1. Introduction to B2B on Shopify: The Complete Guide to Wholesale Sales
Shopify B2B is a powerful suite of built-in features for wholesale commerce (business-to-business), enabling you to efficiently sell products to other companies through the Shopify admin panel and your online store. These tools let you create a personalized buying experience for your wholesale customers without the need for third-party apps or workarounds to manage B2B e-commerce.
With Shopify B2B, an integrated wholesale platform, you can:
- Set up individual catalogs and prices for wholesale customers
- Configure payment terms and deposit requirements for B2B buyers
- Manage company profiles and their locations
- Personalize the order checkout process for wholesale
- Automate B2B workflows with Shopify Flow
📊 Key Benefits of Shopify for B2B
- Unified platform — manage both retail and wholesale sales in one place.
- Personalization — create a unique experience for every B2B customer.
- Flexibility — configure prices, payment terms, and shipping for wholesale orders.
- Automation — streamline workflows with Shopify's built-in tools.
- Integration — leverage other Shopify features (analytics, themes, API) for your B2B portal.
Important Note on Shopify Plus
Shopify B2B features are available exclusively to stores on the Shopify Plus plan. If you are not on Shopify Plus, you will need to upgrade or consider third-party wholesale apps.
2. Requirements and Limitations for Shopify B2B
✅ Requirements for Shopify B2B
- Shopify Plus plan — B2B features are included in this plan.
- New version of customer accounts — B2B only works with the new version.
- Setting up B2B customers as companies — you must create company profiles in Shopify.
- Choosing a store type — blended or dedicated B2B store (see the next section for details).
❌ Shopify B2B Limitations
- Subscriptions incompatibility — subscription features do not work with B2B on Shopify.
- Incompatible with Shopify POS — cannot be used for point-of-sale in B2B scenarios.
- Payment method restrictions — Shop Pay, Shop Cash, and Shop Pay Installments are unavailable for B2B orders.
- Difficulty changing store type — once B2B is configured, switching from one store type to another is complex.
Alternative Solutions for Wholesale Sales
If Shopify B2B's built-in features don't meet your wholesale needs or you're not on the Shopify Plus plan, consider using third-party wholesale apps from the Shopify App Store.
3. Types of B2B Stores on Shopify: Blended or Dedicated?
Before setting up B2B on Shopify, you need to choose your B2B store type. This decision is important to make upfront, as changing the store type (e.g., from B2C to B2B or blended) after configuration will be difficult. There are two main options for your B2B commerce on Shopify:
Blended Store for B2B and B2C
Definition: A single Shopify store used for both B2B (wholesale) and B2C (retail) customers.
Key features of a blended store:
- One admin panel for managing all B2B and B2C operations.
- One online storefront for all customers.
- Shared theme and branding for B2B and B2C (with content contextualization options).
- Shared inventory for both wholesale and retail sales.
What can be configured separately for B2B and B2C in a blended store:
- Products and their availability (for adding products, see the guide on adding products to Shopify)
- Pricing (wholesale and retail prices)
- Payment methods
- Shipping methods
- Discounts
- Store content
- Tax exemptions
A blended store is the right choice if you:
- Sell similar products to both B2B and B2C customers.
- Use shared inventory for wholesale and retail.
- Have one team managing both B2B and B2C sales on Shopify.
Dedicated B2B Store on Shopify
Definition: A separate Shopify store used exclusively for B2B customers and wholesale sales.
Key features of a dedicated B2B store:
- Separate admin panel for B2B operations only.
- Separate online storefront for B2B customers.
- Unique B2B theme and branding.
- Separate product inventory for wholesale orders.
Advantages of a dedicated B2B store:
- All settings automatically apply only to B2B customers.
- Ability to create a fully separate B2B experience.
- Ability to restrict store access to B2B customers only (closed B2B portal).
- Separate analytics for B2B operations only.
A dedicated B2B store is the right choice if you:
- Want to create a completely standalone B2B experience on Shopify.
- Need separate inventory for B2B and B2C.
- Want to restrict access to the wholesale store to B2B customers only.
- Have separate teams for B2B and B2C operations.
Important Warning About Choosing a Store Type
The choice between a blended or dedicated B2B store should be made carefully, as switching later is difficult. Changing from one type to another requires reconfiguring companies, B2B catalogs, store settings, and other wholesale elements from scratch.
