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How Omnichannel Ecommerce Will Drive B2B Sales in 2025: Insights from McKinsey’s Latest Survey

November 21, 2024
By-
Luke Medida

McKinsey & Co.'s latest B2B Pulse Survey reveals a dramatic shift in B2B buying behavior, with a growing number of buyers comfortable spending significant sums through self-service digital commerce and remote online interactions. The report highlights a clear trend: omnichannel ecommerce is now a crucial driver of B2B revenue, overtaking traditional in-person sales.

A Surge in High-Value Orders Through Digital Channels

One standout finding is the increased willingness of B2B buyers to make large online orders:

     • 39% of buyers now spend over $500,000 per order through self-service ecommerce or remote interactions—up from 28% just two years ago.
      • 73% are willing to spend $50,000+ in a single online transaction, a sharp increase from 59% in 2022.
      • Even orders exceeding $1 million are on the rise, with 20% of buyers open to such transactions online.

Did you know? High-value digital transactions are becoming the norm. Without a strong online sales presence, businesses risk losing out on these high-value buyers.

The Power of Omnichannel Ecommerce

McKinsey’s report emphasizes that ecommerce is no longer an optional investment but a core component of B2B sales strategy. Companies that prioritize omnichannel ecommerce are seeing strong returns—ecommerce now ranks as the top revenue-generating channel for organizations that offer it.

In fact, 34% of B2B sales revenue now comes from a combination of self-service ecommerce and remote online interactions with sales representatives. This shift is driven by the comfort buyers feel with online transactions, even in traditionally offline industries like medical technology, where digital adoption has historically lagged.

The Fall of In-Person Sales

Traditional face-to-face sales are seeing a decline, now accounting for just 17% of revenue—down from 22% two years ago. Ecommerce has been ranked the most effective sales channel for the fourth year in a row among B2B sellers, making a compelling case for investing in digital.

      Fact: In-person sales are rapidly being dethroned by digital channels, especially as ecommerce becomes the most reliable revenue driver.

The Need for a Seamless Omnichannel Experience

Buyers today want a consistent, well-orchestrated experience across all channels, not just options for purchasing. To stay competitive, B2B sellers need to meet buyers where they are—whether that’s through live chat, video calls, mobile apps, or traditional ecommerce sites. A seamless omnichannel approach enhances buyer satisfaction, building trust and increasing the likelihood of high value repeat purchases.

Ecommerce as the Cornerstone of B2B Sales Strategy

McKinsey’s message is clear: Ecommerce is no longer a minor component of a company’s go-to-market strategy—it’s the cornerstone of successful B2B sales in 2024. Companies
that fail to invest in robust omnichannel ecommerce risk being left behind as buyers increasingly favor digital channels for high-value purchases. The gap between ecommerce leaders and laggards will likely widen as more companies shift their investments toward
these channels.

Key Takeaways:


    1. B2B buyers are increasingly comfortable making high-value purchases through digital channels.
    2. Omnichannel ecommerce has overtaken in-person sales as the top revenue generator.
     3. Companies must invest in seamless, integrated omnichannel experiences to stay competitive.
.    4. Ecommerce is now the backbone of a successful B2B sales strategy.

Get Ahead with Kensium: Transform Your B2B Sales with Omnichannel Ecommerce Solutions

McKinsey’s findings make it clear: Digital-first B2B sales are here to stay. If you’re ready to lead in this evolving landscape, Kensium can help. With our expertise in omnichannel ecommerce, we empower B2B businesses to adapt, thrive, and drive revenue growth in a digital world.

🚀 Contact Kensium today to learn how our tailored B2B ecommerce solutions can position your business at the forefront of this transformation. Don’t just adapt—excel. Contact us now to start your journey.

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Written by
Luke Medida
Luke Medida is a Senior Manager of Client Success at Kensium, with close to two decades of experience in IT services. He excels in building strong client relationships, program management and helping clients increase their revenues. In his role, Luke works with customers across multiple domains helping them with their digital transformation needs, translating their business goals into IT roadmaps.
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