to meet its own requirements. For this reason, specialized software is recommended and B2B marketplace operators should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the subject beforehand.

The Ten Top Software Solutions for B2B Marketplaces Compared

In this section, we now present the ten most popular and widely used B2B marketplace software solutions. This list is by no means complete, and in principle almost any eCommerce software can also be used for the B2B sector. However, the software mentioned here includes only those eCommerce solutions that have been developed specifically for the B2B sector or offer features that make the software interesting for B2B.

Rank 1: Shopify Plus

The well-known shop software Shopify is available in a special version for the B2B sector. Shopify Plus is the paid tool that allows you to easily and conveniently create your own B2B marketplace. Unlike the regular version, the Plus version has been specifically developed for the B2B market and is not suitable for trading with end users. Additionally, there is no free version, so you can only use the software with a subscription. In return, you benefit from enhanced features, priority support, and many additional extras. It is no wonder that this provider is one of the top marketplace software providers in Germany in 2024, as well as around the world. 

Rank 2: Magento

Magento was one of the first software solutions on the market for internet commerce. Originally introduced as a WordPress plugin, the software has steadily evolved. Today, Magento is among the most popular, complex, and widely used eCommerce programs on the market. The new version, Magento 2, is expensive but is suitable for both the B2B sector and normal eCommerce with end customers, offering capabilities to manage these channels. In 2018, Magento was acquired by Adobe and has since been continuously developed and improved by the renowned software developer. Magento is primarily suited for professional trading and the B2B sector, as the licensing fees are very high. The software is distinguished by excellent support and numerous features, and it is highly customizable. Magento supports the use of plugins and extensions and is considered a marketplace solution for multiple vendors.

Rank 3: WooCommerce

Like Magento, WooCommerce is not only one of the market leaders, but it was also one of the first software solutions for eCommerce, released shortly after Magento 1. Also originally developed as a WordPress plugin, WooCommerce has evolved into a standalone software that can also be used without WordPress. WooCommerce comes with many features and capabilities and is therefore suitable for both B2C and B2B businesses. Compared to Magento, WooCommerce is somewhat more affordable, although there are few differences in functionality. Like Magento, WooCommerce can be further expanded through plugins and extensions.

Rank 4: PrestaShop

PrestaShop is also a platform that should be familiar to most users experienced in eCommerce. This shop system is popular for simple B2C shops, but it can also work excellently as a B2B shop. All that is necessary are a few adjustments and configuration changes, as well as the integration of some plugins—tasks that can be quickly and easily carried out by an expert, such as Shopboostr. Overall, PrestaShop is a good choice and is less expensive than market leader Magento or WooCommerce. On the other hand, the shop is not as extensive in its features and capabilities as the major market leaders.

Rank 5: opencart

opencart is an open source online shop that is completely free and comes without fixed fees. Once installed, the system can be used immediately. The shop has all the functions for the B2C sector and is also conditionally suitable for the B2B sector, although some adjustments are necessary. The biggest drawback is that the software, in comparison to platforms like PrestaShop and especially Magento or WooCommerce, offers significantly fewer features. Moreover, it is not a specialized B2B platform. However, since the software is free and easy to install, you can try it out without any risk. If it does not meet your needs, you can simply remove it.

Rank 6: Volusion Prime

Volusion is a well-known software from the B2C sector that operates many online shops. Volusion Prime, on the other hand, is a special version of the software designed specifically for customers in the B2B and Enterprise sectors. Volusion Prime offers all the functions required to operate a professional B2B site, along with easy installation, the ability to flexibly expand the marketplace, and professional B2B support that assists you competently and quickly with any questions or issues. This way, you can offer your B2B customers the best possible experience and fast processing of their orders.

Rank 7: Shift2Shop

Shift2Shop is a B2B marketplace available as Software as a Service (SaaS). This marketplace is specifically designed for customers in the Enterprise and B2B sectors and has been developed with the requirements of this area in mind. The focus is on fast processing of purchases and features such as volume discounts, purchase on account, etc. All the functions important for B2B customers as well as B2B shop operators are included. Shift2Shop is still relatively new on the market and therefore less known than the major providers. The advantage: you can test Shift2Shop for free and get a firsthand look at the marketplace. If it does not suit you, simply look for another provider.

Rank 8: BigCommerce Enterprise

BigCommerce Enterprise is one of the largest and best-known online shop software solutions in the B2B sector and positions itself as an integrated marketplace. The company has been on the market for many years and enjoys the trust of many customers. BigCommerce offers a high degree of automation for its various marketplaces, all of which are geared toward larger shops and the Enterprise sector. This includes a specialized eCommerce platform for the B2B market that addresses the particular requirements and challenges as well as the high demands of B2B customers. Furthermore, the software is fully customizable and the onboarding process for new customers is kept very simple. There is the possibility to automate processes, include user reviews, and many other features that help when building a marketplace and help you sell quickly. Although the software is not available for free, you can request a demo if desired. Choosing BigCommerce Enterprise is in any case a good decision to launch your online marketplace—at least if you like the pricing model.

Rank 9: OroCommerce

OroCommerce is another online marketplace software and is among the solutions developed specifically for B2B shops, resellers, wholesalers, etc. The platform offers a wide range of functions and possibilities that make trading with B2B customers simple and straightforward. Everything is designed for business and wholesale customers. OroCommerce is also a paid software. Compared to other providers, such as Magento, this software is considerably more affordable. Although there is no free trial, you can view a fully functional demo to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of OroCommerce.

Rank 10: Yo!Kart

Yo!Kart is a versatile and robust online shop that is primarily aimed at resellers and customers in the Enterprise and B2B sectors. The software is agile, flexible, and can be scaled and expanded if needed. It includes many functions that are indispensable for a platform in the B2B sector, all at fair prices. If desired, you also have the option to test Yo!Kart for free. A demo version of the software is available on the website. You can also contact support, who will gladly explain the features to you in a guided tour and answer your questions regarding the B2B marketplace. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to the market leaders that also offers commission and is particularly simple in terms of hosting, you should take a closer look at Yo!Kart.

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