Editor’s Note
This article provides a clear, concise definition of a B2B marketplace, explaining its role as a digital platform for business-to-business transactions.
A B2B marketplace is a platform where businesses sell products to other companies. Buyers use B2B marketplaces to outfit their businesses with office supplies, find equipment and materials for manufacturing, or purchase inventory to resell through their own businesses.
Buyers can choose between two types of B2B marketplace platforms:
Vertical: Industry-specific marketplaces like healthcare supplies or manufacturing components. They provide the deep technical specs, regulatory compliance, and verified suppliers that your specific industry requires. Buyers go here for critical components rather than commoditized goods.
Horizontal: These span many categories, like Amazon Business, for example. They are your one-stop shop, allowing buyers to consolidate procurement for everything from IT hardware to office supplies in a single cart and on a single invoice.
Most platforms blend different fee models to attract B2B businesses. The common ones include:
Subscription: Sellers pay a fixed monthly or annual fee for access to the marketplace and its tools.
Commission: The marketplace takes a percentage of each transaction, which is the most common scheme.
Value-added services: The marketplace offers additional paid-for services like ad placements, logistics support, or handling complex net terms.
B2B marketplaces are the fastest-growing digital sales channel in 2025. Digital Commerce 360 sized the channel at $351 billion in 2024, up 35% from the $260 billion in sales in 2023, and operator investment continues to expand.
Increasingly, buyers are opting for self-service options when ordering B2B products. In fact, 7 in 10 B2B buyers prefer to place orders online rather than via phone or email, and they span an average of 10 digital and in-person touchpoints before clicking “buy.”
Embedded payments: Buyers expect instant credit approval for net terms, integrated directly into the checkout. The platform, not the seller, is expected to manage the invoicing, risk, and collections.
Buying and approval workflows: Finance teams want the capability to enforce purchasing policies, set spend limits, and steer buyers to preferred products and suppliers.
Digital finance tools: Corporate finance teams now expect real-time invoicing, one-click settlement, and digitized reconciliation directly within the platform.
1. Faire
2. Mirakl
3. Amazon Business
4. Alibaba
5. Novi
6. Carro
7. Global Sources
8. Made-in-China
9. DHgate.com
10. Globy
| Marketplace | Best for | Pricing |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Faire** | Independent retailers and brands (apparel, home decor, beauty, etc.) | 15% commission + $10 on opening orders* |
| **Mirakl** | Companies wanting to build and grow their own online marketplace | Targets larger companies and does not publish its prices |
| **Amazon Business** | Sellers looking to reach millions of business customers worldwide | $39.99/month + referral fees (starting from 8%) |
| **Alibaba** | Brands wanting to reach a massive global network of retailers | Starts at $166/month (billed annually) |
| **Novi** | Brands focused on clean, transparent, and sustainable CPG products | On request |
| **Carro** | Independent businesses looking for a wholesale dropshipping marketplace | Free plan: 10% of GMV
Build plan: $149/month + 7% of GMV |
| **Global Sources** | Connecting international buyers with verified Asian suppliers | Generally free for buyers to access the online platform |
| **Made-in-China** | Connecting global buyers specifically with verified Chinese suppliers | Free for buyers to access. Costs may apply for premium services. |
| **DHgate.com** | Chinese manufacturers and wholesalers reaching a global B2B and B2C audience | Platform fee (999 yuan/year) + large deposit (50K–200K yuan) |
| **Globy** | B2B suppliers and buyers who need built-in cross-border logistics tools | Free registration, free listings, and zero sales fees for suppliers |
Faire