Ever wondered how big companies sell to each other behind the scenes? Let’s dive into real B2B examples that power global industries—revealing how businesses grow by serving other businesses.
B2B Examples: Understanding the Core Concept
Business-to-business (B2B) refers to transactions between companies rather than between a company and individual consumers (B2C). These interactions form the backbone of global commerce, from raw material suppliers to software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms. Unlike B2C, B2B relationships are often long-term, contract-based, and driven by logic, ROI, and efficiency.
What Defines a B2B Transaction?
A B2B transaction occurs when one business provides goods or services to another business. These can range from physical products like steel or electronics to digital services like cloud storage or cybersecurity solutions. The key differentiator from B2C is the decision-making process: B2B purchases typically involve multiple stakeholders, longer sales cycles, and higher order values.
- Transactions are often bulk or recurring
- Decision-making involves procurement teams, technical evaluators, and executives
- Pricing is frequently negotiated, not fixed
For example, when Intel sells microchips to Dell, it’s a classic B2B example. Dell uses those chips to build laptops sold to consumers, but the initial sale from Intel to Dell is purely business-focused.
Key Characteristics of B2B Models
B2B models thrive on relationship-building, scalability, and value demonstration. They rely heavily on trust, performance data, and service reliability. According to McKinsey, over 70% of B2B buyers expect suppliers to act as trusted advisors, not just vendors.
- Long sales cycles with complex approval workflows
- High customer lifetime value (LTV)
- Customized pricing and service tiers
“In B2B, you’re not just selling a product—you’re selling a solution to a business problem.” — HubSpot Research
Top B2B Examples in Manufacturing and Supply Chain
The manufacturing sector is one of the oldest and most robust arenas for B2B examples. Companies depend on reliable suppliers for raw materials, components, and logistics services to keep production lines moving.
Steel Supplier to Automotive Industry
One of the most enduring B2B examples is the relationship between steel producers like Nippon Steel and automakers like Toyota. Nippon Steel manufactures high-tensile steel used in vehicle frames, engines, and safety components. These materials are essential for meeting safety standards and fuel efficiency goals.
- Long-term supply contracts ensure stability
- Just-in-time delivery systems minimize inventory costs
- Joint R&D initiatives improve material performance
This B2B relationship isn’t transactional—it’s strategic. Toyota depends on consistent quality and delivery timelines, while Nippon Steel gains predictable revenue and opportunities to innovate based on automotive trends.
Industrial Equipment Providers
Companies like Siemens and General Electric (GE) supply heavy machinery and automation systems to factories worldwide. For instance, GE provides turbine systems to power plants, while Siemens offers programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that automate manufacturing processes.
- High upfront costs, long depreciation periods
- Service and maintenance contracts add recurring revenue
- Integration with existing systems is critical
These B2B examples highlight how industrial suppliers don’t just sell equipment—they offer performance guarantees, training, and remote monitoring. A study by Deloitte found that 60% of manufacturers now expect equipment vendors to provide digital twin and predictive maintenance capabilities.
B2B Examples in Technology and SaaS
The digital age has supercharged B2B models, especially in software and cloud services. Today, some of the most influential B2B examples come from tech companies providing scalable, subscription-based solutions.
Cloud Infrastructure: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
AWS is a textbook B2B example. It provides cloud computing services—like storage, databases, and machine learning tools—to businesses of all sizes. Netflix, for example, runs its entire streaming platform on AWS infrastructure.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model scales with usage
- Global data centers ensure low latency
- Enterprise-grade security and compliance certifications
AWS doesn’t sell to individual users in the traditional sense; its clients are development teams, IT departments, and CTOs making strategic infrastructure decisions. According to Gartner, AWS held 32% of the global cloud infrastructure market in 2023, proving the dominance of B2B tech platforms.
Collaboration Tools: Microsoft 365 and Slack
Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) is another powerful B2B example. It offers integrated productivity tools—Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook—licensed per user per month to organizations. Slack, now part of Salesforce, serves a similar role in team communication.
