What makes B2B different
A trade customer is not browsing. They usually know what they want, buy it repeatedly and expect terms agreed with you. That changes what your webshop needs to do. Instead of persuading a stranger, it should make regular ordering quick and accurate for people you already know.
Many small businesses sell both ways: a public shop for consumers and trade accounts for retailers, cafés, salons or other businesses. WooCommerce can handle both from one shop.
The core features of a B2B webshop
Trade accounts
Trade customers log in to their own account. You decide who gets one, usually after an application or once you have agreed terms. Logged-in trade buyers see trade content, while the public shop stays as it is.
Account pricing
Prices often differ per customer or per customer group. A long-standing stockist might have better terms than a new one. With account pricing, each buyer sees their own price when logged in, so there is no need to send separate price lists or correct invoices afterwards.
Minimum order quantities
Wholesale usually comes with minimums: per product, per case or per order. Setting these in the shop means orders arrive in quantities you can actually fulfil, rather than needing a follow-up call.
Ordering from a saved order list
Most trade buyers order the same products again and again. A saved order list lets them open their usual items, adjust quantities and order in a few clicks. It saves time on both sides and cuts errors from retyping orders.
Invoices on account
Established trade customers often pay on invoice rather than by card at checkout. Your shop should let approved accounts place orders on account, with an invoice following under the payment terms you agreed.
Planning your trade shop
Before setting anything up, answer a few practical questions:
- Who qualifies for a trade account, and how do they apply?
- How is pricing structured: one trade price, groups, or individual agreements?
- What minimums apply per product or per order?
- Which customers pay on account and on what terms?
- Should trade and retail share one catalogue or see different products?
Write the answers down. They become the rules your shop follows, and they help you explain terms to new customers clearly.
Getting trade customers to use it
Launching the shop is only half the job. Long-standing customers are used to phoning or emailing. To help them switch:
- Set up their account and order list for them before you invite them.
- Send a short, clear email explaining how to log in and reorder.
- Keep taking orders the old way for a while, but enter them into the shop yourself so their order history builds up.
- Ask for feedback after their first few orders and fix what slows them down.
Keeping trade data tidy
A B2B shop is only as good as the information behind it. Keep product codes consistent with your invoices and stock records, so buyers can search by the codes they already use. Review account prices when your costs change, and remove old products from order lists once they are discontinued. A quick monthly check saves awkward conversations about wrong prices later.
B2B on WooCommerce or elsewhere
On hosted platforms, features beyond the basics often come from apps that add cost. Magento suits large catalogues but needs specialist development. For most small wholesalers and makers, WooCommerce with the right setup is a practical middle ground that you own and can adapt. Our WooCommerce vs Shopify guide compares the platforms in more detail, and our B2B webshops page explains what we offer.
Keep the basics right
Trade customers still need clear information: delivery times, how to return faulty goods, your business details and terms of trade. Our UK ecommerce legal checklist covers the consumer side, which matters if you also sell to the public.
B2B webshops with Retail Web Hosting
Shop Pro, from €99 a month, is our plan for multiple shops with B2B price lists and customer order lists, plus priority support. If you need custom apps or integrations, these are priced on request. Billing is monthly and you can cancel any month. Compare our hosting plans or talk to us about your trade shop.
Frequently asked
Can I run a retail shop and a trade shop together?
Yes. WooCommerce can show public prices to everyone and trade prices to logged-in trade accounts, all from one catalogue.
How do trade customers reorder quickly?
A saved order list holds their usual products, so they can adjust quantities and place the order in a few clicks.
Can trade customers pay on invoice?
Yes. Approved accounts can place orders on account and pay by invoice under the terms you have agreed with them.
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