The Problem of Current B2B Websites

In today’s information age, most of us have known the convenience and efficiency brought by the quick and dazzling development of internet technology. To some degree, the flourishing of internet technology has changed human being’s mode of communication. And the appearance of b2b website is just one aspect of that far-reaching influence of internet. The appearance of b2b website has actually make a breakthrough in human’s buying and selling activities. It has been a certain long period of time since the appearance of b2b website. The time when we enjoy the convenience it takes to us, we may also experience some disadvantages or even problems of b2b websites. The author of this article has certain experience in using and operating b2b websites and would like to share some ideas with vast readers on the problem of current b2b websites.

1． Most b2b websites make categories by industry classification and publish company and product information according to similar or related categories. The simultaneously-released message will result in overabundant information. Buyers often find themselves lost in the sea of redundant and rampant information and hence their ineffectiveness in completing procurement task.

2． Some other b2b websites provide services by renting software platform (such as erp,scm,crm) for companies to promote their e-commerce level. Undeniably, their intention is good, but as we know the most important issue for a company, especially smes is how to survive in the competition. Thus, we believe that whether e-business technology could improve the efficiency, decrease the cost, gain more profit and promote the competitive ability of the company is more important than whether a company is a e-commerce company or not.

3． Still there are some websites taking b2b ,b2c and c2c almost as the same type and providing similar services to different e-business types. This is undoubtedly unrealistic. During the procedure of b2c and c2c, buying actions are almost personal and with slight relativity, besides, the e-business website is used mostly as a trading tool, whereas during the procedure of b2b, the buying side is company. Procurement is the most important part for business operation since it can produce a direct and immediate influence on the cost, quality, efficiency, service and competitive strength of a company. Requirement on a supplier during the b2b is not only a simple exchange of products any more, but also a more intricate cooperation in the supply chain. So e-business, rather than merely a tool, should be used to provide more accurate information , meet more complex requirement from both buy and sell sides and promote the two sides to make a deal through a more economic and efficient way. The e-business mode which satisfies these conditions will launch a revolution on stocking, selling and managing.

These are just three obvious problems of current b2b websites. B2B website must overcome its problems and follow the trend of internet technology before it will be valued and used by the most possible users.