Choosing the right eCommerce platform for your distribution business is a big decision. It’s not just about finding a site that looks good—it's about finding one that integrates seamlessly with your existing systems, handles complex pricing models, and amplifies the revenue growth curve.

To help you make a more informed choice, we’ve put together some of the key questions distributors can ask any potential B2B website vendor. These questions will help you understand how well the platform will fit your needs and reveal any potential challenges before you commit.

So, without further introduction, a short list of questions to ask when vetting an eCommerce partner:



The top 7 things to ask an eCommerce vendor before committing to a platform





1. “What does a seamless integration with existing systems including my ERP look like? Where was it built? What happens when there are sync issues?”

Integration is key to making sure the ecommerce platform syncs smoothly with your current ERP system. A good integration should let data flow in real time, reducing manual entry and mistakes.

Find out if the integration was built in-house or by a third party, as this affects support and customization. Also, ask what happens if things go wrong with syncing. You need to know how quickly and effectively they can fix issues to keep your business running smoothly.



2. “Distributors have complex pricing needs — how does your ecommerce site handle my product price differentiators?”

Pricing is complicated, with tiered rates, bulk discounts, and customer-specific deals. Your ecommerce site needs to handle all these without time-outs and errors. Ask how the platform manages different pricing models and how easy it is to update these prices. Do you have staff that can read html, or is the website easily edited without code.



3. “How long is implementation, and what are the primary reasons for delays with your current customers?”

Knowing how long it will take to get up and running is crucial. Ask about the typical timeline and what usually causes delays, getting examples from past projects to see what you're in for. A trusted eCommerce solutions company will have a detailed outline of the development expectations, pricing for overage on hours, and what happens when customizations or additions fail. Avoid empty promises or open timelines, as these can become costly both in time and assets.



4. “How easy is it to update my website content and product views/details?”

Keeping your site updated with the latest information is important, as errors in old pricing or availability data damage customer trust. Check how user-friendly the content management system (CMS) is. You want a CMS that lets you or your team make changes easily without needing a tech expert. This means you can quickly update products, promotions, and other key details as needed.



5. “How often are your servers/websites down (or experience issues like security breaches)?”

Reliability and security are non-negotiable. Ask how often their servers go down and about any past security breaches. Look for uptime stats and details on their security measures, like encryption and regular audits. This way, you can be confident your site will be up and safe for your customers.



6. “How do you measure customer support success?”

Understanding how the ecommerce provider measures customer support success gives important insight into their service quality. Do they track response times, resolution rates, or customer satisfaction? Where are the service tickets received, and does this align with your time zone for business? If they measure support resolution in minutes, days, or weeks, consider how this might affect your business strategy for selling online. This will help gauge how well they will support you post-launch and long into the partnership.



7. “What platform do you use for your company website?”

It's telling to know which platform your ecommerce provider uses for their own website. If they use the same platform they recommend to you, it's a good sign they trust their own product. This can give you confidence in their recommendation and its capabilities. If they outsource either the designer or the host, inquire about the differences in the expectations between them.



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Essential Steps to Take Before Building Your B2B eCommerce Platform

Aside from choosing a vendor that inspires confidence, there are some strategic and process considerations as you plan your website. Consider a few key questions to ask yourself before you get started.



Is your ERP already set up?

Trying to set up your ERP system and ecommerce site at the same time can lead to chaos. Get your ERP up and running smoothly first. This way, you have a solid foundation and avoid unnecessary headaches when it's time to connect everything.



Where is your single source of truth for data?

Any successful distributor needs to have a single source of truth for all the product data — even more so as you scale. Many find they need a Product Information Management (PIM) system to organize and manage their data before it goes online. This keeps everything accurate and consistent, which is vital for a smooth ecommerce operation.



Do you have a consistent marketing strategy to support online growth?

Launching your ecommerce site is just the beginning; just building a website doesn’t mean users will flock to the pages. In other words, without a solid marketing strategy, people won't know your site exists. Consistent marketing efforts (such as advertising) are needed to drive traffic to your site and grow your online presence.



Choosing an eCommerce solution built specifically for distributors

At Aldrich Web Solutions, we understand the complexities that B2B distributors need to handle and build our solutions accordingly. The WebAlliance eCommerce platform is built in-house from the ground up, and designed to integrate seamlessly with ERPs like Prophet21, Acumatica, and TrulinX.

This integration ensures real-time data accuracy with a single source of truth, supporting efficient operations and a user-friendly experience for you and your team.

You’ll get personalized pricing, detailed product info, and robust support from day one. With tools like a service and invoice portal and a mobile app, WebAlliance provides an intuitive, efficient ecommerce experience, addressing the unique needs of distributors.

Ready to see how it works? Book a demo today.