Comparison Table: Shopify B2B Store Types
| Feature | Blended B2B/B2C Store | Dedicated B2B Store |
|---|---|---|
| Management | Single panel for B2B and B2C | Separate panel for B2B only |
| Analytics | Shared for B2B and B2C with filtering options | B2B operations only |
| Order checkout | Requires configuration to separate B2B and B2C | Automatically configured for B2B |
| Inventory | Shared for B2B and B2C | Separate for B2B only |
| Products | Requires segmentation via B2B catalogs | All products for B2B only |
| Restricted access | Not possible (B2C access needed) | Possible (B2B only) |
| Apps | Set up and paid for once | Require re-setup and separate payment (see Shopify App Store) |
| Discounts | Requires segmentation for B2B and B2C | Applied to B2B only |
| Tax settings | Shared with B2B configuration options | For B2B customers only |
| Store branding | Shared with contextualization options | Unique to B2B only |
4. Managing B2B Companies and Customers in Shopify
In Shopify B2B, you manage wholesale customers using a hierarchical structure: companies, company locations, and B2B customers. This structure allows you to flexibly configure various settings for different levels of wholesale buyers.
🏢 Company (B2B Company)
Definition: The parent organization for one or more company locations within the Shopify B2B system.
A company lets you group multiple business locations under a single profile. For example, a retail chain or franchise can be represented as one company with multiple locations.
📍 Company Location
Definition: A business unit (e.g., a specific branch or warehouse) to which you sell in a B2B transaction.
Each location can have its own individual settings:
- Tax ID and exemptions
- Shipping and billing addresses
- Individual pricing and Shopify B2B catalogs
- Wholesale payment terms
- Order checkout settings
👤 Customer (B2B Customer)
Definition: An individual who places orders on behalf of a company in a B2B transaction on the Shopify platform.
Customers are linked to a company or company location and may have varying permission levels for placing orders. A single B2B customer can be associated with multiple companies or locations.
Key Features for Managing B2B Companies on Shopify
Company Profiles for B2B
Create detailed profiles for B2B customers with customized payment terms, addresses, permissions, catalogs, and tax exemptions. This allows you to deliver a personalized experience for each wholesale client.
B2B Account Access Requests
Create a request form allowing prospective B2B customers to apply for wholesale buying access through your store. You can review the application and decide whether to grant access.
Customer and Order History Migration to B2B
Transfer existing customer order history to a company and company location in the Shopify admin. This lets you add existing B2C customers and their order history to an existing B2B company.
Invitations for B2B Customers
Customize and send invitation emails to new B2B customers to place orders on behalf of their company. These notifications can be customized and are optional. Learn more about managing B2B customers.
Staff Permissions for B2B
Adapt permissions for different seller profile types, limiting access to only the companies assigned to them. This lets you create a structure where each sales manager sees only their own B2B clients.
B2B Process Automation with Shopify Flow
Build automations for B2B workflows using actions and triggers in Shopify Flow. You can use Shopify Flow's ready-made B2B templates or create your own to streamline routine tasks.
Tip: Managing B2B Customer Data
You can make changes to companies, locations, customers, and metafields in the Shopify admin panel or in bulk using a third-party app such as Matrixify (available in the Shopify App Store). This is especially useful when setting up a large number of B2B customers.
5. B2B Catalogs and Wholesale Pricing in Shopify
B2B catalogs are collections of products that you can offer to B2B companies with a personalized buying experience for wholesale customers. Using B2B catalogs in Shopify, you can control product availability and configure special wholesale prices and quantity rules.
Core Features of Shopify B2B Catalogs
- Product availability management — control which products are available to B2B customers.
- Custom wholesale pricing — set special prices for wholesale orders.
- Catalog assignment — assign catalogs to B2B markets or specific company locations.
- Volume pricing — offer discounts when customers purchase a certain quantity.
- Quantity rules — set minimum, maximum, or increment quantities for wholesale buyers.
🔢 Example of Volume Pricing in Shopify B2B
| Quantity | Price per unit | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 1–9 | $20.00 | 0% |
| 10–49 | $18.00 | 10% |
| 50–99 | $16.00 | 20% |
| 100+ | $15.00 | 25% |
Setting Quantity Rules for B2B Orders
⬆️ Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Set the minimum quantity of a product that a B2B customer must order.
