{"id":77480,"date":"2020-07-23T02:30:57","date_gmt":"2020-07-23T09:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oroinc.com\/b2b-ecommerce\/?p=77480"},"modified":"2022-08-22T01:35:17","modified_gmt":"2022-08-22T08:35:17","slug":"ecommerce-platform-vs-custom-ecommerce","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oroinc.com\/b2b-ecommerce\/blog\/ecommerce-platform-vs-custom-ecommerce\/","title":{"rendered":"Vendor-Based vs.Custom eCommerce Solution: Which One’s For You? | OroCommerce"},"content":{"rendered":"

The pandemic has brought to light the importance of technologies such as eCommerce<\/a> that help businesses build resilience. As businesses start exploring the eCommerce B2B<\/a> market, one of the first questions they’ll consider is the purchase of a vendor-supplied B2B eCommerce platform versus creating a custom solution from scratch.<\/span><\/p>\n

At first glance, it may seem that the obvious answer is to use a ready-made solution from a reputable software provider. But every business is different and not all boxed solutions work in all instances. Let\u2019s look at the pros and cons of building from scratch, buying a vendor-supplied solution, or creating a hybrid of the two.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Contents:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    When Building a Custom eCommerce Solution Makes Sense<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    Custom eCommerce Solution vs. Vendor-Based: Pros and Cons<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \n

    How to Get the Best of Both Worlds<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \n

    Comparing Options Based On Requirements<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \n

    Customized eCommerce Solutions: a Perfect Fit for B2B<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    When Building a Custom eCommerce Solution Makes Sense<\/h2>\n

    Complex organizations such as those with intricate hierarchies or business models and businesses that sell to other businesses quickly find that many B2C repurposed platforms<\/a> can\u2019t meet their requirements out of the box. So, instead of building workarounds to existing eCommerce platforms, they build a completely custom solution from scratch. These companies see building a custom solution as a long-term investment that better positions them in the market now and in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"business<\/p>\n

    While the custom route<\/a> has its critics, it also has plenty of supporters. Let’s take a look at when building your own, custom eCommerce site may be appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You are in a highly regulated industry<\/h3>\n

    Many businesses operate in and sell to highly regulated industries. For example, if you supply HVAC equipment or pharmaceuticals, you may be required to check the credentials and licensing of the purchasing company. Some products may not be approved for all markets. If you operate within a byzantine structure of regulation, a custom eCommerce site may be right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You have complex corporate hierarchies<\/h3>\n

    If your organization maintains offices in different locations, each responsible for a different product or serving a specific customer segment, an out-of-the-box solution may not work. Furthermore, your back-office requirements (internal hierarchies, access restrictions, approval processes, reporting) and customer-facing website requirements may be more sophisticated than the capabilities of a vendor-based solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You need to manage complex workflows<\/h3>\n

    Some businesses sell configurable products or need to bundle products with value-added services such as installations or consultations. Others may require complex ordering or shipping rules that may vary from one customer to another. These configurations may not be easy to digitally replicate with a vendor-supplied solution.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You need to connect multiple business systems<\/h3>\n

    Many ready-made eCommerce solutions don\u2019t integrate with the wide variety of ERP, PIM, CRM, procurement, accounting, and other systems commonly used. If you have developed one of these systems in-house, achieving integration may be impossible, leading you to consider building your custom eCommerce solution.<\/span><\/p>\n

    You want to offer alternative payment methods<\/h3>\n

    Your customers may want to forego the credit card in favor of wire transfer, ACH, and other payment methods. Others may wish to pay with extended terms or credit. Building your own system can be attractive to B2B sellers who need more control over payment types.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    You require more CMS features<\/h3>\n

    Your eCommerce content management system is the heart of your sales, marketing, and content strategy. If your eCommerce vendor has a weak CMS or cannot integrate with the CMS of choice, then building a solution that meets your needs may be in order.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/a><\/h2>\n

    Custom eCommerce Solution vs. Vendor-Based: Pros and Cons<\/h2>\n

    Custom eCommerce software<\/span><\/h3>\n

    A custom eCommerce platform is best suited for companies that require total control of their eCommerce strategy. They may want to carefully craft personalized client experiences, develop an ecosystem of third-party integrations, or streamline internal operations via integrations with other enterprise applications.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Pros<\/span><\/h4>\n