As an eCommerce director, product owner, or digital leader, choosing the right platform isn’t just about the tech—it’s about creating the best experience for your customers and your business. 

 

If you are already using Salesforce CRM, the choice becomes much easier.  You are already within the Salesforce ecosystem and the only thing you need to decide is whether a D2C or B2B option works better for your business. 

 

Think of it like choosing how to get from point A to point B. A bike, a car, and a plane can all get you there, but the best choice depends on how far you’re going, how fast you need to arrive, and what you’re carrying. Similarly, the right Salesforce Commerce Solution depends on your business model, audience, and goals.

 

 

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between Salesforce Commerce D2C and B2B to help you make the best decision for your business.

 

Let’s dive in!

Salesforce Commerce D2C 

 

What is D2C eCommerce with Salesforce? 

 

D2C (direct-to-consumer) is similar to B2C but with a twist. Instead of selling through third-party retailers, D2C brands sell their own products directly to customers. Think Tesla selling cars online or a skincare brand selling exclusively through its website.

 

Features of Salesforce Commerce D2C

 

Salesforce Commerce supports D2C strategies with features that enable brands to build tighter relationships with their customers. 

 

1. Direct Brand-Customer Connection

 

D2C is all about building genuine, lasting relationships with your customers. Salesforce Commerce makes this easier with its built-in CRM tools, which help you collect and leverage customer data effectively. Imagine knowing exactly what your customers love, how they shop, and what keeps them coming back. With this insight, you can create personalized marketing campaigns and make every interaction feel special. It’s like having a direct line to your audience, allowing you to connect with them on a deeper level and turn casual buyers into loyal fans.

 

2. Brand Ownership and Loyalty

 

When you sell directly to your customers, you are in full control of the relationship. No middlemen, no third-party interference - just you and your audience. Salesforce Commerce D2C empowers you to create unique loyalty programs, design unforgettable brand experiences, and build stronger emotional connections with your customers. Whether it’s offering exclusive perks, crafting personalized thank-you messages, or ensuring a consistent brand voice across every touchpoint, this way you can turn one-time buyers into lifelong advocates.

 

3. Detailed Customer Analytics

 

Understanding your customers is the key to growing your business. Salesforce Commerce D2C provides powerful analytics tools that let you dive deep into customer preferences, shopping habits, and behavior patterns. Want to know which products are trending, what time of day your customers shop, or which marketing campaigns drive the most engagement? You are covered! With this data, you can refine your product offerings, tweak your marketing strategies, and create a shopping experience that feels tailor-made for your audience.

 

4. Streamlined Fulfillment

 

One of the biggest advantages of D2C is having full control over your inventory and shipping processes. Without middlemen in the picture, you can manage everything from stock levels to delivery timelines with precision. Salesforce Commerce D2C ensures that your fulfillment process is smooth and efficient, from the moment an order is placed to the second it arrives at your customer’s doorstep. This not only reduces delays and errors but also gives you the flexibility to offer faster shipping, better packaging, and a more personalized unboxing experience.

 

5. Omnichannel Commerce

 

Today’s customers don’t shop in just one place - they move seamlessly between your website, social media, and even physical stores. Salesforce Commerce D2C lets you meet them wherever they are by unifying all your sales channels into one platform. Whether a customer discovers your product on Instagram, browses your website, or visits your brick-and-mortar store, their experience will be consistent and connected. This omnichannel approach ensures that no matter how or where your customers shop, they will always feel like they are engaging with the same brand they know and love.

 

Who Should Choose Salesforce Commerce D2C? 

 

 

If your goal is to own the entire customer journey and reduce reliance on third-party sellers while building strong brand loyalty, D2C is the way to go. A good example is the brand Glossier, which champions exclusivity and customer ownership. To conclude - it's ideal for eCommerce teams looking to focus heavily on their brand and customer relationships.

Salesforce Commerce  B2B 

 

What is B2B eCommerce with Salesforce? 