Example: Minimum order for T-shirts — 12 units (1 dozen).
Benefit: Ensures customers order wholesale volumes rather than retail quantities.
⬇️ Maximum Order Quantity
Limit the maximum quantity of a product a B2B customer can order.
Example: No more than 1,000 units of a product per order.
Benefit: Helps manage inventory and prevents overly large orders that may be difficult to fulfill.
🔄 Order Increment
Define the increment in which a B2B customer can order a product.
Example: Orders only in multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20…
Benefit: Simplifies packaging and logistics, especially when products are packed in set quantities.
Volume Pricing Calculator (Example)
Example of Using Shopify B2B Catalog Rules
Imagine you sell T-shirts wholesale. You can create a B2B catalog where:
- Minimum order — 12 units (1 dozen).
- Order increment — 12 units (customers can only order 12, 24, 36… units).
- Volume pricing: 12–60 units at $10 each, 72–144 units at $9 each, 144+ units at $8 each.
Wholesale Price Calculation Result:
$20.00 per unit
Total: $20.00
6. B2B Payments and Payment Terms in Shopify
B2B customers often require special payment terms, as wholesale orders are typically larger and are not always paid at the time of checkout. Shopify B2B allows you to automate the process of assigning payment terms to B2B orders.
Payment Terms for Shopify Wholesale Customers
Payment terms define how long a company has to pay for a B2B order. You can set payment terms for each company location.
- Net 7 — payment within 7 days
- Net 15 — payment within 15 days
- Net 30 — payment within 30 days
- Net 45 — payment within 45 days
- Net 60 — payment within 60 days
- Net 90 — payment within 90 days
- Due on fulfillment — payment upon order fulfillment
- Due on receipt — payment upon receipt
- Go to the "Companies" section in the Shopify admin panel.
- Select the company and location for which you want to set payment terms.
- Under "Payment terms," choose the appropriate type.
- If needed, configure deposit requirements.
- Save your changes.
Once payment terms are set, B2B customers will be able to see those terms when placing orders through your Shopify online store.
When a B2B order's payment due date arrives, you can collect payment in one of the following ways:
- Use a saved card — if the B2B customer has a saved card on file, you can charge it automatically.
- Send an invoice — send the customer an invoice to pay.
- Manual payment entry — record a payment received by other means (check, bank transfer).
You can also set up automatic payment reminders using Shopify Flow.
💰 Deposits for B2B Orders in Shopify
You can require a partial upfront payment for a B2B order when it is created, with the remainder due later. This improves your cash flow.
Key features of deposits in Shopify B2B:
- Percentage-based — for example, 30% of the order total.
- Compatibility — works with B2B orders and draft orders.
- Payment flexibility — can be paid by credit card or manual payment method.
Example of a 30% deposit:
Benefits of Using Deposits in B2B
- Reduced financial risk for the seller.
- Improved company cash flow.
- Confirmation of the B2B customer's serious intent.
- Partial cost coverage for wholesale order fulfillment.
Payment Methods for B2B on the Shopify Platform
💳 Shopify Payments for B2B
-
Capabilities:
- Accept credit and debit cards from B2B customers.
- Support for local payment methods.
- Save cards for future B2B payments.
-
Benefits:
- Quick setup without third-party payment providers.
- Process payments immediately upon store launch.
- Ability to use saved cards for future B2B payments.
💼 Manual Payment Methods for B2B
-
Available methods:
- Cash on delivery (COD) for wholesale orders.
- Bank transfer.
- Check.
- Other customizable payment methods.
-
Benefits:
- Flexibility for B2B customers.
- Alignment with traditional B2B payment processes.
- Ability to tailor to specific business needs.
🔄 PayPal for B2B Transactions
-
Capabilities:
- Offer PayPal as a payment option for B2B customers.
- Convenient for international B2B customers.
- Fast payment processing via PayPal.
-
Benefits:
- Wide adoption and brand recognition of PayPal.
- Buyer and seller protection.
- Support for multiple currencies.
💾 Saved Credit Cards for B2B
-
Capabilities:
- B2B customers can save cards at the company location level.
- Use saved cards when placing a B2B order.
