Managing B2B Orders
B2B orders have unique requirements compared to retail orders.
B2B Order Lifecycle
1. Quotation Phase
- Receive RFQ from buyer
- Submit detailed quote
- Negotiate terms if needed
- Quote accepted -> Order created
2. Order Confirmation
- Review order details
- Confirm production capacity
- Verify materials availability
- Send order confirmation
3. Production Phase
- Order raw materials
- Begin production
- Quality control checkpoints
- Update buyer on progress
4. Quality Control
- Inspect finished products
- Conduct testing if required
- Prepare quality certificates
- Package for shipment
5. Shipping
- Arrange freight/logistics
- Complete customs documentation
- Provide tracking information
- Confirm delivery
6. Post-Delivery
- Follow up with buyer
- Handle any issues
- Request feedback
- Maintain relationship
B2B Order Statuses
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Quotation Requested | Awaiting your quote |
| Quotation Sent | Quote submitted |
| Quotation Approved | Ready to proceed |
| In Production | Manufacturing in progress |
| Quality Check | QC inspection |
| Ready to Ship | Awaiting shipment |
| Shipped | In transit |
| Delivered | Order complete |
Communication During Production
Keep buyers informed:
- Weekly progress updates
- Milestone notifications
- Any delays or issues
- Quality checkpoint results
- Shipping updates
Handling Changes
Change Requests:
- Evaluate impact on timeline and cost
- Document all changes
- Get written approval
- Update order details
Rush Orders:
- Assess feasibility
- May incur rush fees
- Communicate clearly with buyer
- Prioritize production
B2B Payment Terms
Common payment structures:
- Net 30/60/90: Pay within 30/60/90 days
- 50/50: 50% deposit, 50% on delivery
- 100% upfront: Full payment before production
- Letter of Credit: Bank-guaranteed payment
- Escrow: Secure third-party holding
Production Planning
Use the production calendar to:
- Schedule new orders
- Identify available capacity
- Avoid overcommitting
- Plan for seasonal demand
- Coordinate with suppliers
Quality Assurance
Maintain quality standards:
- Document QC processes
- Take photos during production
- Provide inspection reports
- Keep samples on file
- Track defect rates