Best Shopify B2B Apps vs Native Shopify B2B Features

Table of Contents

Introduction

Running a wholesale or business-to-business store on Shopify is no longer complicated, thanks to powerful tools designed specifically for B2B sellers. Many merchants today are confused about whether they should rely on Shopify b2b apps or use the built-in B2B features that Shopify now offers. Choosing the right option can directly affect pricing control, customer experience, scalability, and long-term growth. For store owners planning to expand into wholesale, understanding this difference is critical. In this guide, we will explore Shopify b2b apps versus native Shopify B2B features in a clear and simple way, so you can decide what works best for your business model.

Understanding Shopify B2B Selling

Shopify B2B selling focuses on providing products or services to other businesses rather than individual consumers. This includes wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers who need features such as bulk pricing, minimum order quantities, tax exemptions, and customer-specific catalogs.

In a B2B setup, buyers expect a different experience. They want negotiated pricing, flexible payment terms, and repeat ordering. Shopify has recognized this demand and introduced native B2B features, but third-party solutions still play a strong role.

Before comparing apps and native tools, it is important to understand how modern merchants combine B2B, DTC, and even dropshipping strategies under one store.

The Connection Between B2B and Dropshipping Models

Many beginners exploring wholesale also research How to dropship with no money because B2B and dropshipping share similar operational goals: low risk, flexible inventory, and scalable fulfillment. For new sellers, learning How to dropship with no money often becomes the entry point into understanding supplier relationships, bulk pricing, and automated order handling.

B2B selling builds on these same ideas but shifts focus toward long-term clients rather than single purchases. Once sellers understand How to dropship with no money, they often move toward wholesale partnerships, private labeling, and bulk orders to increase profit margins.

Why B2B Appeals to New and Growing Sellers

In the fourth stage of ecommerce growth, merchants usually want predictable revenue. Many who first learned How to dropship with no money realize that relying only on one-time buyers is unstable. Wholesale customers, on the other hand, reorder regularly and buy in large quantities.

B2B selling allows:

Higher average order value
Stronger supplier relationships
Long-term contracts
Better inventory planning

Whether you run a small store or manage a large operation, B2B can become the backbone of sustainable growth.

What Are Native Shopify B2B Features?

Native Shopify B2B features are built directly into the Shopify platform. They are designed to work seamlessly without installing external tools. These features are especially useful for merchants who want simplicity and native performance.

Key native B2B features include:

1. Company Profiles

You can create company accounts instead of individual customer profiles. Each company can have multiple buyers with assigned roles and permissions.

2. Custom Price Lists

Shopify allows you to set specific pricing for each business customer. This is ideal for wholesalers who negotiate rates.

3. Tax Exemptions

You can automatically apply tax exemptions for eligible B2B buyers based on location or documentation.

4. Payment Terms

Native tools allow net payment terms such as Net 15 or Net 30, which are common in B2B transactions.

5. Integrated Admin Experience

Since these features are built-in, everything is managed from one dashboard without compatibility issues.

Advantages of Native Shopify B2B Features

Native tools are ideal for merchants who want stability and ease of use.

Main benefits include:

No extra monthly app fees
Better site performance
Fewer technical conflicts
Official Shopify support

If your B2B needs are straightforward, native features can handle pricing, customer management, and order workflows efficiently.

Limitations of Native Shopify B2B Features

While native tools are powerful, they are not perfect for every business.

Common limitations:

Limited customization for complex pricing rules
Fewer automation options
Not ideal for advanced catalog segmentation
Restricted integrations compared to apps

If your business requires highly customized workflows, native features may feel restrictive.

What Are Shopify B2B Apps?

Third-party applications extend Shopify’s functionality. These apps are built by developers to solve specific B2B challenges such as dynamic pricing, tiered discounts, advanced quoting, and bulk ordering systems.

Merchants often turn to Shopify b2b apps when they need flexibility beyond what native tools offer.

Types of Shopify B2B Apps Available

1. Wholesale Pricing Apps

These apps allow tier-based pricing, volume discounts, and customer-specific rates.

2. Order Management Apps

They help manage bulk orders, reorders, and custom approval workflows.

3. Quote Request Apps

Some B2B buyers prefer requesting quotes before ordering, which many apps support.

4. Inventory Sync Apps

Ideal for sellers managing multiple warehouses or suppliers.

5. CRM and Automation Apps

Advanced apps integrate customer data, automate emails, and track buyer behavior.

Benefits of Using Shopify B2B Apps

Apps are best for merchants who want full control and advanced customization.

Key advantages:

Highly flexible pricing rules
Advanced automation
Industry-specific features
Integration with external ERP and CRM systems

For complex operations, apps can fill gaps that native tools cannot.

Drawbacks of Shopify B2B Apps

Despite their flexibility, apps also come with challenges.

Potential downsides:

Monthly subscription costs
Slower site speed if poorly optimized
App conflicts
Dependency on third-party support

Choosing the wrong app can create more problems than solutions.

Native Shopify B2B vs Apps: Feature Comparison

Pricing Control

Native: Fixed price lists
Apps: Tiered, volume-based, and dynamic pricing

Customization

Native: Limited but stable
Apps: Highly customizable

Performance

Native: Faster and more reliable
Apps: Depends on app quality

Scalability

Native: Best for small to mid-level B2B
Apps: Suitable for enterprise-level operations

Which Option Is Best for Your Business?

Choose native Shopify B2B features if:

You want simplicity
Your pricing structure is basic
You prefer one-dashboard management
You want lower monthly costs

Choose apps if:

You need advanced workflows
You manage complex pricing tiers
You integrate with third-party systems
You serve different wholesale markets

Role of Prebuilt Stores in B2B Success

Many merchants entering wholesale prefer to start with a pre built ecommerce store instead of building everything from scratch. A pre built ecommerce store saves time, reduces setup errors, and allows sellers to focus on marketing and partnerships.

Similarly, those who want to start shopify store quickly often explore ready-made solutions that include supplier integrations and optimized layouts.

B2B and Dropshipping Together

Combining B2B and dropshipping is becoming common. A Pre Built Shopify Dropshipping Store can later be expanded into wholesale by adding bulk pricing and company accounts.

Some sellers also prefer to buy prebuilt shopify store solutions because they reduce technical complexity and speed up launch time.

Long-Term Strategy for B2B Growth

A smart B2B strategy focuses on:

Repeat buyers
Automated reordering
Custom pricing
Reliable fulfillment

Whether you use native features or apps, success depends on clear systems and strong supplier relationships.

FAQs

What is the difference between Shopify B2B and wholesale?

B2B focuses on business customers with negotiated pricing, while wholesale is a subset of B2B involving bulk orders.

Are native Shopify B2B features enough for beginners?

Yes, they are ideal for beginners with simple pricing and customer needs.

Do Shopify B2B apps slow down a store?

Some poorly optimized apps can affect performance, but quality apps are usually safe.

Can I mix B2B and DTC in one Shopify store?

Yes, Shopify allows you to serve both retail and business customers in one store.

Is a prebuilt store good for B2B?

Yes, it saves time and provides a structured foundation for scaling.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between native Shopify B2B features and Shopify b2b apps depends on your business size, budget, and growth plans. Native tools offer simplicity and reliability, while apps deliver flexibility and customization. Merchants who want faster results often explore best Prebuilt dropshipping stores as a starting point and then expand into wholesale. For sellers planning long-term success, aligning the right tools with strategy is essential and this is where Start Storez provides a structured approach for modern Shopify growth.