20 B2B Examples You Need to See
by Joseph Jones • August 2, 2023
Last Updated: August 2023
You may see the term B2B or B2C from time to time. Those are acronyms used to categorize who businesses primarily sell to. B2C, or “business-to-consumer,” means a company that sells its products directly to consumers. When you purchase something from Amazon, for example, you are the consumer and either Amazon or an Amazon seller is the business.
One significant type of business transaction is business-to-business (B2B), wherein businesses sell products, services, or information to other businesses rather than to individual consumers. B2B plays a crucial role in the global economy, facilitating trade and collaboration between enterprises and industries. Let’s explore what B2B is, and then take a look at some B2B examples by highlighting 20 of the best B2B companies.
Jump to a Section
B2B Examples Across Industries
- Salesforce
- Alibaba
- Microsoft
- HubSpot
- Oracle Corporation
- SAP
- Boeing
- Mailchimp
- IBM
- Slack
- Asana
- Airtable
- Intel
- General Electric
- Adobe
- FedEx
- Cicsco
- Qualtrics
- Amazon
- Upwork
Quick e-Com B2B Facts
Sourced from Zippia.
- In 2022, U.S. B2B e-commerce revenue exceeded $2 trillion.
- Nurtured B2B leads tend to generate larger purchases than non-nutured leads. 47% larger purchases were made by nurtured leads vs non-nutured.
- Roughly 68% of B2B businesses haven’t identified their sales funnel.
- Advertising spend for B2B companies in the U.S. amounted to over $22.14 billion in 2022.
What is a B2B Business?
Business-to-Business (B2B) commerce encompasses a broad spectrum of transactions, from raw materials procurement to finished product distribution and everything in between. An example of B2B would be as between a wholesaler and a retailer or as between a manufacturer and a wholesaler. Unlike Business-to-Consumer (B2C) transactions, B2B deals often involve larger order quantities and more complex negotiations.
B2B Examples in e-Commerce
B2B (business-to-business) e-commerce plays a pivotal role in the modern business landscape. If you run a B2B e-commerce company, you need to know the things that e-commerce has to offer the marketplace.
Here are some examples of B2B e-commerce key contributions to improved business transactions:
- Enhanced Efficiency: B2B e-commerce streamlines the buying and selling processes, reducing the need for manual intervention. Automated online catalogs, real-time inventory updates, and electronic order processing lead to quicker transactions and fewer errors. This efficiency translates into time savings and improved productivity for both buyers and sellers.
- Wider Market Reach: With B2B e-commerce, businesses can transcend geographical boundaries and access a global market. Companies can expand their customer base and connect with potential clients from different parts of the world, opening up new growth opportunities.
- Cost Savings: B2B e-commerce eliminates the need for extensive physical infrastructure and traditional sales channels, resulting in significant cost savings for both buyers and sellers. Companies can reduce overhead costs associated with maintaining brick-and-mortar stores and sales teams.
- Data-Driven Insights: B2B e-commerce platforms generate valuable data on customer behavior, purchasing patterns, and preferences. Analyzing this data empowers businesses with actionable insights to optimize marketing strategies, improve product offerings, and enhance customer experiences.
- Efficient Inventory Management: B2B e-commerce integrates with inventory management systems, providing real-time visibility into stock levels and demand trends. This ensures that businesses can maintain optimal inventory levels, avoid stockouts, and reduce carrying costs.
- Digital Marketing and Branding: B2B e-commerce enables businesses to leverage digital marketing techniques like SEO, content marketing, and social media to enhance their brand visibility and attract new customers. It allows even small companies to compete on a global stage based on the strength of their online presence.
- Support for Complex Sales Processes: In B2B transactions, most decision-making involves multiple stakeholders. E-commerce platforms facilitate easy access to product information, quotes, and other relevant data, making it simpler for all involved parties to arrive at a consensus.
Overall, e-commerce B2B plays a vital role in how businesses conduct trade and interact with customers and partners. Its significance lies in empowering businesses to be more agile, competitive, and customer-focused in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
B2B Examples
1. Salesforce
A pioneer in cloud-based CRM software, Salesforce is a great example of a B2B company due to several key factors. First and foremost, its cloud-based CRM solutions revolutionized the way businesses manage customer relationships, sales, and marketing activities, providing scalable and flexible tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. Salesforce’s customer-centric approach is evident in its commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of its clients, fostering strong relationships, and providing excellent customer support. Salesforce’s success also stems from its ability to integrate with other business tools and technologies, offering a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances overall efficiency and productivity for its clients. Through these strategic initiatives, Salesforce has established itself as a leader in the B2B domain and continues to set industry standards for CRM solutions and customer-focused services.
