Top B2B E-Commerce Marketplaces in Australia

Fueled by the growing demand for streamlined and efficient online platforms that facilitate trade between businesses, Australia’s e-commerce market is experiencing rapid expansion. Set to reach $974.1 billion in revenue by 2030, the market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 19.5% from 2024 to 2030. This growth underscores the rising dependence on digital solutions to streamline procurement processes and strengthen operational efficiency across industries.

At the heart of this transformation are B2B e-commerce marketplaces, which offer businesses access to a wide range of products, services, and partnerships. As the need for speed, convenience, and competitive pricing grows, these platforms are essential in connecting buyers and suppliers, driving operational efficiency and supporting seamless trade.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the leading B2B marketplaces in Australia, guiding businesses through the trends in the expanding digital landscape and helping them select the software that best suits their needs.

What are B2B E-commerce Marketplaces?

B2B e-commerce marketplaces are digital platforms that allow seamless transactions between businesses. Through these online platforms, businesses can buy and sell goods or services in bulk amounts to other businesses. These platforms act as intermediaries, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Unlike B2C marketplaces that cater directly to individual customers, B2B e-commerce marketplaces cater to diverse business needs. There are different classifications of B2B marketplaces, that are highly reliant on the business type and model that they utilize. Here are a few examples:

• Vertical B2B Marketplaces: cater to a specific industry or niche.
• Horizontal B2B Marketplaces: offers a wide range of products across diverse industries.
• Product-based B2B Marketplaces: focuses on selling specific types of products.
• Service-based B2B Marketplaces: emphasizes the supply of services rather than physical products.
• Hybrid B2B Marketplaces: combines both product and service offerings.
• Local and Global B2B Marketplaces: focuses on regional transactions and operates on an international scale.

The primary objective of B2B marketplaces is to streamline procurement processes, reduce order management costs, repurpose staff, and enhance customer experience. These digital platforms provide tools for supply chain management, real-time inventory teaching, and analytics to help businesses make data-driven decisions.

Leading B2B E-commerce Marketplaces in Australia

Australia’s B2B e-commerce landscape is growing rapidly due to the increasing digitalization. The country is home to several leading B2B e-commerce platforms that cater to the diverse needs of businesses, offering tools to streamline operations and connect with global markets. Below is a list of the top B2B e-commerce marketplaces in Australia:

#1 Amazon Business

Amazon is recognized as a global e-commerce giant that also operates a B2B segment called Amazon Business. The platform provides Australian businesses with access to a wide range of products, including office supplies, industrial tools, equipment, and more. 

Launched in 2017 in Australia, Amazon first received mixed responses from users. However, the marketplace gained recognition with time and the revenue doubled year-on-year. The platform is tailored for efficiency, with features like bulk purchasing, exclusive discounts for businesses, multi-user accounts, and streamlined invoice management.

• Launched In: 2015
• Annual Revenue: $38.5 billion
• Total Visits: 76.89 million
• Country Rank: #6

#2 Dropshipzone

Dropshipzone is an Australian-based leading B2B e-commerce marketplace tailored for businesses looking to source products for dropshipping and retail. The platform connects wholesalers and manufacturers directly with retailers, offering products like home goods, electronics, and health supplies. 

Launched in Melbourne in 2012, Dropshipzone has gained significant importance in the Australian market. The platform was founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Dropshipzone simplifies inventory management for businesses by handling warehousing and logistics, making it an ideal choice for startups and small retailers.

• Launched In: 2012
• Annual Revenue: $280 million
• Total Visits: 90.2K
• Overall Ratings: 4.6/5

#3 Woolworths

A household name in retail, Woolworths has carved a space in the B2B e-commerce market, reflecting an estimated annual revenue of $36.5 million with its tailored offerings for businesses. As one of the largest supermarket chains in Australia, Woolworths provides a seamless B2B purchasing experience for businesses of all sizes.

Through this service, businesses can source essential groceries, cleaning products, office supplies, and beverages in bulk. Businesses can benefit from competitive pricing and consistent stock availability, meeting operational needs. 

• Launched In: 1924
• Annual Revenue: $42.74 billion
• Country Rank: #29
• Industry Rank: #7

#4 Coles

Known for its B2C retail presence primarily, Coles has established ‘Coles for Businesses’. It is a dedicated B2B segment that supports corporate and institutional clients. 

Coles for Business provides bulk purchasing options for food, beverages, cleaning supplies, and other essentials. The B2B segment provides flexible options such as recurring orders, consolidated invoicing, and efficient delivery services, enhancing convenience for busy organizations. Cole continues to strengthen its presence in the B2B space with its trusted brand reputation, reliable services, and focus on quality.

• Launched In: 1914
• Annual Revenue: $27.5 billion
• Country Rank: #47
• Industry Rank: #14

#5 Kmart

Kmart is one of Australia’s most recognized retail brands. The marketplace is primarily focused on the B2C segment but provides an extended version for businesses that offer a wide array of products such as office essentials, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies. 

Kmart B2B Business Solution simplifies the procurement process with bulk purchasing options, competitive pricing, buy now pay later feature, and consolidated delivery services. It reflects its commitment to providing reliable and affordable products, making it a preferred choice for Australian businesses.

