The nature of B2B sales has changed dramatically in the past two years. With many in-person tradeshows cancelled and travel restricted during the pandemic, digitalisation became an essential force for keeping business afloat, and B2B eCommerce platforms like Alibaba.com have become the go-to place for connecting buyers and sellers. While the shift was initially sparked by necessity, this new digital reality is here to stay. According to McKinsey October 2020 research, the majority of B2B SMEs find digital sales processes as effective or more effective than face-to-face interactions.

3 ways Alibaba.com supports British SMEs

As one of the world’s largest B2B marketplaces, Alibaba.com has stepped up its support to help more British SMEs embrace digital trade and grow their international sales, particularly in 3 key areas:

1.     Cross-border trade tools and support

Alibaba.com has been making it easier for businesses to sell cross-border for over 20 years. The marketplace enables British SMEs to reach more than 26 million active buyers in 200 countries, and sell across a broad range of product categories. Alibaba.com also helps SMEs to reach this global audience cost-effectively, with 0% commission on orders generated through the platform.

During the past 18 months when travel has been restricted, Alibaba.com’s digital tools such as auto-translate, auto-conversion, and local partner development have helped businesses build new relationships and solidify existing partnerships. These features make it easy to connect with international buyers while overcoming language barriers and other potential roadblocks.

2.     Dedicated local team support

To help SMEs more easily and successfully sell internationally, Alibaba.com has ramped up the available support in the UK. We’re working with international payments provider WorldFirst as our official UK channel partner. London-based WorldFirst will assist UK SMEs in navigating the marketplace’s variety of services, including everything from registration to introducing them to certified Alibaba.com partners who can help deliver online marketing campaigns.

3.     Frequent online trade shows

With many in-person trade shows being scaled back or even cancelled, Alibaba.com has been regularly hosting online trade shows and expos since the pandemic started. This creates a space for buyers and sellers to connect, network and make deals.

In addition to industry or category-specific events, Alibaba.com hosts two annual exhibitions, ‘March Expo’ and ‘Super September’, which attract more than 10,000 wholesalers and manufacturers from dozens of different industries.  Buyers and sellers have really embraced these digital events, with sales at the 2021 March Expo increasing 50% year on year.

Sell on Alibaba.com

Given the enduring international demand for quality British goods, we encourage more UK SMEs to seize the opportunity of digital trade to reach new customers overseas.

Are you a B2B seller ready to take your business to the next level? Alibaba.com and WorldFirst will arm you with the tools that you need to access over 26 million active buyers worldwide, streamline your processes and boost your sales.

To learn more or get in touch with our UK channel partner WorldFirst, visit: https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/sellingonalibaba/