 

B2B eCommerce focuses on companies selling products and services to other businesses. Unlike B2C or D2C, this audience isn’t individual shoppers - it’s entire companies. Sales cycles tend to be longer, with higher order volumes and a focus on precision and partnerships. Whether it’s bulk manufacturing parts or office supplies, this platform simplifies complex transactions.

 

Features of Salesforce Commerce mB2B 

 

Salesforce Commerce B2B is all about meeting the unique needs of businesses selling to other businesses. It is not just a platform - it’s a solution designed to handle the complexities of B2B commerce. From managing large order volumes to building strong client relationships, Salesforce Commerce B2B is built to help your business thrive in a competitive market.

 

1. Self-Service Portals

 

Let’s face it: B2B buyers don’t have time for back-and-forth emails or phone calls. They want convenience, and Salesforce Commerce B2B delivers just that. With self-service portals, your clients can manage their accounts, place reorders, and request quotes - all in one place. It’s like giving them the keys to their own shopping experience, which not only makes their lives easier but also takes the pressure off your sales team.

 

2. Custom Pricing and Negotiations

 

B2B isn’t a one-size-fits-all world. Unlike B2C, where prices are fixed, B2B transactions often involve custom pricing, bulk discounts, and tailored agreements. Salesforce Commerce B2B makes this easy by allowing you to create flexible pricing models that suit each client’s needs. Whether it’s tiered pricing for long-term partners or special discounts for high-volume orders, the platform helps you simplify negotiations and keep your clients happy.

 

3. Automated Processes

 

Manual tasks like order approvals and inventory tracking can slow your team down and lead to errors. That’s where automation comes in. Salesforce Commerce B2B streamlines these processes, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks and improving accuracy. For example, automated purchase orders ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, while real-time inventory updates keep everyone on the same page. The result? A much smoother, more efficient operation that lets your team focus on what really matters - growing your business.

 

4. Integration with Salesforce CRM

 

What really sets Salesforce Commerce B2B apart is its integration with Salesforce’s CRM tools. This connection allows your sales team to track leads, manage customer relationships, and organize workflows - all from one platform. By combining your eCommerce and CRM systems, you get a complete view of your customers, making it easier to deliver personalized experiences and build stronger partnerships. It’s like having a well-oiled machine where every part works together perfectly.

 

Who Should Choose Salesforce Commerce B2B? 

 

If you are a manufacturer, wholesaler, or distributor like a tech company selling software to global corporations, Salesforce Commerce B2B provides the structure to effectively meet the needs of your commercial clients. Salesforce Commerce B2B is your best bet if you need features like bulk ordering and custom pricing - and if your sales cycles are in general longer. 

 

 

How to Choose the Right Salesforce Commerce Solution

 

 

Still unsure which version is right for you? Here is how to decide:

 

1. Know Your Audience:

 

- Selling to individual shoppers? Go D2C.

- Want to build direct relationships? Choose D2C.

- Selling to other businesses? B2B is your match.

 

2. Identify Your Priorities:

 

- Need a smooth, mobile-first experience? D2C is ideal.

- Focused on customer retention and loyalty? D2C is the way.

- Managing complex pricing and bulk orders? B2B has you covered.

 

3. Think About Growth: 

 

All Salesforce solutions are scalable, but make sure you pick the one that aligns with your long-term goals.

 

4. Leverage Salesforce Integrations: 

 

No matter which version you choose, Salesforce’s ecosystem - like Service Cloud for support or Einstein Analytics for insights - can take your eCommerce strategy to the next level.

Conclusion

 

So, why is Salesforce Commerce a leader in eCommerce ? Its flexibility, scalability, and wide range of features make it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes and industries. 

 

Whether you’re building a fast-moving consumer brand, a high-touch D2C experience, or a complex B2B operation, there’s a solution made just for you.

 

If you’re still wondering which model works best for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s figure out the best option together!

 

P.S. Want to learn more? Check out our other blogs:

 

- All You Need to Know About Salesforce Commerce Cloud

- How to Scale Your eCommerce Business With Salesforce Commerce Cloud