- Centralized admin controls for IT departments
- Integration with CRM, ERP, and HR systems
- Data governance and compliance features
These platforms are rarely adopted by individuals alone. Instead, companies evaluate them based on team productivity, security, and interoperability. A Forrester study found that enterprises using Microsoft 365 saw a 300% ROI over three years due to reduced downtime and improved collaboration.
Logistics and Distribution B2B Examples
Behind every product on a shelf is a complex web of B2B logistics. From warehousing to last-mile delivery, logistics providers enable commerce at scale.
FedEx and UPS: B2B Shipping Giants
FedEx and UPS are not just for consumer packages—they serve thousands of businesses with dedicated freight, warehousing, and supply chain solutions. For example, a pharmaceutical company might use FedEx’s temperature-controlled shipping to transport vaccines globally.
- Dedicated account managers for enterprise clients
- API integrations for automated shipping and tracking
- Custom packaging and compliance support
These B2B services go far beyond dropping a box at a store. They include analytics dashboards, route optimization, and disaster recovery planning. According to Statista, FedEx generated over $93 billion in revenue in 2023, with more than 80% coming from business clients.
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Providers
Companies like DHL Supply Chain and XPO Logistics offer end-to-end logistics management. They handle inventory, warehousing, order fulfillment, and even reverse logistics for retailers and manufacturers.
- Scalable solutions for seasonal demand spikes
- Real-time inventory visibility across locations
- Sustainability reporting and carbon footprint tracking
For example, a fashion brand launching a new collection might partner with a 3PL to manage distribution across Europe. This B2B relationship allows the brand to focus on design and marketing while the logistics expert handles the operational complexity.
B2B Examples in Professional Services
Not all B2B examples involve physical goods. Many are service-based, where expertise is the product. Consulting, legal, accounting, and marketing agencies all operate in the B2B space.
Management Consulting: McKinsey & Company
McKinsey is a premier B2B example in professional services. It advises Fortune 500 companies on strategy, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. Clients pay millions for insights that can reshape entire business models.
- Project-based engagements with measurable KPIs
- Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Global teams with industry-specific expertise
While McKinsey doesn’t sell a tangible product, its value lies in data-driven recommendations. A Harvard Business Review analysis found that companies using top-tier consultants were 23% more likely to achieve strategic goals on time.
Digital Marketing Agencies
Agencies like WPP or Publicis Groupe provide B2B marketing services to brands looking to reach other businesses. This includes SEO, content marketing, lead generation, and trade show management.
- Performance-based pricing models (e.g., cost per lead)
- Multi-channel campaigns across LinkedIn, Google, and industry portals
- Detailed analytics and conversion tracking
For instance, a SaaS company might hire a B2B marketing agency to generate qualified leads through targeted LinkedIn ads and whitepaper downloads. The agency’s success is measured by pipeline growth, not just brand awareness.
Financial and Fintech B2B Examples
Money moves through B2B channels just as much as goods and services. Financial institutions and fintech startups provide critical infrastructure for business operations.
Payment Processors: Stripe and Adyen
Stripe and Adyen are modern B2B examples that enable other businesses to accept online payments. They offer APIs that developers integrate into e-commerce platforms, SaaS apps, and marketplaces.
- Global payment support (credit cards, digital wallets, local methods)
- Fraud detection and compliance with PCI-DSS
- Recurring billing and subscription management
For example, Shopify uses Stripe to power its merchant payment processing. This B2B relationship allows Shopify to focus on store design and user experience while Stripe handles the complex backend of transaction security and settlement.
Corporate Banking and Lending
Traditional banks like JPMorgan Chase and HSBC offer B2B services such as business loans, cash management, and foreign exchange. These services are essential for working capital and expansion.
- Lines of credit tailored to business cycles
- Trade finance for international suppliers
- Treasury management systems for large corporations
A manufacturing firm expanding to Asia might use HSBC’s trade finance services to secure letters of credit and manage currency risk. These B2B financial tools reduce uncertainty and enable global growth.
