To the uninitiated, the contrast in sales strategies employed in B2C and B2B may not be fully apparent. Yet, in real terms, they are indeed a world apart. Selling in B2C is more emotion-focused, relying on the impulse of the consumer to purchase a product, whereas selling in B2B is more rational-focused, relying on highlighting the merits of a product to incite its purchase.
Unsurprisingly, there are fundamental differences in B2C and B2B product image requirements – which will be the point of our discussion in this article.
Differences Between B2B and B2C Product Image Requirements
Realism vs. Functionality
In B2C, there is typically a higher premium placed on image realism. Customers want to be confident that the item they are purchasing is indeed the one being shown. Furthermore, realistic images are more appealing, contributing to the emotional aspect of a buying decision. Thus, in B2C, high-quality photographs instead of renders are favored.
As reflected in the image requirements placed by many major online retailers, Amazon, for instance, puts the recommended size of images at 1000 x 1000 pixels with the product occupying at least 85% of the frame. Additionally, only professional photographs are accepted as valid representations.
In B2B, on the other hand, a higher premium is placed on image functionality. Customers want a practical image that provides in-depth overview and functionality, allowing them to quickly know what item is as well as its specifics. Business clients don’t care about aesthetics, they care about purpose. They cannot afford to order the wrong items, which could lead to costly delays in their own operations.
Standardization vs. Flexibility
While product personalization is something that is prized among both B2C and B2B customers, nonetheless, those in the latter sector generally place a relatively higher premium on it. Those in B2C are after an end product, and thus, the general level of customization may be limited to the general aesthetic and rudimentary upgrades. Images can be standardized to keep the cost of production low.
In B2B, meanwhile, customers prefer to customize their order to meet their exact requirements. Therefore, images have to be rendered so that its various aspects can be changed on the fly so the client can better assess how their finalized order will look like.
Concluding Note
At a time when the e-commerce landscape is increasingly becoming customer-centric, there is no alternative for companies to improving the quality experience on their product page. Part of this approach lies in understanding the differences inB2C and B2B product image requirements.
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