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Companies Rush to Adopt B2B eCommerce and Sales Rep Technology to Unlock Competitive EdgeNEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Handshake, the emerging leader in B2B Commerce technology for manufacturers and distributors, today announced key findings from its 2016 Manufacturing & Distribution Sales and Technology Survey Report. This annual survey explores how manufacturers and distributors around the world are changing the way they sell and deliver products to their customers in the wake of new challenges, disruptive technologies, and shifting customer expectations. "Our most recent survey indicated that manufacturers and distributors are clearly feeling pressure from buyers and competitors to automate manual sales and ordering processes," said Glen Coates, CEO of Handshake. "Many plan to immediately address these issues, leading them to implement or plan investments in digital commerce technology for their customers and sales teams." B2B companies develop mobile and eCommerce experiences to grow business As the B2C world continues to raise the bar with conveniences like online ordering and mobile access, similar expectations are seeping into the world of B2B Commerce. Among respondents that have already invested in B2B eCommerce, 79% reported that their customers asked for the ability to order online. Manufacturers and distributors are recognizing the immediate necessity for investments in B2B eCommerce with 50% reporting that they plan to implement solutions within the next twelve months, and 20% within six months. This is on top of the 44% of respondents that already had a B2B eCommerce web portal in place. The expectation of 24/7 online orderin will only become more common among buyers as more companies provide the option. Suppliers that have already responded to their customers' requests for convenient online ordering are seeing a return on their investment. Among respondents that have already implemented B2B eCommerce, 50% noticed customers ordering additional products across more categories and 34% have seen an increase in average order value. By delivering an easier way to do business, manufacturers and distributors are able to drive more sales. Empowered by technology, sales reps continue to play a critical role "Relationships are the foundation of B2B selling. Advances in technology are providing manufacturers and distributors with the opportunity to get more value from the relationships sales reps have with customers and help drive the business forward," said Coates. "Those suppliers that are listening to customers and implementing mobile and web B2B eCommerce to complement their sales reps are getting a head start on the competition." To read the full report, download it here. Survey Methodology About Handshake Contact: [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/companies-rush-to-adopt-b2b-ecommerce-and-sales-rep-technology-to-unlock-competitive-edge-300332444.html SOURCE Handshake |