2. Alibaba
Often referred to as the “Amazon of the East,” Alibaba is a leading online B2B platform based in China. It connects millions of buyers and sellers worldwide, facilitating international trade across various industries. Alibaba is a successful B2B company due to its vast global reach and comprehensive platform that connects millions of suppliers with buyers worldwide. Its user-friendly interface, secure payment systems, and efficient logistics infrastructure have facilitated seamless international trade for businesses, offering them a wide range of products and services at competitive prices. Additionally, Alibaba’s continuous focus on innovation and strategic partnerships has further solidified its position as a leading B2B e-commerce platform in the rapidly expanding global market.
3. Microsoft
Microsoft is a successful B2B company with a diverse portfolio of business solutions, including cloud services, productivity tools, and enterprise software. Its reliable and widely adopted products, such as Microsoft Office and Azure cloud platform, cater to the specific needs of businesses, boosting productivity and efficiency. Additionally, Microsoft’s strong reputation for security, extensive partner network, and commitment to continuous innovation have established it as a trusted and indispensable partner for businesses worldwide.
4. HubSpot
As an inbound marketing and sales platform, HubSpot helps businesses attract, engage, and delight customers. Its all-in-one suite includes tools for content management, email marketing, and social media management. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive analytics, and automation capabilities make it a valuable tool for businesses seeking to optimize their marketing and sales efforts. HubSpot’s commitment to educating and supporting its customers through a vast library of resources and a thriving community has fostered strong customer loyalty, contributing to its success in the B2B market.
5. Oracle Corporation
Oracle Corporation has achieved remarkable success as a B2B company due to several key factors. Firstly, its extensive range of enterprise software solutions caters to various business needs, such as database management, cloud services, and enterprise applications. Secondly, Oracle’s strong focus on innovation and continuous development of cutting-edge technologies keeps it at the forefront of the industry, attracting businesses seeking advanced solutions. Lastly, its robust customer support, global reach, and strategic acquisitions have contributed to building strong relationships with enterprises worldwide, solidifying Oracle’s position as a leading B2B provider.
6. SAP
SAP’s success as a B2B company can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, its comprehensive suite of business software solutions addresses diverse enterprise needs, including ERP, CRM, and supply chain management. Secondly, SAP’s emphasis on industry-specific solutions and scalability makes it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large enterprises. Lastly, its strong focus on customer relationships, continuous innovation, and global presence have established SAP as a trusted and reliable partner in the B2B market.
7. Boeing
As a global aerospace company, Boeing is a prominent B2B player, supplying commercial and military aircraft, satellites, and related services to governments and airlines worldwide. Boeing is successful in the B2B domain primarily due to its leadership in the aerospace industry and its ability to build strong relationships with other businesses. Its reputation for delivering high-quality, technologically advanced solutions, coupled with effective customer support and after-sales services, has contributed to its long-standing success as a B2B company. Additionally, Boeing’s extensive network of suppliers and partners further enhances its position in the B2B market, allowing it to cater to diverse customer needs and maintain its competitive edge.
8. Mailchimp
Mailchimp is successful as a B2B model due to its user-friendly email marketing platform, catering to businesses of all sizes. Its intuitive interface, automation features, and analytics capabilities empower businesses to create and manage effective email marketing campaigns. Mailchimp’s commitment to continuous innovation, seamless integrations with other business tools, and excellent customer support have helped it build a loyal customer base and establish itself as a leading B2B solution in the email marketing industry.
9. IBM
International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a renowned B2B technology company, offering a diverse range of services, including cloud computing, AI solutions, and enterprise software. Additionally, IBM’s long-standing reputation for reliability, global reach, and strong customer relationships has positioned it as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, contributing to its sustained success in the B2B market.
10. Slack
Slack is a great B2B model due to its efficient and user-friendly collaboration platform. By offering a centralized space for team communication, file sharing, and integration with various business tools, Slack enhances productivity and streamlines communication within organizations. Its customizable features, scalability, and focus on real-time collaboration make it a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes, fostering seamless teamwork and efficient workflows.
