B2B Ecommerce Glossary
10 key wholesale ecommerce terms, explained without unnecessary jargon.
A
API (Application Programming Interface)
Interface that allows two systems to communicate with each other. In B2B ecommerce, APIs are essential for synchronizing stock, prices, orders, and billing between the ecommerce and the ERP.
B
B2B (Business to Business)
Business model where one company sells to another company. In ecommerce, it involves specific functionalities such as price lists per client, credit accounts, restricted catalogs, and approval flows.
B2C (Business to Consumer)
Business model where a company sells directly to the final consumer. B2C platforms (Shopify, Tiendanube) have a price per product and immediate payment, without the complexity of the wholesale channel.
Backorder
Order accepted for a product that currently has no stock available. The customer agrees to wait for replenishment. Common in B2B where the commercial relationship allows this flexibility.
C
CAE (Electronic Authorization Code)
Code that AFIP assigns to each electronic invoice in Argentina. It validates that the invoice was authorized by the fiscal organism. Essential in Argentine B2B ecommerce.
R
Restricted Catalog
B2B functionality that allows showing different products to different clients. Not all buyers see the same catalog; some access exclusive or restricted lines according to their commercial profile.
C
Churn (abandonment rate)
Percentage of clients who stop buying in a given period. In B2B, detecting churn early allows intervening before losing the account. AI can help predict it.
B
B2B Credit Account
Commercial credit system where the wholesale customer buys without paying at the moment, accumulating a debit balance that they pay according to agreed conditions (30, 60, 90 days). It is the #1 functionality that differentiates B2B ecommerce from B2C.
E
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Business management system that centralizes finances, inventory, sales, purchases, and production. In B2B ecommerce, integration with the ERP is critical for synchronizing stock, prices, and billing.
M
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
Minimum order quantity. In B2B, it can be per product (minimum 12 units), per category, or per total order. B2B platforms must support this rule natively.