- Process payments from the Shopify admin panel.
-
Benefits:
- Streamlined repeat purchases for B2B customers.
- Automated payment collection against payment terms.
- Secure card data storage (in accordance with Shopify standards).
Payment Method Restrictions in Shopify B2B
The following payment methods are incompatible with Shopify B2B:
- Shop Pay — Shopify's accelerated checkout.
- Shop Cash — Shopify's rewards program.
- Shop Pay Installments — Shopify's buy-now-pay-later option.
7. Order Checkout for B2B Customers on Shopify
Shopify B2B lets you configure the checkout process specifically for your wholesale customers. You can personalize every aspect of B2B order checkout — including discounts, payment options, and shipping — based on logic that fits your wholesale e-commerce workflows.
Key Features of B2B Order Checkout in Shopify
Personalized B2B Order Checkout
Allow B2B customers to browse and complete orders using their assigned payment terms, deposits, payment methods, and wholesale discounts.
Single-Page Checkout for B2B
Use single-page checkout for B2B customers. Customers can review their order information, shipping, company details, and payment on one page — speeding up the process.
Submit B2B Orders as Draft Orders
Choose whether to require B2B customer orders to be placed as drafts based on company location. This allows you to review and modify orders before confirming them.
Price Lock in B2B Draft Orders
Lock the price in any B2B draft order. Price locking ensures that product prices in an order will not change even if you later update the product price in the Shopify admin.
Inventory Reservation in B2B Draft Orders
Reserve inventory for any B2B draft order. Inventory reservation ensures that specific products cannot be purchased by other customers while the wholesale order is being processed.
One-Time Shipping Addresses for B2B
Configure a one-time shipping address at the company location level so B2B customers can enter alternative delivery addresses during checkout without saving them to the company location.
🔄 The B2B Order Checkout Process on Shopify: Step by Step
Log in to the B2B Customer Account
The B2B customer logs into their account linked to a company. The system automatically recognizes them as a B2B customer and applies the corresponding settings (catalogs, prices, terms).
Browse the B2B Catalog and Prices
The customer sees the products and prices assigned to their company or location through B2B catalogs. Only products available to them are displayed, with the corresponding wholesale prices.
Add Products to Cart with B2B Rules Applied
When adding products, quantity rules (minimum, maximum, increment) and volume pricing are applied automatically. The customer can see how the price changes as quantity changes.
Complete the B2B Order Checkout
On the checkout page, the B2B customer sees their payment terms, deposit requirements, and available payment methods. If a deposit is required, the customer pays only that portion upfront.
Confirm Order or Submit as Draft
Depending on your settings, the B2B order can be confirmed immediately or submitted as a draft for your review and approval.
Benefits of Draft Orders for B2B on Shopify
Using draft orders for B2B customers provides several important advantages for your wholesale business:
- Review before confirmation — you can review the order and make changes if necessary.
- Negotiation with the customer — opportunity to discuss order details before confirming.
- Price adjustments — ability to apply special discounts or change prices for a specific B2B order.
- Availability check — confirm all products are in stock before approving the order.
- Logistics management — plan shipping and fulfillment for the wholesale order.
8. Setting Up the B2B Store and Customer Experience on Shopify
You can configure your online store's content to display different material to B2B and B2C customers, or to show different content to different markets, using Shopify Markets. You can also enhance the B2B shopping experience by using a dedicated theme from the Shopify Theme Store designed for B2B businesses, or by adapting an existing theme.
Key Features for Configuring Your Shopify B2B Store
Online Store Contextualization with Shopify Markets
Display different content in your online store for different customer types using Markets. Whether you use a blended or dedicated B2B store, you can show different content to B2B and B2C customers, or to different regions.
Quick Order Lists for B2B
Set up Quick Order Lists so B2B customers can add multiple product variants to their cart with a single click from the product page, speeding up the wholesale purchasing process.
Themes for Shopify B2B Stores (e.g., "Trade")
Use a theme from the Shopify Theme Store — such as the "Trade" theme (if available and suitable) or another built specifically for B2B businesses — with features like hiding product prices for non-logged-in customers.
Custom Headless B2B Store on Shopify
Build a custom headless store for your B2B business using your preferred technology stack with Hydrogen or the Storefront API and Customer Accounts API.
