In this article · 6 sections
- How B2B buying differs from retail
- Key features
- 1. Dealer registration and approval
- 2. Login-only or tiered pricing
- 3. MOQ and pack sizes
- 4. Quick order forms
- 5. Quote requests
- 6. Payment options
- 7. GST invoices and account statements
- 8. Catalogues and product data
- 9. Order tracking
- Public pages still matter
- Platform options
- Rolling it out
- Benefits you can measure
Manufacturers and wholesalers in places like Ludhiana sell to dealers, retailers and bulk buyers who reorder regularly. Much of this still runs on phone calls, WhatsApp messages and PDF price lists. A B2B e-commerce website or dealer portal doesn't replace relationships; it removes the repetitive back-and-forth so your team can focus on new business.
How B2B buying differs from retail
- Prices depend on the buyer (dealer, distributor, bulk)
- Minimum order quantities (MOQs) and pack sizes
- Large orders with many SKUs at once
- Payment on credit terms, not always upfront
- Repeat orders of the same items
- GST input credit matters, so invoices must be correct
Key features
1. Dealer registration and approval
Buyers apply with business name, GSTIN and documents. You approve them before they can see wholesale prices.
2. Login-only or tiered pricing
- Public visitors see products but not prices, or see retail prices
- Approved dealers see their price tier
- Volume slabs: lower price per unit above certain quantities
3. MOQ and pack sizes
Enforce minimums ("minimum 10 dozen") and multiples ("in packs of 12") at the cart level.
4. Quick order forms
A table where buyers enter quantities for many SKUs on one screen, instead of clicking through product pages. Repeat-order buttons from order history are a big time saver.
5. Quote requests
For custom or large orders, a "Request a quote" option that sends the cart to your sales team for pricing.
6. Payment options
- Online payment for small orders
- Pay later / credit for approved dealers, with credit limits
- Bank transfer details with order reference
7. GST invoices and account statements
Downloadable invoices and a running statement of orders and payments in the dealer's account.
8. Catalogues and product data
Downloadable PDF catalogues, size charts, product specifications and high-resolution images that retailers can use.
9. Order tracking
Status updates (confirmed, packed, dispatched with transport details).
Public pages still matter
A B2B site should also bring new buyers. Keep public product and category pages with descriptions, specifications and photos, optimised for searches like "thermal wear manufacturer Ludhiana" or "bulk socks supplier India". See websites for Ludhiana manufacturers.
Platform options
- WooCommerce with B2B plugins: flexible and cost-effective for many wholesalers
- Shopify B2B features: availability depends on plan
- Custom portal: best when pricing rules or workflows are unusual. See custom store vs Shopify
Rolling it out
- Start with your top 20 dealers. Show them how to use it
- Load your most-ordered SKUs first
- Keep WhatsApp/phone ordering available during the transition
- Encourage portal orders with small incentives (priority dispatch, a small discount)
- Collect feedback and improve the quick order form
Benefits you can measure
- Fewer order errors from misread WhatsApp messages
- Less time spent sending price lists and stock updates
- Faster reorders
- Clear records of each dealer's order history
We build B2B and dealer portals for manufacturers and wholesalers. Discuss your requirements.