Emerging B2B Examples in Sustainability and Green Tech
As environmental concerns grow, new B2B models are emerging around sustainability. Companies are now selling eco-friendly solutions to other businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Renewable Energy Providers
Companies like Ørsted and NextEra Energy sell wind and solar power to corporations through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Google, for example, has signed multiple PPAs to power its data centers with 100% renewable energy.
- Long-term contracts (10–20 years) lock in energy prices
- Help businesses meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels and volatile energy markets
These B2B examples show how sustainability is no longer a side project—it’s a core business strategy. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), corporate PPAs accounted for 28% of new renewable capacity in 2022.
Sustainable Packaging Suppliers
With plastic bans and consumer pressure rising, companies like DS Smith and Tetra Pak provide eco-friendly packaging solutions to food and beverage brands. These B2B suppliers help clients transition from single-use plastics to compostable or recyclable materials.
- Custom packaging design for brand alignment
- Lifecycle analysis to measure environmental impact
- Supply chain transparency and certification (e.g., FSC)
For instance, Unilever partners with DS Smith to develop recyclable packaging for its cleaning products. This B2B collaboration supports Unilever’s “Less Plastic, Better Plastic” initiative while giving DS Smith a high-profile client.
How These B2B Examples Drive Innovation
Beyond transactions, B2B relationships are catalysts for innovation. When businesses collaborate, they co-create solutions that neither could develop alone.
Co-Development Partnerships
Apple and Corning are a prime example of B2B innovation. Corning developed Gorilla Glass specifically for Apple’s iPhone, investing heavily in R&D based on Apple’s design requirements. This partnership led to a product now used in millions of devices worldwide.
- Shared IP agreements and joint patents
- Early access to prototypes and feedback loops
- Revenue-sharing or volume-based incentives
Such B2B examples demonstrate that suppliers aren’t just order-takers—they’re innovation partners. A PwC report found that 67% of manufacturers now involve key suppliers in product development.
API Ecosystems and Platform Integration
Modern B2B platforms thrive on integration. Salesforce, for example, offers an open API that allows third-party developers to build apps on its ecosystem. Companies like Zoom and DocuSign integrate directly into Salesforce, enhancing its functionality.
- AppExchange and similar marketplaces drive network effects
- Developers earn revenue from app sales and subscriptions
- End-users benefit from seamless workflows
This B2B model turns a CRM into a central hub for sales, marketing, and service—proving that integration is a powerful value driver.
What are B2B examples?
B2B examples are real-world cases where one business sells products or services to another. Common examples include Intel selling chips to Dell, AWS providing cloud services to Netflix, or McKinsey advising Fortune 500 companies on strategy.
What is the difference between B2B and B2C?
B2B (business-to-business) involves transactions between companies, often with long sales cycles and multiple decision-makers. B2C (business-to-consumer) targets individual customers with shorter, emotion-driven purchases.
Why are B2B relationships important?
B2B relationships are crucial because they enable supply chains, drive innovation, and support economic growth. They allow companies to focus on their core competencies while relying on specialized partners for critical functions.
Which industries have the most B2B activity?
Manufacturing, technology, logistics, professional services, and finance are among the industries with the highest B2B activity. These sectors rely heavily on inter-company collaboration to deliver end products and services.
How is B2B marketing different from B2C?
B2B marketing focuses on logic, ROI, and long-term value, using channels like LinkedIn, whitepapers, and trade shows. B2C marketing emphasizes emotion, branding, and mass appeal through TV, social media, and influencers.
From manufacturing giants to digital disruptors, B2B examples shape the way businesses operate worldwide. These relationships are not just about selling—they’re about solving problems, driving efficiency, and fostering innovation. Whether it’s a cloud platform enabling remote work or a logistics provider ensuring timely delivery, B2B is the invisible engine of global commerce. Understanding these models helps entrepreneurs, marketers, and executives make smarter decisions in an interconnected economy.
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