Liquid Support for B2B Themes and Email Templates
Customize themes and email templates to include company information and other B2B-specific data using the Liquid templating language. Learn more about email marketing.
🔒 Restricted Access to a Shopify B2B Store
For a dedicated B2B store, you can configure restricted access so that only authorized B2B customers can browse your wholesale catalog and place orders.
Benefits of a closed-access B2B store:
- Exclusivity — only approved B2B customers have access.
- Price protection — wholesale prices are not visible to the public or competitors.
- Access control — you decide who can see your B2B catalog.
- Professional approach — creates a sense of exclusive B2B partnership.
How restricted B2B access works:
- Visitors see only a login page or an access request form.
- Customers can request access via the B2B account request form.
- You review requests and grant access to approved companies.
- Approved B2B customers receive login credentials.
- After logging in, customers can see the full B2B catalog, wholesale prices, and place orders.
Tip: Configuring a Shopify B2B Theme
If you use a free Shopify theme (version 11.0+), you can configure your online store to display different content for B2B and B2C customers using the theme editor. If you use a custom theme or an older Shopify theme version, you can use the Liquid customer.b2b variable to edit your theme code and adapt it for B2B.
Examples of Content Contextualization for B2B and B2C on Shopify
B2B Store Homepage
- Emphasis on wholesale benefits and terms.
- Information on minimum order quantities (MOQ).
- Volume discounts and wholesale pricing.
- B2B payment terms.
- B2B customer testimonials.
- Wholesale account request form.
Product Page in the B2B Catalog
- Display of wholesale prices.
- Volume pricing table.
- Minimum order quantities (MOQ) and order increments.
- Wholesale availability information.
- Technical specifications and documentation (see how to write compelling product descriptions).
- Quick order option.
Cart and Checkout for B2B
- Buyer's company information.
- Display of agreed payment terms.
- Deposit requirements (if applicable).
- Purchase Order Number field.
- B2B-specific payment and shipping methods.
- Option to submit order as a draft.
B2C Store Homepage
- Emphasis on consumer benefits and branding.
- Latest collections and new arrivals.
- Retail promotions and discounts.
- Retail customer testimonials.
- Blog and consumer content (e.g., our courses and articles).
- Social proof (Instagram feeds, etc.).
Product Page for B2C Customers
- Retail prices.
- Emphasis on style, design, and user experience.
- Detailed lifestyle photography.
- Consumer reviews.
- Related products and recommendations.
- Personalization options (if available).
Cart and Checkout for B2C
- Standard customer information.
- Retail payment methods (Shop Pay, credit cards, etc.).
- Consumer shipping options.
- Apply coupon and promo codes.
- Upsell and cross-sell offers.
- Loyalty program integration.
9. Step-by-Step Setup of B2B Features in Shopify
Setting up B2B features in Shopify requires a sequential approach. Below are the key steps for configuring both a blended and a dedicated B2B store on the Shopify platform. For more detailed information, refer to the official Shopify B2B documentation or our Shopify store setup guide.
Setting Up a Blended B2B/B2C Store on Shopify
Pre-Setup Preparation for B2B
Before starting B2B setup in a blended store:
- Make sure you are on the Shopify Plus plan.
- Familiarize yourself with Shopify B2B requirements and limitations.
- If your B2B customers are currently set up as regular customers, prepare to migrate their information and order history into B2B companies.
Create B2B Companies and Locations
Set up B2B customers in Shopify using companies and company locations:
- Create a company in the Shopify admin panel.
- Add company locations.
- Add customers to companies and locations.
- Configure company location details (payment terms, tax exemptions, etc.).
- If needed, add metafields to companies and locations for additional customization.
Configure B2B Catalogs and Wholesale Prices
Create and configure B2B catalogs:
- Create a B2B catalog in the admin panel.
- Select products to include in the catalog.
- Set wholesale prices for products.
- Configure quantity rules (minimum, maximum, increment).
- Set up volume pricing if needed.
- Assign the catalog to companies or company locations.
Configure Payment Terms for B2B
Set payment terms for B2B customers:
- Choose appropriate payment terms for each company location.
- Configure deposit requirements if needed.
- Set up payment methods available to B2B customers.
- Configure payment reminders using Shopify Flow.
