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Marketplaces

Marketplace
Digital Strategy

The Risk That Marketplaces Pose to Your Distribution Business

Platforms are indeed “eating the world.” Most distributors can still choose whether they will do the eating or be the meal.  This post presents
  • Ian Heller
  • August 23, 2021
Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today
Digital Strategy

Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today

Despite early failure rates, B2B marketplaces mounted a major comeback and are rapidly outgrowing company-specific websites in many industries.
  • Ian Heller
  • March 26, 2021
If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?
Digital Strategy

If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?

Independent alternatives to third-party marketplaces like Amazon are emerging, and some distributors have found success selling through them. This has many wondering if they
  • Ian Heller
  • November 25, 2020
The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors

John Caplan talks about how Alibaba’s customer-focused business model may be a better digital marketplace for U.S. distributors than Amazon Business.
  • Ian Heller
  • November 10, 2020
How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own
B2B eCommerce

How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own

Amazon Business is projected to make $52 billion in sales by 2023. For distributors to fend off this AI-powered giant, they’ll need to understand
  • Benj Cohen
  • October 22, 2020
Which distribution verticals are vulnerable to disruption
Distribution Technology

Why Some Distribution Verticals Are More Vulnerable to Disruption

To understand how vulnerable a distribution vertical is to disruption, look at the relationship between the product category’s complexity and the ability for the
  • Jonathan Bein
  • October 13, 2020
The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace
Distribution Industry Analysis

The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace

Marketplaces are among the most successful business models of the modern era. From Amazon to Google to Grainger’s Zoro, there’s clearly good money in
  • Benj Cohen
  • September 21, 2020
White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal
Distribution Industry Analysis

HD Supply White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal is a $4B Look into the Future of Distribution

If you’re a distributor, keep an eye on White Cap, which – thanks to the help of CD&R and The Sterling Group – is
  • Ian Heller
  • August 12, 2020
The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Should You Build Your Own Marketplace? (July 22, 2020)

The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
  • Ian Heller
  • July 23, 2020
Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start

Distributors are learning how to build cultures that drive innovation; don’t wait. The disruptors are at the gate and the battle for distribution supremacy
  • Ian Heller
  • July 15, 2020
Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?
Digital Strategy

Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?

Distributors worry that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is assuming key distributor roles and erasing them from the equation. The service picks, packs, ships and
  • Jonathan Bein
  • July 13, 2020
Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors?
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors? (June 24, 2020)

If Amazon Business owns the customer, warehouses your products, does the picking, packing and shipping and handles the entire transaction – why do they
  • Ian Heller
  • June 24, 2020
Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry - courtesy grainger
Marketplaces

Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry

It’s fair to question whether these events are correlated or it’s just a coincidence that Amazon Business is (apparently) thriving in various international markets
  • Ian Heller
  • June 10, 2020
Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy

Amazon is the most obvious example of marketplaces that carry B2B SKUs, but you can find them on Google Shopping, Walmart.com, Alibaba, eBay Business
  • Ian Heller
  • June 8, 2020
Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites? (May 20, 2020)

In this episode of Wholesale Change (May 20, 2020), Distribution Strategy Group’s Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein discuss the importance and future of marketplaces
  • Ian Heller
  • May 21, 2020
A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It
Marketplaces

A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It

An Amazon Post Full of Nonsense Carries a Serious Underlying Message We all know the world is not fair. For one thing, celery is
  • Ian Heller
  • March 31, 2020
The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors

Amazon continues to build share into traditional distribution channels. Their obsession for the customer experience raises the bar high for suppliers – distributors and
  • Dean Mueller
  • September 9, 2018
The Amazon Effect
Marketplaces

The Amazon Effect

Amazon is a machine. The online retail juggernaut has recently churned out the world’s richest man and, its tendrils of modernization are slowly reaching
  • Jonathan Bein
  • November 13, 2017

Upcoming Programs

  • Upcoming Program

AI News and Gurus: The Show for Intelligent Distributors

Join us on Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 at 9 PT/12 ET for our newest session of AI News and Gurus: The Show for Intelligent
Register Now
  • Upcoming Program

AI Impact: New Jobs or No Jobs?

