The manufacturing world is no longer what it used to be. Gone are the days when a solid product line and a good sales team were enough to guarantee success.
Today’s B2B buyers expect the same digital experience they get when ordering their morning coffee or booking weekend flights.
They want real-time inventory, personalized catalogs, and checkout processes that don’t require a PhD in patience.
This shift is creating both opportunity and pressure for manufacturers. Global B2B ecommerce is projected to more than double from $1.7 trillion in 2021 to over $3 trillion by 2027 in the U.S. alone.
That’s not just growth—that’s a complete transformation of how business gets done. As a result, BigCommerce store development is becoming an increasingly popular choice among manufacturers looking for scalable, customizable ecommerce solutions that can support complex B2B workflows.
Choosing the right ecommerce platform for manufacturers has never been more critical.
What Exactly Is Manufacturer Ecommerce, and Why Should You Care?
Manufacturer ecommerce is pretty straightforward: companies that produce goods from raw materials sell directly to customers, wholesalers, or distributors through online channels.
However, what sets it apart from regular retail is its specific design to address the unique complexities that manufacturers encounter.
Think about it. When you’re dealing with thousands of SKUs, complex pricing structures that vary by customer segment.
There could be buyers who might order anything from a single wrench to industrial equipment worth millions; you need more than a basic online store.
You need a specialized ecommerce platform for manufacturers
The benefits extend far beyond simply adding another sales channel.
You’re talking about direct access to customers, higher profit margins, stronger relationships, and valuable data that can inform everything from product development to inventory planning.
You’re also gaining the ability to control your pricing strategy, rather than letting distributors set the terms.
Are Legacy Systems Holding Back Your Digital Transformation?
Here’s where things get real for most manufacturers. Many are running on legacy systems that were state-of-the-art when flip phones were cutting-edge technology.
These monolithic solutions are heavily customized, making any kind of innovation feel like performing surgery with gardening tools.
The Hidden Costs of Outdated Systems
Manual processes for checkout, billing, and inventory management aren’t just inefficient—they’re eating up resources that could be driving growth.
Meanwhile, your B2B buyers are getting frustrated because they expect the same smooth experience they get everywhere else online.
This is precisely why modern ecommerce for manufacturers requires a completely different approach.
Common Pain Points Manufacturers Face Today.
The complexity doesn’t stop there. Modern manufacturers are dealing with multiple challenges that traditional platforms simply weren’t designed to handle:
– Catalog complexity: Managing vast product catalogs with high SKU counts and intricate pricing structures that change based on customer groups
– Scalability issues: The need to handle traffic surges during peak seasons and expand into new markets without massive infrastructure investments
– Integration headaches: Connecting new ecommerce solutions with existing ERP, PIM, and CRM systems
– Security burden: Managing PCI DSS compliance and sensitive customer data on your infrastructure
– Limited flexibility: Platforms that restrict customization and make it difficult to adapt to market changes
How Does BigCommerce’s Open SAAS Model Change the Game?
BigCommerce’s “Open SaaS” approach is where things get interesting.
It combines the flexibility and customization you’d expect from open-source solutions with the ease of use, security, and lower maintenance of a SaaS platform.
This isn’t just marketing speak—the numbers support it. BigCommerce customers break even just eight months after launch and see a 211% ROI by the third year.
The platform eliminates the need for costly self-hosting and manual software updates.
You get all the benefits of being hosted by BigCommerce, with faster go-to-market times and a lower total cost of ownership.
What Makes BigCommerce B2B Edition Different From Standard Ecommerce Platforms?
BigCommerce B2B Edition isn’t just regular ecommerce with a fresh coat of paint. It’s designed with enterprise-level manufacturers in mind, offering features that address real B2B challenges.
Key B2B Features That Make a Difference
– Customer groups: Offer personalized discounts and product access to different segments
– Price lists: Enable specialized pricing across multiple stores with shared inventory
– Quick Order Pad: Streamline reordering for repeat customers who know exactly what they want
– BigAI integration: Draft personalized quote proposals in minutes, saving valuable time in complex B2B sales cycles
These aren’t afterthoughts or third-party add-ons.
They’re native capabilities are designed to give manufacturers the sophisticated, B2C-like purchasing experiences that modern B2B buyers expect from any quality ecommerce platform for manufacturers.
Can You Truly Manage Multiple Brands and Markets From a Single Platform?
The native Multi-Storefront functionality is a game-changer for manufacturers seeking to expand their reach.
You can manage multiple unique stores—different brands, geographical regions, or distinct B2B and B2C segments—all from a single backend account.
This level of flexibility is essential for modern ecommerce for manufacturers operating in multiple markets.
Global Expansion Made Simple.
This simplifies global expansion in ways that were previously impossible. The platform supports:
– Localized experiences: Different currencies, languages, and regional preferences
– Centralized management: One backend for all your stores and markets
– Promotional account management: Coordinated campaigns across multiple storefronts
– Inventory synchronization: Shared inventory across different markets and brands
BigCommerce already powers over 130,000 merchants across more than 150 countries, proving it’s a reliable ecommerce platform for manufacturers with global ambitions.
Why Is Composable Commerce the Future for Manufacturers?
BigCommerce’s composable approach lets manufacturers build their tech stack with best-in-breed technologies while fully customizing every aspect of their store.
The new Catalyst storefront framework, built on Next.js and React Server Components, provides design freedom, accelerated development, and improved site performance.