11. Asana
Asana is a great B2B model thanks to its comprehensive project management and productivity platform. Its highly customizable interface, versatile task management features, and integration with numerous third-party apps enable businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Asana’s focus on collaboration, task automation, and real-time updates makes it a valuable tool for teams looking to streamline their workflows and improve overall efficiency.
12. Airtable
Airtable is a great B2B model because of its flexible and user-friendly database management platform. With its intuitive interface, customizable workflows, and powerful collaboration features, AirTable empowers businesses to organize and track data efficiently across various projects and teams, making it an invaluable asset for streamlining processes and enhancing productivity.
13. Intel
Intel is successful as a B2B model due to its reputation as a leading semiconductor manufacturer and technology innovator. Its high-performance processors and chipsets cater to a wide range of industries, including computer manufacturers, data centers, and IoT devices. Intel’s consistent focus on research, development, and product advancements has solidified its position as a reliable partner for businesses seeking cutting-edge technology solutions, contributing to its ongoing success in the B2B market.
14. General Electric (GE)
GE is a great B2B model with a diversified portfolio of industrial products and services. With offerings ranging from power generation and aviation to healthcare and renewable energy solutions, GE caters to various B2B sectors, making it a preferred choice for businesses seeking innovative and reliable industrial technologies. Its global presence, extensive expertise, and commitment to sustainability further contribute to its success as a trusted partner in the B2B market.
General Electric’s Annual Revenue
15. Adobe
Adobe makes a good B2B model due to its suite of creative and digital marketing solutions. Its software products, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Adobe Experience Cloud, empower businesses to create engaging content, design captivating visuals, and optimize customer experiences. Adobe’s industry-leading tools, continuous innovation, and seamless integrations make it a valuable asset for businesses seeking to enhance their creative processes and digital marketing efforts, contributing to its success in the B2B market.
16. FedEx
FedEx is a good model for B2B due to its extensive logistics network and reliable shipping services. Businesses can rely on FedEx’s efficient delivery solutions to transport their goods globally, ensuring timely and secure deliveries to their customers. With a strong emphasis on customer service, real-time tracking capabilities, and a range of shipping options, FedEx has established itself as a trusted partner for B2B companies looking to streamline their supply chain and meet their shipping needs.
17. Cisco
Cisco is a good B2B model for several reasons. Firstly, its wide range of networking and communication solutions cater to businesses of all sizes, providing them with reliable and scalable infrastructure for their operations. Secondly, Cisco’s commitment to innovation and advancements in technologies like networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing keeps it at the forefront of the industry, attracting businesses seeking cutting-edge solutions. Additionally, Cisco’s extensive global presence, strong partner ecosystem, and excellent customer support further contribute to its success as a trusted B2B provider.
18. Qualtrics
Qualtrics makes a good B2B model due to its powerful experience management platform. With its advanced survey and data analytics capabilities, Qualtrics empowers businesses to gather valuable customer and employee feedback, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and improve their products and services. Its user-friendly interface, real-time insights, and customizable features make it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their customer experience and drive growth.
19. Amazon
You might see Amazon as a B2C business at first, but truly, it’s focused on advertisers and businesses. Amazon is an excellent example of B2B e-commerce as a model due to its vast and diverse marketplace, providing businesses with access to a wide range of products and suppliers. With features like Amazon Business, businesses can streamline their procurement processes, access bulk pricing, and enjoy business-specific benefits, making it a convenient and cost-effective platform for B2B transactions. Additionally, Amazon’s efficient logistics and reliable delivery services ensure timely and convenient shipments, further contributing to its success as a trusted B2B provider.
20. Upwork
Upwork makes a good B2B model due to its online freelancing platform, which connects businesses with skilled professionals from around the world. With a diverse pool of talent, businesses can find specialized expertise for their projects and scale their workforce as needed, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Upwork’s user-friendly interface, secure payment system, and efficient project management tools make it a valuable platform for businesses seeking to outsource tasks and collaborate with freelancers seamlessly.
These B2B Examples Are Just the Start
Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions have become an integral part of the global economy, driving collaboration and trade between businesses and industries. The examples of B2B companies mentioned above exemplify the diversity and importance of this sector in powering businesses worldwide.
What have you done to make your B2B model work for your company? Let us know in the comments!