How to handle orders from your key accounts professionally

If you're a merchant in both B2C and B2B, you've had to deal with a lot of challenges. Until now, there was no optimal solution to handle both business models via Shopify.

Either one had to build two separate stores, the maintenance of which was necessary independently of each other. Or you had to use one online store for B2C and B2B, which was very complicated due to the different requirements of the two target groups.

Shopify's B2B Solution 

Recently, with the help of the Shopify Plus plan, it is possible to create a B2B store based on your already existing online store. It is no longer necessary to integrate apps that integrate B2B features. With the new B2B solution, you can choose whether you prefer to work with two separate storefronts, or integrate appropriate B2B elements into your existing online store.

Your opportunities with Shopify B2B

Before you start thinking about setting up your B2B store, you should consider using a separate storefront.

This is a kind of extension store that can only be used by B2B customers. Here you can make settings for your key accounts, such as setting up your own discount codes or calling analytics reports that map only the B2B area. Another advantage is that you can edit the theme and navigation to suit your B2B customers.

However, setting up a second storefront increases the effort involved in setting up Shopify B2B. The second storefront has to be set up first, and both stores have to be maintained separately.

If you don't want to set up a second storefront, you have the option to integrate B2B elements into your existing online store. This way, both your B2C and B2B customers use the same online store. Your business customers only need to create an account and log in to make use of the corresponding price lists and payment terms. However, there are some limitations compared to building a second storefront: you can't create separate coupon codes for your B2B customers. No changes can be made to the theme or navigation to target only the B2B customers. Also, there are no analytics on business customers. B2B and B2C can only be analyzed together.

In short, managing a store represents less effort. Two different storefronts, however, offer far more opportunities for individualization and can thus provide a more appealing shopping experience for both target groups.

What does the Shopify B2B solution offers you?

1) Pricelists

To access your wholesale store, the respective wholesale customer needs separate login data. Once the customer has logged in, they can see and order products in price lists to which they are assigned. This gives you the possibility to offer different prices for the same products to different customers.

2) Payment terms

Furthermore, you can assign specific payment terms, payment methods and wholesale discounts to individual B2B customers. Your customers can view these in the checkout.

3) Wholesale customers

Every customer to whom you have assigned at least one price list is a wholesale customer. You can also give your customers access to the store by inviting them via a link.

Shopify B2B set up

It makes sense for your store to integrate the Shopify B2B feature? Implement your B2B concept for your business customers in just a few steps.

1. create your B2B customers:

Click on Customers -> then on Company to give companies B2B access.

2. create individual price lists:

Click Products -> then Price Lists to customize and assign your prices for B2B customers.


3. no use of a separate storefront - create your login:

Go to Settings -> then click Checkout and Accounts -> click New Customers Accounts here (this is where your B2B customers log in with a 6-digit code they receive after they enter their email address).



4. using a separate storefront: allow only B2B customers access to your store

go to Online Store -> click on Preferences -> check the box Restrict access to B2B customers only


As soon as you want to enter your store, a login window appears.

What makes Shopify's B2B solution different from the wholesale channel?

One of the biggest differences is that as a retailer with an online store, you can address both B2B and B2C customers. Orders are processed by both target groups through the same store. The difference is that your B2B customers authenticate through their email address. After they authenticate, they can view their individual prices and payment terms. By being able to set up two storefronts, you can properly represent yourself in front of your B2B customers and provide them with a shopping experience tailored to B2B.

Are you still new to the topic of B2B integration in Shopify and not sure what the next steps are for a successful implementation? We are happy to help you! Get in touch with us to get started professionally right away. As a Shopify agency, it's important to us to provide our customers with professional support and always offer high-quality solutions. Contact us, tell us about your ideas and we will implement your projects for you.