How to increase your B2B sales with a multichannel payment solution

You want to know, how to increase your b2b sales? According to a B2B E-Commerce Economic Index study, today’s B2B merchants must combine traditional and online sales channels to serve customers in a customer-centric manner. The study revealed that 91 percent of participants surveyed still see their field sales force as the most important for sales, followed by their webshop. These channels are closely followed by on-site sales via shops/sales offices and sales via online marketplaces.

Adopting a multichannel payment solution has become crucial given the reliance on such diverse channels and growing buyer demand for frictionless purchasing experiences. This article will explain what a multichannel payment solution is, how it works and how to increase b2b sales with using one.

What is a multichannel payment solution?

The term “multichannel” refers to a strategy companies adopt to leverage different sales channels to effectively reach and serve their customers. Companies that adopt a multichannel strategy use and connect various channels to provide their customers a convenient, seamless and consistent shopping experience. 

A multichannel payment solution integrates sales channels into a single platform, enabling businesses to accept multiple payment methods through different sales channels. Customers can choose from several payment methods and flexibly decide whether to pay immediately, pay with net terms, or split the purchase amount over several installments. 

How does a multichannel payment solution work?

A multichannel payment solution is designed to enable businesses to accept and process payments seamlessly across multiple sales channels. It integrates various payment methods and technologies into a unified system, allowing customers to make purchases conveniently through different channels such as online stores, physical retail locations, mobile apps, and more. Here’s a breakdown of how a multichannel payment solution typically works:

1. Integration: The solution integrates with the different sales channels used by a business, such as e-commerce platforms, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and mobile applications. This integration ensures a unified payment experience across all channels.
2. Placing an order: Once the B2B customer has found the right product, they place their order through one of the available sales channels, such as a web shop, telesales or field sales.
3. Payment method selection: Customers choose their preferred payment method from the available options, such as purchase on account, bank transfer or direct debit.
4. Credit risk check: The customer’s credit risk is checked before the payment is accepted and approved. This risk check can be conducted in real-time, depending on the provider.
5. Payment confirmation: After the payment has been approved, customers receive an order confirmation from the merchant. This confirmation contains details of the order, such as the product name, quantity, price, and estimated delivery time.

What are the benefits of using a multichannel payment solution for merchants?

A multichannel payment solution delivers b2b customers many advantages, such as flexibility, convenience and greater control over their payments. This benefits a merchant in several ways:

1. Increased customer satisfaction: By providing a seamless and convenient payment experience, regardless of channel or payment method, B2B merchants can increase customer satisfaction. This fosters loyalty among existing customers and helps attract new customers, increasing a merchant’s customer base.
2. Increase in b2b sales: Easy and fast payment processing encourages customers to purchase more. Payment methods with payment terms also allow buyers to make larger purchases that they can pay for at a later date or in multiple installments. This increases B2B merchants’ sales.
3. Improved liquidity: Faster and more efficient payment processing positively impacts a merchant’s liquidity and overall business health.