The Benefits of Headless Architecture
This headless approach decouples the front-end customer experience from the back-end ecommerce engine, giving you maximum flexibility to:
– Innovate quickly: Experiment with new digital selling methods without backend constraints
– Reduce technical debt: A Modern framework that scales with your business growth
– Customize completely: Full control over design and user experience
– Future-proof your investment: Avoid being locked into rigid structures that become limitations
MKM, a B2B building supplier, leveraged BigCommerce’s flexibility to adopt a cutting-edge headless approach that transformed their business.
This flexibility is what sets apart a truly modern ecommerce platform for manufacturers from traditional, rigid solutions.
How Seamless Are the Integrations With Existing Systems?
BigCommerce provides robust APIs and an extensive marketplace that makes connecting with your existing systems straightforward rather than painful.
This integration capability is crucial for any effective ecommerce for manufacturers implementation.
Powerful API capabilities
The platform offers comprehensive APIs for deep customization and integration:
– GraphQL Storefront API: Fast, flexible data queries for front-end applications
– Checkout API: Customize the entire checkout experience
– Payments API: Integrate with any payment processor without transaction fees
– Management API: Automate product updates, orders, and customer management
Extensive Marketplace and Partnerships
With over 1,200 enterprise integrations and apps in the marketplace, backed by partnerships with over 600 tech partners, you can connect your ecommerce platform with existing ERP, PIM, CRM, and marketing automation systems without the usual integration headaches.
Unlike some competitors, BigCommerce charges no additional transaction fees, allowing you the freedom to integrate your preferred payment gateways, such as Stripe.
This flexibility is essential for manufacturers who need their ecommerce platform for manufacturers to work seamlessly with their existing tech stack.
Can the Platform Handle Enterprise-Level Traffic and Security Requirements?
BigCommerce is designed to meet the demands of large-scale manufacturing operations, offering proven performance and security that enterprises can trust.
This enterprise-grade infrastructure is what distinguishes professional ecommerce for manufacturers from basic retail solutions.
Scalability That Works Under Pressure
– Considerable catalog support: Up to 600 SKUs per product to handle complex manufacturing inventories
– Proven uptime: 100% uptime during peak periods like Cyber Week since 2016
– Traffic handling: Built to manage sudden surges without performance degradation
– Global infrastructure: Reliable performance across multiple markets and time zones
Enterprise-Grade Security Standards
Security isn’t an afterthought—it’s built into every layer of the platform:
– Level 1 PCI compliance: Highest security standards for payment processing
– Regular audits: Ongoing security and privacy assessments
– Industry certifications: ISO/IEC 27001, SOC 1 Type 2, and SOC 2 Type 2
– Advanced protection: Web Application Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
This comprehensive approach to performance and security gives manufacturers confidence that their critical business data and customer trust are protected.
What Kind of Support Can You Expect During Implementation and After It Is Complete?
BigCommerce doesn’t just sell you a platform and walk away.
They provide comprehensive support throughout your entire journey, from initial setup to ongoing optimization.
This level of support is critical when implementing sophisticated ecommerce for manufacturers.
24/7 Helpful Support
– US-based live agents: Real people available around the clock, not just chatbots
– Dedicated Enterprise support: Priority access for business-critical issues
– Proactive monitoring: Issues are identified and resolved before they impact your business
Professional Services Team
Enterprise customers get access to dedicated specialists who understand manufacturing:
– Implementation Project Managers: Keep your launch on time and within budget
– Solution Architects: Design the right technical approach for your needs
– Data Migration experts: Seamlessly transfer your existing data and workflows
– Customer Success Managers: Ongoing optimization and growth strategies
– Technical Account Management: Direct access to technical experts who know your business
This hands-on support significantly minimizes the internal effort required, particularly for businesses without extensive in-house development teams.
How Does BigCommerce Support Omnichannel Marketing and SEO?
BigCommerce recognizes that modern manufacturing businesses need to be visible across multiple channels and discoverable in search results.
Built-in SEO Tools That Work
The platform includes comprehensive SEO capabilities as part of the core offering:
– Technical SEO: Optimized URLs, unique URLs, and proper microdata markup
– Site performance: Content Delivery Network (CDN) for faster loading times
– Search visibility: Built-in tools for meta descriptions, alt tags, and schema markup
– Redirect management: 301 redirects to maintain SEO value during site changes
Omnichannel Selling Capabilities
BigCommerce supports a strong omnichannel strategy that extends your reach:
– Marketplace integrations: Sell on Google Shopping, Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms
– Feedonomics partnership: Optimize and syndicate product listings across hundreds of channels
– Consistent data: Maintain high-quality, synchronized product information across all channels
– Centralized management: Control all your sales channels from one dashboard
This ensures that manufacturers can effectively reach new customers and enhance brand awareness in a highly competitive digital marketplace, without managing multiple systems and data feeds.
Read Also: The Ultimate Guide to BigCommerce Store Development
What Does the Future Hold for Manufacturer Ecommerce?
The modern B2B buyer isn’t going back to the old ways of doing business. They want digital experiences that are intuitive, personalized, and efficient.
BigCommerce’s strategic blend of an Open SaaS platform, advanced B2B features, composable architecture, and comprehensive support ecosystem directly addresses these evolving expectations.
When it comes to B2B BigCommerce development, manufacturers benefit from purpose-built functionalities such as custom pricing, company accounts, quick order forms, and API-first flexibility—making it easier to deliver seamless, scalable ecommerce experiences.
By choosing BigCommerce, manufacturers gain the agility to innovate quickly, the scalability to support exponential growth, and the security to protect sensitive transactions—all while optimizing their total cost of ownership and maximizing ROI.
Looking to get started? Contact Folio3 for expert BigCommerce store development for manufacturers in 2025.
