Guide to B2B Payments: A Comprehensive Overview

​When it comes to b2b payments, there are a lot of different options and methods out there. And with so many options available, it can be tough to know which one is right for your business. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to making b2b payments. We'll cover everything from the different types of b2b payment methods to how to choose the right one for your business. So whether you're just getting started with b2b payments or you're looking to improve your current process, this guide will give you the information you need to make the best possible decisions for your business.

What  are B2B Payments?

B2B payments, or business to business payments, are transactions between two business entities. This can include things like payroll, invoicing, and procurement. In order to make these payments, businesses need to use a payment solution that is designed for B2B transactions.

There are a few different types of B2B payment solutions like Wire, ACH, Cheques, Credit Cards,  or Digital Payment methods. Business to business (B2B) payments are typically higher value and involve more complex transactions than B2C payments. As a result, businesses need to carefully consider which payment method will best suit their needs. Some solutions are not designed for businesses of a certain size, or they may not have the features that businesses need. 

The right payment mix can help businesses save time, money and improve cash flow. This is because businesses can make payments on-time while avoiding high payment fees. Let's look into various payment solutions and their tradeoffs:

B2B Payment Solutions: What's right for you?

There are a number of different B2B payment solutions available, including wire transfers, ACH payments, cheques, credit cards, and digital payment methods. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your business.

Wire transfers: It's one of the most common B2B payment methods. They're fast, secure, and offer relatively low transaction fees. However, they can be expensive to set up or use when compared to ACH, and there's a risk of fraud if you're not using a reputable provider.

ACH Payments: Automated Clearing House or ACH is another popular option for B2B payments. They're cheaper to set up than wire transfers, and they offer a higher level of security. However, they can take a few days to clear and are only available in US, so they're not suitable for time-sensitive  or international transactions.

Cheques: They are a traditional form of payment, but they're not often used anymore for B2B payments due to the risk of fraud. If you do choose to use cheques for B2B payments, make sure you have a secure way to track and manage them.

Credit cards: Another option for B2B payments, but they generally have higher transaction fees than other methods. They can be a good option if you need to make a quick payment or need credit, but make sure you understand the fees before you decide to use this method.

Digital payment methods: PayPal or e-invoicing, are becoming increasingly popular for B2B payments. They're fast, convenient, and offer a high level of security. However, they may not be accepted by all businesses, so it's important to check before you use this method.

Choosing the right B2B payment solution will depend on your specific needs. Wire transfers are a good option for fast, secure payments, but they can be expensive to set up. ACH payments are cheaper to set up, but they can take a few days to clear. Credit cards can be a good option for quick payments, but they generally have higher transaction fees. Digital payment methods are becoming increasingly popular, but they may not be accepted by all businesses.

How are businesses handling Payments?

Many businesses are turning to online payments to make it easier for their customers to pay them. This can be anything from setting up a PayPal account to accepting Apple Pay.

Some businesses are using online payment processors like Stripe or Square. These companies allow businesses to accept credit and debit cards as well as some other forms of online payment.

Other businesses are using more traditional methods like bank transfers or checks. However, these methods are becoming less popular as they can take longer to process and can be more difficult to reconcile.

What's right for you?

The best way to decide what's right for you is to look at your customer base and see how they like to pay. If most of your customers are using credit cards, then it makes sense to set up a credit card processing account. If your customers are using a mix of methods, then you'll need to decide which one is most important to you.

If you're looking for the quickest and easiest way to get paid, then you should definitely consider online payments. However, if you're looking for the most affordable option, then you might want to stick with traditional methods like bank transfers or check processing.

Setting up B2B payment methods

ACH: 

• ACH transfer is made availble through your organization's banking system or ACH payment platform like Dwolla.
• Input the vendor information, including their bank account details and payment amount.
• Specify the payment date, whether it's a standard ACH transfer or a same-day ACH transfer, based on your needs and the vendor's requirements

Wire:

• Use your organization's banking system or wire transfer platforms like Wise.
• Enter vendor information, payment amount, and currency.
• Specify the payment date and purpose.

