`Look and Feel` B2B vs. B2C

p Look and Feel B2B vs . B2C 4 `Look and Feel ' B2B vs . B2C

In the past , companies sent mail catalogs to consumer to update them of their products and eventually make them buy their goods . Instead of going to brick and mortar shops , consumers skim through the catalogs find out items they like , fill out an form or through the telephone . Goods are usually delivered to the address supplied by the customer or are pick from the nearest store location . But with the advent of the Internet , companies , whether SMEs (small

and medium enterprises ) or Forbes 500 member , have put websites . These days setting up a website is easy and companies know they can maximize their websites ' potential to gain new customers and retain existing ones Moreover , deploying an easy-to-navigate website facilitates for a faster , smooth-sailing e-commerce transaction , both for business-to-business (B2B ) and business-to-customer (B2C ) sites Setting up a website is cheap- no more printing and mailing costs , low manpower cost , thus cutting overhead expenditure , no permits needed wider reach of prospective customers , updated catalog that is open 24 hours a day (How to start an e-business , 2008

This will address the differences between B2B and B2C sites in terms of its look and feel , navigation and usability

In to see the differences between the two , it is important to first understand the marketing goals of B2B and B2C websites . This is so one can have a fair assessment on why such sites are created . As stated earlier , websites can help a company not just improve customer relations but bring in sales , too . As the name implies , B2B websites are those provides goods or services to other companies . Examples are Microsoft .com and Dell .com . Furthermore , B2B marketing focuses on building and maintaining personal relationship , has a longer sale cycle creates brand awareness and education , buying decision is based on business value , and deals with a smaller yet targeted market (Murphy 2008 . On the other hand , B2C websites are basically those that aim to sell , market , promote goods or services . They serve as virtual stores . Examples are Amazon .com and Bs .com . Bs .com , in particular , is interesting for there are Bs stores in the US and around the world . Bs .com serves as Bs ' virtual store Additionally , B2C marketing concentrates on selling the products , has a shorter sales cycle , creates brand awareness through images and repetition and whose buying decisions are based on the price , status and desire (2008

To analyze the look and feel ' of a B2B site , let us take into consideration the speed , navigation , product selection , price , shipping and time frame details , customer interaction features such as feedback mailing list , images , and security features

A B2B site is easy to upload , unless there is a flash presentation Most B2B sites present flash presentation to demonstrate their product /service . This is done to elucidate the product they are offering . Since B2B sites cater to another business , it is highly probable that the...