Configure the B2B Order Checkout Process
Personalize the checkout process for B2B:
- Configure whether B2B orders should be submitted as drafts.
- Set up single-page checkout for B2B.
- Configure shipping options for B2B customers.
- Enable the use of one-time shipping addresses.
Set Up the Online Store for B2B and B2C
Adapt your online store for B2B customers in the blended model:
- Configure content contextualization for B2B and B2C using Markets.
- Set up Quick Order Lists.
- If needed, configure a theme for B2B (consider specialized B2B themes or adapt your current one).
- Configure email templates for B2B communications.
Test and Launch B2B Functionality
Verify your B2B setup before going live:
- Create a test B2B customer to verify features.
- Test the login process and B2B catalog browsing.
- Verify that wholesale prices and quantity rules display correctly.
- Test the order checkout process and payment terms.
- Once testing is successful, invite your B2B customers.
Setting Up a Dedicated B2B Store on Shopify
Create a New Shopify Store for B2B
For a dedicated B2B store:
- Create a new Shopify store or adapt an existing expansion store (see the beginner's guide for details).
- Make sure the new store is on the Shopify Plus plan.
- Configure basic store settings (name, currency, taxes, etc.).
Import Products into the B2B Store
Transfer products to your dedicated B2B store:
- Export products from your main store (if applicable).
- Modify prices, descriptions, and images for a B2B audience.
- Import products into your B2B store.
- Configure inventory specifically for the B2B store.
Create B2B Companies and Locations in the New Store
Set up B2B customers in the new store:
- Create companies for your B2B customers.
- Add company locations.
- Add customers to companies.
- Configure location details (payment terms, tax exemptions, etc.).
Configure B2B Catalogs and Wholesale Prices
Create B2B catalogs for different customer groups in the dedicated store:
- Create catalogs for different types of B2B customers.
- Set wholesale prices.
- Configure quantity rules and volume pricing.
- Assign catalogs to companies or locations.
Configure Payment Terms and B2B Order Checkout
Set up the payment and checkout process for B2B customers:
- Set payment terms for B2B customers.
- Configure deposit requirements if needed.
- Configure payment methods for B2B.
- Configure the order checkout process.
- Configure shipping options for wholesale orders.
Set Up the Online Store for B2B
Build a B2B-focused online store:
- Install and configure a B2B theme (e.g., "Trade" or similar).
- Configure store content for a B2B audience.
- Set up Quick Order Lists.
- Configure restricted store access if needed.
- Set up the B2B account request form.
Configure B2B Apps and Integrations
Install the required B2B apps for your store:
- Install and configure all necessary apps from scratch.
- Set up integrations with your systems (ERP, CRM, etc.).
- Configure Shopify Flow to automate B2B processes.
Test and Launch the Dedicated B2B Store
Verify your B2B store is working correctly before launch:
- Create a test B2B company and customer.
- Test the entire process from login to order checkout.
- Verify that all B2B features function correctly.
- Once testing is successful, invite your B2B customers.
- Provide instructions for using the new B2B store.
Key Considerations When Setting Up Shopify B2B
- Planning — carefully plan the structure of B2B companies and catalogs before starting setup.
- Data migration — if you already have B2B customers, prepare a data migration plan.
- Testing — always test all B2B features before inviting real customers.
- Training — prepare instructions for your B2B customers on how to use the new wholesale store. Visit Shopify Academy for useful resources.
- Support — be prepared to support B2B customers during the transition period. Reach out to Shopify Support or the Shopify Community.
10. Conclusion: Making the Most of Shopify B2B to Grow Your Wholesale Business
Shopify B2B provides a powerful toolkit for organizing wholesale sales (B2B e-commerce) directly through the Shopify platform. These features enable you to create a personalized experience for your B2B customers, automate processes, and manage wholesale sales effectively — turning Shopify into a fully capable B2B platform. Learn more about ways to increase sales.
Key Benefits of Shopify B2B for Wholesale
- B2B and B2C integration — manage both sales channels on a single Shopify platform.
- B2B experience personalization — customize prices, catalogs, and terms for each wholesale customer.
- B2B solution flexibility — choose between a blended or dedicated B2B store.
- Wholesale process automation — optimize B2B workflows with Shopify Flow.
- Shopify scalability for B2B — grow alongside your business and expand wholesale sales volumes.