Credit Card:

• Credit Cards involve high fees on vendor side which is why this payment method might not be accepted by them.
• If your vendor doesn't accept credit cards, you can explore third-party services that can facilitate credit card payments on your behalf.
• Some banks offer payment partners that will charge your credit card and send a paper check to your vendor.
• Alternatively, third-party companies can charge your credit card and then initiate various payment methods, such as ACH transfers, wire transfers, or checks, to the vendor.
• Be aware that these services typically charge a processing fee on your end, which you should consider when making payments.

Digital Payment Methods

• Setup an account on third-party platform like PayPal or Stripe's website.
• Create a business account in your local currency, typically a straightforward process.
• The platform usually provides clear information on currency exchange rates, transaction fees, and step-by-step guidance for setting up vendor accounts.
• Take advantage of the resources and instructions provided to ensure a smooth payment process.

You can further setup automation methods for digital payments to simplify the process and boost your productivity.

B2B payment automation

B2B payment automation involves everything from the automation of capturing and processing invoices to making payments to vendors and reconciling those payments in your books. It allows your business to free up resources, reduce manual errors, and focus on more strategic tasks.

With the right B2B payment automation software, you can 10x your efficiency while saving 80% of costs. And the benefits are not limited to cost savings, accuracy, and efficiency — B2B payment automation can also improve supplier relationships, ensure compliance, avoid fines and penalties, and provide critical insights into cash flow and financial health.

Here are the steps to automate in B2B payment workflow:

1. Invoice processing
2. Approval workflows
3. Payment execution
4. Payment reconciliation
5. Reporting and analytics

Learm how to do this through our automation guide.​

Best Practices for Streamlining B2B Payments

As the world of business becomes more and more digital, the need for efficient and streamlined B2B payments becomes more and more important. There are a number of best practices that businesses can follow in order to streamline their B2B payments and make the whole process as smooth and efficient as possible.

One of the most important things to do is to choose the right payment processor. There are a lot of different payment processors out there, and it can be tough to know which one is right for your business. It's important to do your research and find a processor that offers the features and functionality that you need. You should also make sure to read reviews and compare pricing before making your final decision.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all payment methods are created equal. Some methods, like wire transfer, can take a long time to process and can be quite costly. Other methods, like ACH or credit card, are much faster and less expensive. It's important to choose the right payment method for your particular needs.

Another best practice is to automate as much of the payment process as possible. There are a number of software programs out there that can help you automate your payments, and this can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

Finally, it's important to keep your payment information secure. Be sure to use a secure payment processor, and never store your credit card information on your computer or in an unsecure location. By following these best practices, you can streamline your B2B payments and make the whole process much simpler and more efficient.​​

B2B Payments and ERP Integration

The integration of ERP systems like QuickBooks streamlines many businesses' payment processes.

• Apps like QuickBooks can automate the payment process by integrating with the business's ERP system. This integration can save the business time by eliminating manual data entry.
• ERPs can help businesses track their B2B payments. This tracking can help businesses stay organized and ensure that all payments are made on time.
• They are essential to manage their accounts receivable. This management can help businesses keep track of what is owed to them and help them collect payment from customers.

ACH and Wire Transfers can easily be stored in your ERP systems. For the other newer methods, you will need to connect to the API and sync the two databases.

Flow by Nanonets

Automation software like Flow Nanonets can handle the end-to-end accounts payable process and help you 10x your efficiency. You can automate your invoices, approval, and payment process. Sync data in real-time with your ERP like Quickbooks for reconciliation, monitoring and performing analytics on your AP process.

Schedule a demo with Flow by Nanonets today:

Conclusion: Secure and Efficient B2B Payments

​As the world increasingly moves towards a digital economy, the need for secure and efficient payment processing solutions has never been greater. Businesses need to be able to quickly and easily send and receive payments without having to worry about the security of their transactions.

There are a number of different b2b payment processing solutions available on the market today. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are more secure than others, and some are more efficient.

The best b2b payment processing solutions will offer a combination of security and efficiency. They will use the latest encryption technology to ensure that all transactions are safe and secure. At the same time, they will offer a fast and easy way for businesses to send and receive payments.

There are a number of different providers of b2b payment processing solutions. However, not all of them are created equal. Some are more expensive than others, and some do not offer the same level of security and efficiency.

The best b2b payment processing solutions will offer a combination of security and efficiency at a reasonable price. They will use the latest encryption technology to ensure that all transactions are safe and secure. At the same time, they will offer a fast and easy way for businesses to send and receive payments.