B2B Marketplaces: A Modern Solution for Raw Material Trading

Can you buy petroleum products in bulk today as easily as ordering a book from an online store? Just a short while ago, such a level of convenience seemed impossible in the wholesale raw material trade. Today, it is a reality: these platforms are rapidly gaining popularity within the business community. Transactions on marketplaces occur online, quickly and transparently, saving time and money for all participants. Let's explore what these platforms entail, how they work, their advantages for suppliers, buyers, and carriers—and why this format is becoming a new trend in the market.

What is a B2B Marketplace?

A B2B marketplace is an online platform where businesses buy and sell products directly to each other. In other words, it functions as a kind of electronic market. Do not confuse such a platform with familiar online marketplaces like Wildberries, Ozon, or Yandex.Market, where sellers offer products directly to end consumers. It is focused on wholesale sales between legal entities. On such a platform, one supplier can offer products to multiple clients, while buyers can easily find the necessary supplier from a large list. Unlike a standard online store, these platforms showcase the products of hundreds of suppliers. This format simplifies the interaction process: all transactions occur within a single service with unified rules and support. B2B platforms take into account the specifics of corporate trading. They provide tools for handling wholesale orders: convenient search and filtering by parameters, display of wholesale prices, and the ability to request individual conditions. Typically, these platforms require registration and verification of participants, which increases partner reliability. The transaction itself also goes through the system: from order placement to closing documents for accounting purposes. For example, the platform automatically generates invoices, acts, and waybills, simplifying documentation flow between the parties.

How It Works

The platform operates in such a way as to bring together all necessary participants in a transaction in one place. Here’s how it works in practice:

Listing an Offer. A supplier registers on the platform and posts information about their products: descriptions, specifications, available volumes, prices, and delivery conditions. For example, a supplier might list a batch of gasoline or diesel fuel with the price per ton.
Search and Selection. Buyers find the necessary products through a convenient catalog or search feature. Users can compare prices from different suppliers, filter by quality, region, and seller rating. The B2B marketplace offers a wide selection, from basic materials to specialized raw materials.
Request and Negotiations. If the product requires discussion of terms, the buyer can contact the supplier directly through the platform (via chat or requests) and discuss details—such as the possibility of a discount for larger volumes or special deal conditions. This functionality saves time compared to traditional calls and meetings.
Order Placement. Once terms are agreed upon, the buyer places an order in the system. The supplier confirms their readiness to ship the goods. The system records all transaction details—ordered items, quantities, total cost, and delivery timelines.
Payments and Documentation. Payments are made electronically. The buyer pays the issued invoice (either through an integrated payment service or by the seller's bank details). The platform can support various payment options, including deferred payments. After payment, the necessary documents—contract, invoice, waybills—are automatically generated and can be downloaded directly from the personal account.
Product Delivery. Delivery organization usually falls to the supplier or is negotiated separately. Many modern B2B platforms integrate logistics services, enlisting carriers so that buyers can arrange for delivery immediately. Carriers are notified of new orders and can offer their services. This arrangement is convenient for all parties: suppliers do not need to hunt for transport, buyers receive goods on time, and carriers obtain new orders.
Transaction Completion. After receiving the goods, buyers confirm the transaction's closure within the system. The marketplace may allow participants to leave feedback or ratings for each other. All participants receive the necessary closing documents for accounting purposes. Thus, the transaction is successfully completed entirely online. The platform ensures a complete transaction cycle—from product search to receipt—in a digital format. This significantly accelerates and simplifies wholesale trading compared to traditional methods.

Advantages for Suppliers

These platforms open up new growth opportunities for manufacturers and distributors. Here are the key benefits for suppliers:

Market Expansion. Access to a much larger number of buyers, including new clients from different regions. It is possible to find orders all over the country (and even abroad) in one place, which is hard to achieve offline.
Increased Sales Volume. A constant flow of visitors to the platform means more potential deals. Suppliers can significantly increase this volume without spending large budgets on customer acquisition—the platform itself drives traffic from interested buyers.
Quick Start for Online Trading. Suppliers can begin sales in a new channel with virtually zero investment. The infrastructure is already in place; there’s no need to create a separate online store or website—just register and upload the product range.
Time Savings and Automation. The marketplace takes on part of the deal formalization work: electronic document exchange, order processing, transaction status notifications. This reduces time spent on administrative tasks and allows suppliers to focus on their core business activities.
Increased Recognition and Trust. Presence on a well-known resource enhances brand visibility and builds trust among new customers. Supplier reputation is supported by ratings and reviews on the platform, attracting even more buyers.

