Luis CarbajoCEO SoloStocks.com, shares with us his vision on the role of eCommerce in the B2B (Business to Business) field, analyzing the opportunities offered by the internationalization for SMEs and self-employed workers. Its experience and leadership have made it a benchmark in e-commerce both in Spain and globally.
Since joining as CEO of SoloStocks in 2012, Carbajo has been at the forefront of important transformations in the platform. Previously, he worked in strategic roles at Amazon and Vistaprint, two e-commerce giants. With his knowledge and experience, he has driven SoloStocks to consolidate itself as a leader in the B2B market, promoting the internationalization of thousands of small and medium-sized companies.
How does SoloStocks.com work?
Luis Carbajo: SoloStocks.com is a marketplace designed specifically for companies and professionals. We have become leaders in Spain within the B2B segment and we have a strong presence in international markets, especially in Europe and Latin America. Our platform brings together more than 2 billion products offered by more than 50.000 suppliers trusted globally, ensuring safe and effective transactions.
Our model allows businesses and freelancers to acquire all types of goods and services necessary for their operations. At the same time, we provide them with a reliable and efficient channel to monetize their inventory, whether new products, liquidations or surplus. This is combined with a focus on ensuring transaction security, resulting in a highly secure buying and selling experience. satisfactory.
Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration with institutions such as ICEX Spain Export and Investments, we facilitate the possibility for companies to export their products without the need for additional investments in infrastructure. This allows them to reach a much larger audience. In figures, SoloStocks.com receives more than 3,5 million monthly visits globally, of which 2,5 million are in Spain.
Key factors in the growth of SoloStocks.com
Since its founding in 2000, SoloStocks has evolved significantly. According to Carbajo, the sustained growth of the platform is due to two main factors:
- Constant technological innovation: Over the course of 15 years, SoloStocks has invested in the development of new features that improve the user experience. From the implementation of adaptive design for mobile devices to tools that optimize the visibility of suppliers.
- Focus on user experience: Reducing invasive advertising and prioritizing security and reliability in transactions have been strategic decisions that strengthen user trust.
Future forecasts: For the coming years, SoloStocks' main objectives are to consolidate its leadership in Spain, expand its presence in key markets such as Brazil, Mexico and Europe, and continue to improve personalization in the shopping experience.
Transformations under the leadership of Luis Carbajo
The change in the direction of SoloStocks in 2012 marked a turning point in the digital workplace strategy of the business. One of the most relevant changes was the transition from an advertising directory model to an eCommerce platform. This not only involved a significant reduction intrusive ads, but also the implementation of a secure payment system. This has significantly improved buyer satisfaction and generated more trust in suppliers.
Another key development was related to responsive design, which allows for an optimal experience on any device, whether mobile, tablet or computer. In addition, a special focus has been given to supplier companies within the platform, offering them options to create custom sites within SoloStocks, thus improving their digital presence.
Factors that differentiate SoloStocks in the B2B market
What really makes SoloStocks stand out is its specialized approach in the B2B segment. According to Luis Carbajo, for years SoloStocks was one of the few platforms with an exclusive focus on the needs of business-to-business commerce.
Some key attributes that set SoloStocks apart include:
- Security in transactions: We act as mediators between buyers and sellers, verifying the reliability of suppliers and resolving any anomalies that may arise.
- Specialized teams: Our technical team, together with the user experience and product development department, ensures a high quality service.
- In-depth knowledge of the market: More than 15 years of experience in the Spanish and global markets have allowed us to position ourselves as leaders in our category.
Reasons behind the growth of online commerce for small businesses and freelancers
According to a recent study, self-employed workers in the B2B sector are much more active online than small limited companies. This is due to several factors:
This segment of companies, with more limited resources, finds in marketplaces a direct and economical way to reach international audiences and clients, without investing in expensive infrastructures. In fact, over the last few years SoloStocks has accompanied many of these companies in their first online sales experience.
In Spain, self-employed companies and small SMEs represent 95% of the business fabric, being a key driver for the economy. This explains their preponderance in SoloStocks, leading the number of companies that offer products and services on the platform.
Spanish exports and their impact on the B2B market
The growth of Spanish exports, with an increase of 21% in the last year, points to Latin America as the main destination for national products. This phenomenon can be explained by:
- The cultural and linguistic proximity between Spain and Latin American countries, which facilitates transactions.
- The depreciation of the euro against the US dollar, which has made European products more competitive on the international market.
Among the most exported products are machinery, food, fashion, and home and garden products. These categories have gained traction because many companies have abandoned their fear of new digital channels, trusting in marketplaces such as SoloStocks to expand their access to international customers.
Most in-demand products in the online wholesale sector
Interestingly, the most in-demand categories do not always coincide with the best-selling ones. For example, technology products such as mobile phones, tablets and accessories, as well as personalized gifts and electronic cigarettes, have generated high demand. However, meeting this demand requires a efficient logistics and fast.
At SoloStocks, we have identified peaks in demand for products such as smartwatches or electronic cigarettes, which experienced temporary booms before stabilizing as standard products within wholesale catalogs.
Tips for wholesalers and manufacturers planning to make the leap to eCommerce
For any company that wants to enter e-commerce, the most important recommendation is to generate confidence among its customers. Many people are still wary of online shopping, especially when it comes to potential fraud or the lack of direct contact with the product before purchasing.
Some key tips include:
- Show testimonials and positive reviews from previous clients.
- Guarantee personalized attention, resolving queries quickly through multiple channels such as telephone or email.
- Be transparent in the purchasing process, from product descriptions to payment methods and return policies.
Finally, for companies that choose marketplaces like SoloStocks, it is vital to offer excellent after-sales service and foster strong relationships with their customers. This not only improves the company's reputation, but also increases the chances of customer loyalty.
As e-commerce continues to expand, platforms like SoloStocks will continue to play a crucial role in connecting businesses and markets, both locally and internationally.