Next Steps for Growing B2B on Shopify
After setting up B2B features, it is recommended to:
- Regularly analyze the performance of your B2B sales channel.
- Gather feedback from B2B customers to improve their experience.
- Optimize processes based on the data and Shopify analytics.
- Explore additional opportunities to expand B2B sales (e.g., international B2B sales).
- Stay up to date with Shopify B2B updates and platform news to take advantage of new features. Learn how to effectively promote your Shopify store.
📊 Shopify B2B vs. Other B2B Solutions
| Feature | Shopify B2B (on Shopify Plus) | Third-Party B2B Apps | Standalone B2B Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify integration | Built-in, seamless | Via API, possible limitations | Limited or none |
| Wholesale price configuration | Full, flexible | Depends on the app | Full |
| B2B payment terms | Built-in | Limited or via add-on modules | Extended |
| B2B company management | Built-in | Basic or via app | Extended |
| Unified platform (B2C + B2B) | Yes (for blended stores) | Yes (integrates into Shopify) | No (separate system) |
| Cost | Included in Shopify Plus | Additional app fees | High (often custom pricing) |
Tip: Optimizing B2B Sales on Shopify
To maximize B2B sales performance on Shopify, it is recommended that you regularly analyze order data, B2B customer behavior, and catalog effectiveness. Use this information to optimize prices, terms, and processes so you can better meet your B2B customers' needs and build their loyalty. Consider SEO optimization for your B2B store.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shopify B2B
Shopify B2B is a set of built-in features within the Shopify platform designed for organizing wholesale sales (business-to-business). It allows companies to sell products to other businesses through the same Shopify admin panel they use for retail (B2C) sales, or through a dedicated B2B store.
Shopify B2B is ideal for companies that:
- Want to manage both wholesale and retail sales on a single platform.
- Need personalized catalogs, pricing, and payment terms for different wholesale customers.
- Are looking to automate B2B order processes.
- Plan to scale their wholesale business.
Using these features requires the Shopify Plus plan.
Yes, to access Shopify B2B's built-in features — such as company management, B2B catalogs, personalized pricing, and payment terms — you must be on the Shopify Plus plan. If you are not on Shopify Plus, you may consider third-party B2B apps from the Shopify App Store, though these may offer different functionality and pricing models.
Blended Store:
- Combines B2B and B2C sales in a single store with one admin panel.
- Uses shared inventory and generally shared branding (with customization options).
- Requires configuration to separate the B2B and B2C customer experiences (e.g., through catalogs and Shopify Markets).
- Best suited when products and processes for B2B and B2C are similar.
Dedicated Store:
- A separate Shopify store dedicated exclusively to B2B customers.
- Has its own admin panel, inventory, and branding.
- Allows you to create a fully customized and restricted B2B portal.
- Best suited when B2B operations differ significantly from B2C, strict access control is needed, or separate business processes are required.
The choice depends on your business strategy and the complexity of your B2B operations.
B2B catalogs in Shopify let you control which products your wholesale customers see and at what prices. You can:
- Create multiple catalogs for different B2B customer groups or markets.
- Set individual prices for products in each catalog (e.g., fixed prices or percentage discounts off the retail price).
- Configure volume pricing (quantity-based discounts).
- Set quantity rules (minimum/maximum order quantity, order increment).
- Assign catalogs to specific companies or their locations.
This enables a personalized approach for every B2B customer. Learn more about configuring B2B catalogs.
Shopify B2B allows you to flexibly configure payment terms for wholesale customers. You can set them for each company location. Available options include:
- Net terms: Net 7, Net 15, Net 30, Net 45, Net 60, Net 90 (payment within the specified number of days).
- Due on fulfillment: Payment upon order fulfillment.
- Due on receipt: Payment upon receipt.
You can also configure deposit requirements (partial prepayment) and use Shopify Flow for automated payment reminders.
Yes, Shopify B2B is tightly integrated with Shopify Flow — a workflow automation tool. Using Shopify Flow, you can automate various B2B tasks, such as:
- Segmenting B2B customers and assigning tags.
- Notifying managers about new B2B orders or requests.
- Sending payment reminders for orders with deferred payment.
- Automatically creating tasks for the sales team.
- And much more, using ready-made templates or building your own custom workflows.