Join us on Oct15, 2025, 9 PT/12 ET for a friendly but tough debate over AI’s real impact on jobs and human labor.
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State of eCommerce

Join us on Oct 22, 2025 at 9PT/12ET for the latest findings from our comprehensive research on the state of eCommerce in distribution.
Register Now
  • Upcoming Program

How Distributors are Driving Productivity with Process Automation

Join us on Oct 29, 2025 at 9PT/12ET as top distribution leaders share actionable ideas on productivity through automation.
Register Now
Marketplace
Digital Strategy

The Risk That Marketplaces Pose to Your Distribution Business

Platforms are indeed “eating the world.” Most distributors can still choose whether they will do the eating or be the meal.  This post presents
  • Ian Heller
  • August 23, 2021
Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today
Digital Strategy

Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today

Despite early failure rates, B2B marketplaces mounted a major comeback and are rapidly outgrowing company-specific websites in many industries.
  • Ian Heller
  • March 26, 2021
If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?
Digital Strategy

If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?

Independent alternatives to third-party marketplaces like Amazon are emerging, and some distributors have found success selling through them. This has many wondering if they
  • Ian Heller
  • November 25, 2020
The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors

John Caplan talks about how Alibaba’s customer-focused business model may be a better digital marketplace for U.S. distributors than Amazon Business.
  • Ian Heller
  • November 10, 2020
How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own
B2B eCommerce

How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own

Amazon Business is projected to make $52 billion in sales by 2023. For distributors to fend off this AI-powered giant, they’ll need to understand
  • Benj Cohen
  • October 22, 2020
Which distribution verticals are vulnerable to disruption
Distribution Technology

Why Some Distribution Verticals Are More Vulnerable to Disruption

To understand how vulnerable a distribution vertical is to disruption, look at the relationship between the product category’s complexity and the ability for the
  • Jonathan Bein
  • October 13, 2020
The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace
Distribution Industry Analysis

The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace

Marketplaces are among the most successful business models of the modern era. From Amazon to Google to Grainger’s Zoro, there’s clearly good money in
  • Benj Cohen
  • September 21, 2020
White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal
Distribution Industry Analysis

HD Supply White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal is a $4B Look into the Future of Distribution

If you’re a distributor, keep an eye on White Cap, which – thanks to the help of CD&R and The Sterling Group – is
  • Ian Heller
  • August 12, 2020
The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Should You Build Your Own Marketplace? (July 22, 2020)

The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
  • Ian Heller
  • July 23, 2020
Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start

Distributors are learning how to build cultures that drive innovation; don’t wait. The disruptors are at the gate and the battle for distribution supremacy
  • Ian Heller
  • July 15, 2020
Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?
Digital Strategy

Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?

Distributors worry that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is assuming key distributor roles and erasing them from the equation. The service picks, packs, ships and
  • Jonathan Bein
  • July 13, 2020
Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors?
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors? (June 24, 2020)

If Amazon Business owns the customer, warehouses your products, does the picking, packing and shipping and handles the entire transaction – why do they
  • Ian Heller
  • June 24, 2020
Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry - courtesy grainger
Marketplaces

Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry

It’s fair to question whether these events are correlated or it’s just a coincidence that Amazon Business is (apparently) thriving in various international markets
  • Ian Heller
  • June 10, 2020
Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy

Amazon is the most obvious example of marketplaces that carry B2B SKUs, but you can find them on Google Shopping, Walmart.com, Alibaba, eBay Business
  • Ian Heller
  • June 8, 2020
Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites? (May 20, 2020)

In this episode of Wholesale Change (May 20, 2020), Distribution Strategy Group’s Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein discuss the importance and future of marketplaces
  • Ian Heller
  • May 21, 2020
A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It
Marketplaces

A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It

An Amazon Post Full of Nonsense Carries a Serious Underlying Message We all know the world is not fair. For one thing, celery is
  • Ian Heller
  • March 31, 2020
The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors

Amazon continues to build share into traditional distribution channels. Their obsession for the customer experience raises the bar high for suppliers – distributors and
  • Dean Mueller
  • September 9, 2018
The Amazon Effect
Marketplaces

The Amazon Effect

Amazon is a machine. The online retail juggernaut has recently churned out the world’s richest man and, its tendrils of modernization are slowly reaching
  • Jonathan Bein
  • November 13, 2017

Recent Reports

Strategic Approaches for Sustainable Growth

Best Practices to Compete in a Changing Market

Report: State of Distributor Pricing and Costing

The State of Customer Experience in Distribution

Marketplace
Digital Strategy

The Risk That Marketplaces Pose to Your Distribution Business

Platforms are indeed “eating the world.” Most distributors can still choose whether they will do the eating or be the meal.  This post presents
  • Ian Heller
  • August 23, 2021
Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today
Digital Strategy

Why B2B Marketplaces Are Booming Today

Despite early failure rates, B2B marketplaces mounted a major comeback and are rapidly outgrowing company-specific websites in many industries.
  • Ian Heller
  • March 26, 2021
If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?
Digital Strategy

If Marketplaces are a Must, Should You Build Your Own?