Advantages for Buyers

For corporate buyers, using such platforms is a way to make procurement more efficient. The main advantages for buyers include:

Time Savings. Dozens of suppliers and thousands of items are gathered in one place. There’s no need to spend days searching; just visit the platform and find what’s needed in minutes. Placing an order occurs online in a couple of clicks without lengthy negotiations and paperwork.
Wide Selection and Competitive Prices. The platform boasts a substantial assortment. Buyers can explore offers from multiple suppliers and choose the optimal one. Supplier competition works in the buyer’s favor—they strive to offer discounts, bonuses, and lower prices, especially for large orders.
Cost Reduction. Due to transparency and competition, corporate buyers receive more favorable conditions. They can negotiate discounts for larger orders and discuss special payment terms. Ultimately, procurement costs decrease, directly impacting profitability.
Transparency and Control. All transaction stages are visible in the personal account—from order confirmation to shipment. Buyers can track order status and receive automatic notifications. All documentation for the transaction is stored electronically, making it easy to monitor obligations and complete reporting.
Reliability and Security. Major B2B platforms carefully vet suppliers, reducing the risks of counterfeiting or delivery disruptions. Transactions occur within a legal framework—official contracts are concluded, and data is protected. Buyers feel more secure than when dealing with unknown contacts outside of the platform.

Advantages for Carriers

Marketplaces in the raw material trade benefit not only suppliers and buyers but also carriers. Carriers gain new growth and development opportunities on such platforms:

Access to New Orders. A B2B platform brings together numerous cargo owners. Carriers gain access to a database of transport requests—allowing them to find loads from different clients. This helps increase vehicle utilization and minimize downtime.
Simplified Client Search. Instead of searching manually, carriers can view current requests in the system and immediately respond to suitable routes. There’s no need to pay intermediaries—the platform connects carriers directly with cargo clients.
Optimized Logistics. Digital management of requests enhances route planning. The platform selects the carrier nearest to the cargo, reducing empty runs. As a result, overall transportation costs diminish, and clients receive quicker service.
Transparent Conditions and Payments. All arrangements are recorded through the platform—it guarantees carriers payment within agreed deadlines. All documentation (contracts, completion acts) is automatically generated, simplifying paperwork management. The reputation system allows reliable carriers to secure more lucrative orders in the future.

Why B2B Marketplaces Are a Market Trend

Online trading in the B2B segment has shown explosive growth in recent years. Analysts note that increasing numbers of companies are transitioning to digital channels. By the end of 2023, the volume of electronic B2B sales in Russia has increased by approximately 39% compared to 2022. Experts predict that by the end of 2024, the market will grow by at least another 40%. Some analysts forecast that within a few years, up to 15% of all wholesale transactions will occur on marketplaces. B2B clients increasingly wish to make purchases as conveniently as in traditional e-commerce: through an intuitive interface, with quick order processing and online payment options. The generation of young entrepreneurs is accustomed to resolving business issues online, prompting even large enterprises to reorganize their procurement processes digitally. Globally, B2B marketplaces have long been an integral part of transactions between parties. Niche platforms for wholesale raw material trading are emerging, offering their digital ecosystems tailored to specific markets.

Open Oil Market is a modern B2B platform for trading fuel and other raw material resources. It brings together all market participants—suppliers, their buyers, and carriers—on a single platform. With this service, transactions for wholesale batches of raw materials can be concluded directly in a digital format. All stages—from finding the right offer to organizing delivery—are completed online. For example, a buyer on the platform locates an appropriate seller and places an order; the supplier confirms the sale through the system, and a verified carrier transports the goods to the destination. The transaction is accompanied by the necessary electronic documents, making the process straightforward and transparent. Additionally, the platform offers flexible payment options—even allowing payment delays (in installments or credit)—which is particularly relevant for businesses managing working capital.

Such solutions demonstrate how modern technologies simplify and accelerate trading in the commodity and raw material market. This format benefits all market participants. If your company deals with raw materials, it makes sense to explore the possibilities offered by B2B platforms. Utilizing a platform can reduce costs, enhance transaction efficiency, and provide a boost to business growth.

B2B Marketplaces: A Modern Solution for Raw Material Trade