How tech-savvy food distributors can grow through enhanced payment experiences

Distributors across industries are strategically investing in technology to elevate their e-commerce strategies and outshine the competition. In this landscape, food distributors are emerging as pioneers, harnessing the power of advanced payment platforms to provide unparalleled customer experiences. As the industry undergoes a dynamic shift towards digital transformation, those distributors adept at delivering seamless payment experiences are not merely gaining a competitive edge; they are positioning themselves for substantial gains and long-term success.

This article explores three key benefits that food distributors stand to gain by embracing a digital payment solution, unlocking opportunities for increased efficiency, enhanced brand loyalty, and growth.

1. Elevating brand loyalty

Nurturing customer loyalty is pivotal. A user-friendly payment platform, facilitating smooth transactions and featuring practical AP tools, positions distributors as reliable partners. A positive payment experience is more than efficiency—it’s a catalyst for fostering buyer loyalty. Balance research indicates that 80% of B2B food buyers prioritize a seamless e-commerce payment and checkout process. Lengthy payment approval and a poor checkout experience are significant deterrents, with 51% stating it as a top reason to explore other brands. Furthermore, 46% would discourage peers from choosing a brand with a subpar checkout. Recognizing that 90% of buyers may abandon carts due to checkout friction, the focus on simplifying the ordering process becomes integral for customer satisfaction and sustained loyalty.

2. Streamlining credit operations

The second advantage lies in the power of bringing net terms online. The ability of a tailored payment platform to streamline operations is exemplified by the digitization of net terms, mitigating the complexities associated with traditional transaction management. By simplifying the purchasing process and offering diverse payment methods aligned with their clients’ business needs, food distributors can accelerate the procurement cycle. In particular, the integration of net terms online facilitates a faster and more efficient review process for customers seeking credit.

This doesn’t only benefit customers but creates internal efficiencies for finance teams. By automating and digitizing the underwriting process, internal finance teams can be relieved of tedious tasks, enabling them to redirect their focus towards more strategic initiatives. This internal streamlining not only boosts team productivity but also allows finance professionals to delve into more complex and value-driven aspects of their roles, such as financial planning, analysis, and strategic decision-making. In essence, the digitalization of net terms doesn’t just enhance external customer experiences; it also unlocks internal efficiencies, creating a win-win scenario for both the distributor and its finance teams.

3. Reducing operational costs and enhancing financial metrics

The third advantage revolves around the strategic reduction of operational costs. An optimal payment platform not only expedites the payment cycle but also provides a comprehensive solution for optimizing processing costs, collections costs, and Days Sales Outstanding (DSOs). By digitizing and automating these financial processes, food distributors can realize substantial savings. Streamlining collections and reducing DSOs contribute to a healthier cash flow, while the efficiencies gained in processing costs directly impact the bottom line. In a landscape where cost-effectiveness is a key driver of success, a well-designed payment platform becomes a catalyst for financial optimization, ensuring that every transaction contributes to the distributor’s economic resilience and long-term profitability.

In a landscape where technology is reshaping industries, food distributors equipped with the right payment platform are not just keeping pace; they are redefining success. From operational efficiency to brand loyalty and strategic growth, the benefits are both tangible and far-reaching. Learn more about how Balance can help you get there.