Independent alternatives to third-party marketplaces like Amazon are emerging, and some distributors have found success selling through them. This has many wondering if they
  • Ian Heller
  • November 25, 2020
The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Difference Between Alibaba and Amazon: How Alibaba’s B2B Platform Works for Distributors

John Caplan talks about how Alibaba’s customer-focused business model may be a better digital marketplace for U.S. distributors than Amazon Business.
  • Ian Heller
  • November 10, 2020
How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own
B2B eCommerce

How to Fend Off Amazon with AI Strategies of Your Own

Amazon Business is projected to make $52 billion in sales by 2023. For distributors to fend off this AI-powered giant, they’ll need to understand
  • Benj Cohen
  • October 22, 2020
Which distribution verticals are vulnerable to disruption
Distribution Technology

Why Some Distribution Verticals Are More Vulnerable to Disruption

To understand how vulnerable a distribution vertical is to disruption, look at the relationship between the product category’s complexity and the ability for the
  • Jonathan Bein
  • October 13, 2020
The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace
Distribution Industry Analysis

The 3 Ingredients You Need to Build a Successful Marketplace

Marketplaces are among the most successful business models of the modern era. From Amazon to Google to Grainger’s Zoro, there’s clearly good money in
  • Benj Cohen
  • September 21, 2020
White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal
Distribution Industry Analysis

HD Supply White Cap-Construction Supply Group Deal is a $4B Look into the Future of Distribution

If you’re a distributor, keep an eye on White Cap, which – thanks to the help of CD&R and The Sterling Group – is
  • Ian Heller
  • August 12, 2020
The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Should You Build Your Own Marketplace? (July 22, 2020)

The Wholesale Change crew will talk about how, why and if you should build your own marketplace to fight back.
  • Ian Heller
  • July 23, 2020
Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Can’t Innovate – and How You Can Start

Distributors are learning how to build cultures that drive innovation; don’t wait. The disruptors are at the gate and the battle for distribution supremacy
  • Ian Heller
  • July 15, 2020
Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?
Digital Strategy

Is ‘Fulfillment by Amazon’ the Beginning of the End for Distributors?

Distributors worry that Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is assuming key distributor roles and erasing them from the equation. The service picks, packs, ships and
  • Jonathan Bein
  • July 13, 2020
Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors?
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Does “Fulfillment by Amazon” Mean the Death of Distributors? (June 24, 2020)

If Amazon Business owns the customer, warehouses your products, does the picking, packing and shipping and handles the entire transaction – why do they
  • Ian Heller
  • June 24, 2020
Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry - courtesy grainger
Marketplaces

Grainger Disinvests in Europe as Amazon Business Expands: What This Means for the Industry

It’s fair to question whether these events are correlated or it’s just a coincidence that Amazon Business is (apparently) thriving in various international markets
  • Ian Heller
  • June 10, 2020
Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy
Digital Strategy

Why Distributors Need a Marketplaces Strategy

Amazon is the most obvious example of marketplaces that carry B2B SKUs, but you can find them on Google Shopping, Walmart.com, Alibaba, eBay Business
  • Ian Heller
  • June 8, 2020
Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites
Marketplaces

Wholesale Change Show: Will B2B Marketplaces Kill Company Specific Websites? (May 20, 2020)

In this episode of Wholesale Change (May 20, 2020), Distribution Strategy Group’s Ian Heller and Jonathan Bein discuss the importance and future of marketplaces
  • Ian Heller
  • May 21, 2020
A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It
Marketplaces

A Global Pandemic is Great for Amazon’s Sales, No Matter How You Spin It

An Amazon Post Full of Nonsense Carries a Serious Underlying Message We all know the world is not fair. For one thing, celery is
  • Ian Heller
  • March 31, 2020
The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors
Digital Strategy

The Impact of Amazon Business on Distributors

Amazon continues to build share into traditional distribution channels. Their obsession for the customer experience raises the bar high for suppliers – distributors and
  • Dean Mueller
  • September 9, 2018
The Amazon Effect
Marketplaces

The Amazon Effect

Amazon is a machine. The online retail juggernaut has recently churned out the world’s richest man and, its tendrils of modernization are slowly reaching
  • Jonathan Bein
  • November 13, 2017
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