Online business marketplaces that feature both buyers and sellers of retail services. Websites include auctions, trading sites, and exchanges of products and services.
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Retail B2B Markets
Retail B2B markets let suppliers and vendors do business quickly and easilyBy Chris Perrin, Principal Common Dialogue Enterprises, Inc. What are retail B2B markets (business to business markets)? The definition varies, but traditionally, retail B2B markets are places where suppliers (usually manufacturers) of a given good can sell their products online to other businesses rather than to consumers. This is usually done because the supplier is selling raw materials (for instance, circuit boards or refined metals) which another company (say a computer manufacturer) will use to build their finished products.
Some retail B2B markets also offer brokering services and B2B online auctions. In some cases, retail B2B markets are also called retail business exchanges, and are sometimes said to engage in retail business trading.
Retail B2B markets are not a new phenomenon in some sectors. Retail markets have existed for things like cattle, livestock, and farm goods for centuries. However, the Internet took the concept of the retail market and did what the Internet does to many technologies: it made it faster, easier, and more accessible to everyone. Joining or starting a retail B2B market can grow your business because:
- Internet-based retail B2B markets can ignore geography. Companies can buy and sell products without ever being in the same country as other companies in the market.
- B2B retail portals make tracking the retail B2B markets' business quickly and easily. Special software has been developed to put a company's catalog online and track transactions done in the marketplace.
- B2B online auctions can happen away from consumers (for instance, on eBay.com) using the B2B retail service's online software.
Find a retail B2B market which is right for you
Retail B2B markets are not a new concept in online business. There are numerous exchanges on the Internet today and a number of sites which will match your business needs to an exchange.
Try:
Do research on the Internet. TradeCoast.com and B2B-Exchange.com (see the bottom of the page) both offer extensive listings of retail marketplaces which you can join. Even if you are considering starting your own exchange, consult these lists first to get ideas about what an exchange is and how it benefits its members.
Review several software providers before starting your own retail business exchange
Software companies have seen the need to provide off-the-shelf software for managing retail B2B markets. Today, these companies have a fair number of different software packages on the Internet that run a retail marketplace in their own way.
Try:
First understand what you want from your retail B2B market. You may want to make a list of desired features. Then do some investigation on the Internet to see which software packages will create a B2B retail portal the way that you want. Two vendors you should consider are Amalto and Microsoft.
Consider speaking with an expert before starting a retail business to business marketplace
Creating a B2B retail exchange offers you an instant sales channel and gives you a network of partners you can use to grow your business. However, creating the exchange and operating it is not a small task. Because of this, it is highly advisable to talk with an expert in retail B2B markets.
Try:
Seek out information from companies who have helped B2B retailers start their own private and public B2B exchanges. Companies like Rusbiz can help you create your own retail B2B markets. Also, HJ Ventures International offers free information on writing a B2B Exchange business plan and offers consulting on creating them.
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Business-to-business network for the fashion industry connecting retailers, vendors, and global suppliers.
As a supplier of hard-to-find books, Alibris uses the Internet to enable hundreds of independent booksellers around the world to sell treasured books to consumers, libraries, wholesalers, and retail stores.
Business information portal with auctions, marketplaces and requests for quotes.
http://www.businessnation.com/cgi-bin/auctions/products/auction.cgi
Developer and provider of online purchasing applications hosting services and Internet technology, office and business equipment e-commerce services. Services are provided to small-to-mid-sized companies. This company was capitalized by private investme
Provider of an online marketplace where wholesalers and retailers can purchase consumer products for re-sale. Services are provided to the wholesale and retail industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Commodity Surplus- Global Surplus Stock Disposals
Subscription-based online auction and marketplace for the sale and purchase of goods and services.
http://www.commoditysurplus.com/
Online market exchange for buying and selling discount general merchandise and closeout/surplus goods for dollar stores and related retailers.
Provides the market-leading softgoods supply chain management software and services solution.
A wholesale gifts portal for gift representatives and suppliers and their catalogs of products. Thousands of b2b wholesale gifts listed under hundreds of categories.
Provider of an online marketplace where people can buy and sell previously owned merchandise. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by venture capital.
Online auction for resellers and manufacturers, who purchase or sell surplus and closeout inventories.
Provider of an online business to business marketplace for sporting goods. The proprietary Browse2Buy(tm) procurement service offers an online catalogue and allows for order entry. The proprietary Bid2Buy(tm) service creates an online auction. Services
ITEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates a retail trade exchange in the United States and has licensees that operate trade exchanges in international markets in Mexico, New Zealand and Turkey.
Provider of business to business Internet related services including a buyers chat room to collaborate and negotiate prices and services. This company offers on-line resources that take the place of trade shows, etc., including catalogs and search engine
Ombe.com (Office Machines & Business Equipment Auction)
Online marketplace and auction for office machines and other business equipment.
Online community for sellers and buyers of secondhand products in the UK and Ireland.
Provider of business to business retail marketplace services. Services are provided to retail suppliers and buyers. This company was capitalized by private investment and venture capital.
http://www.retailexchange.com/
Provider of online premium gift retail services. Services are provided to consumers and multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
Online marketplace and forum for clothing retailers, manufacturers, vendors and wholesalers.
Provider of online auctions in categories including computers, consumer electronics, home and leisure, sports and recreation, jewelry gifts, clothing and apparel, tools and hardware, art, appliances, and travel and events.
Provider of online international trading of surplus comsumer goods through an online auction environment. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment and venture capital.
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Retail B2B Markets
Would you like to find an effective, efficient way to find retail stores interested in selling your products? Or perhaps you would like to find a manufacturer that can sell your retail store a variety of items at affordable wholesale prices? Retail B2B markets might offer the advantages that you need to make your business more successful.
Retail B2B markets make it easier for companies to connect with each other. By building relationships between suppliers and retail outlets, many companies find that they can expand their operations and reach greater levels of success.
For instance, a clothing retailer that wants to sell hip new designs might benefit from connecting with ... more
Would you like to find an effective, efficient way to find retail stores interested in selling your products? Or perhaps you would like to find a manufacturer that can sell your retail store a variety of items at affordable wholesale prices? Retail B2B markets might offer the advantages that you need to make your business more successful.
Retail B2B markets make it easier for companies to connect with each other. By building relationships between suppliers and retail outlets, many companies find that they can expand their operations and reach greater levels of success.
For instance, a clothing retailer that wants to sell hip new designs might benefit from connecting with a clothing manufacturer. The manufacturer, of course, will also benefit from a relationship because finding a new client will allow the company to become more stable.
Many companies find that the discounted prices and business relationships that they form through B2B markets can dramatically improve their profits.
To learn more about the advantages that B2B markets can offer retail stores and manufacturers or retail goods, you should visit the websites posted on the left by Business.com. That way, you can make an informed choice for your company.
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