• Launched In: 1962
• Annual Revenue: $6.93 billion
• Country Rank: #32
• Traffic Share: 97.26%

#6 Officeworks

Australia’s go-to retailer for office supplies, Officeworks has expanded its offerings in the B2B landscape through ‘Officeworks for Business’. The platform offers tailored purchasing solutions for small-to-large enterprises, corporate offices, and educational institutions.

Officeworks claims that businesses can save upto 5% on hundreds of essentials, ranging from stationery and office furniture to coffee beans and IT supplies. The platform is known for its extensive product range and commitment to competitive pricing. Officeworks for Business is a one-stop-shop solution for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable procurement solution.

• Launched In: 1994
• Annual Revenue: $3.43 billion
• Country Rank: #78
• Industry Rank: #8

#7 eBay

eBay, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, has positioned itself as a key B2B platform for Australian businesses. ‘eBay for Business’ allows companies to purchase a wide range of products, including IT equipment, industrial tools, automotive parts, and electronics. 

eBay’s extensive network of local and international sellers ensures variety and accessibility, making it suitable for SMEs and large enterprises alike. The platform features bidding options, competitive pricing, and direct access to local and international sellers. This allows businesses to optimize their supply chains and meet operational needs at affordable prices.

• Launched In: 1995
• Annual Revenue: $10.49 billion
• Country Rank: #19
• Traffic Share: 89.30

#8 Kogan

Kogan is a renowned B2C marketplace in Australia that expands its offerings further in the B2B segment as ‘Kogan Commercial’. With approximately 2.6 million active customers, the marketplace is growing a huge user base in the Australian market.

The platform connects numerous brands, retailers, and distributors looking to expand their reach in the Australian market Also, the online-only model helps reduce overhead costs with physical stores. With businesses increasingly trusting the platform for their procurement processes, Kogan is diversifying its portfolio while also maintaining affordability and convenience across diverse sectors.

• Launched In: 2006
• Annual Revenue: $518.56 million
• Country Rank: #126
• Traffic Share: 92.45%

#9 EC21

EC21 is a well-established international B2B marketplace in Australia, connecting businesses with global suppliers across various industries. The platform specializes in categories such as industrial machinery, textiles, electronics, agricultural products, and chemicals.

Australian businesses benefit from the platform’s vast supplier network, particularly for bulk purchasing, enabling maximum scalability. EC21 empowers businesses to achieve efficiency, expand market access, and enhance supply chain resilience by facilitating seamless communication between buyers and sellers.

• Launched In: 1997
• Annual Revenue: $77.3 million
• Average Order Value: $375-400

#10 TradeWheel

Tradewheel is a prominent B2B marketplace that facilitates connections between manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers. The marketplace provides innovative e-commerce marketplace solutions to streamline procurement processes, which ultimately enhances the wholesale industry.

With the increase in demand for products like medical supplies, construction materials, raw materials, electronics, and beauty products, Tradewheel has established itself as a key player in the Australian market. 

• Launched In: 2003
• Annual Revenue: $14 million
• Total Visits: 332.6K

Now that we’ve explored the leading B2B marketplaces in Australia. The main concern is how you can build your own B2B marketplace and tap into the growing e-commerce landscape in Australia as quickly as possible.

Worry not, we’ve got you covered. You can now build your own B2B e-commerce marketplace without worrying about the complexities of extensive planning, coding, and testing. 

Utilize a readymade software to launch your marketplace in no time without compromising with any features, functionalities, or quality. Businesses can now build and launch their own custom-branded marketplaces with less significant investment, effort, and time, capturing the market share as quickly as possible. 

Yo!Kart— A Versatile B2B Marketplace Software

Launching a competitive and successful B2B marketplace that scales involves strategic planning and a versatile platform. This is where Yo!Kart stands out!

Yo!Kart is a robust, white-label B2B e-commerce marketplace software that allows ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses to build, launch, and manage their own B2B marketplace. The software allows to launch marketplaces across diverse niches, including fashion, healthcare, electronics, sports, furniture, and a lot more.

With features like bulk purchasing, RFQ modules, Quote management, individual storefronts, and invoicing, the software helps businesses simplify procurement processes and meet operational needs at competitive prices. Here are some exclusive benefits of leveraging Yo!Kart for your B2B e-commerce marketplace:

• 100% White Label
• Self-hosted and Secure
• Source Code Ownership
• Pay Once and Own Forever
• Mobile Apps for Android and iOS
• Highly Scalable and Customizable
• 1 Year of FREE Technical Support

Apart from this, Yo!Kart also powers a diverse range of B2B marketplaces. Here are some of them:

1. B2B Liquor Selling Marketplace for a Fortune 500 Firm
2. UNI – Diamond Trading Gone Digital
3. Bozinga – B2B Wholesale Marketplace For Distributors and Manufacturers
4. AnyFlexo – Transforming a Legacy B2B Industry 
5. CX Marketplace– A part of B2B Cannabis infrastructure

Final Thoughts

Fueled by the growing adoption of technology and evolving business demands, the Australian B2B e-commerce market is experiencing significant transformation. Businesses are leveraging digital platforms to enhance their supply chains and meet market needs efficiently. This dynamic landscape offers a suite of opportunities for businesses to innovate and expand their reach in this rapidly digitizing space. Thus, businesses that prioritize digital transformation and customer-centric strategies are well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic and expanding landscape.