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Wunderman Thompson releases third edition of B2B Future Shopper report
Mumbai: The third edition of Wunderman Thompson commerce & technology’s B2B Future Shopper report, has been launched. Providing a deep dive into 11 international markets (including India) and 2,261 B2B buyers, the report offers an unparalleled view into the world of commerce and B2B buying behaviour, to help businesses win online.
B2B Buyers often want to get through the purchase process, from inspiration to purchase, as quickly as possible. We call this “compressed commerce” and those businesses, retailers and marketplaces that can do this best, often find themselves winning against their online competition. Indian B2B buyers are those that want “compressed commerce” the most (94 per cent).
Indian B2B buyers are more likely to buy from a supplier that inspires them. The most commonly used source of inspiration was suppliers’ websites and mobile sites (39 per cent and 40 per cent respectively), followed by suppliers’ apps (35 per cent for both categories of purchase). When it comes to starting the B2B buying process, the report revealed that 67 per cent of all B2B buyers start their purchase journeys online with Indian B2B buyers ranking the highest.
One of the key methods of communicating with B2B Buyers, when they are online and on websites, is online and video chat. The report findings reveal that overall, this functionality, whilst used, is not used regularly. Although it is no surprise to see Indian B2B buyers top this list, further cementing their role as real B2B digital embracers.
Indian buyers also rank as the most frustrated buyers buying B2B products online, and rank the highest when it comes to switching their suppliers vis-à-vis among their global counterparts.
The role of sustainability and the environment in business operations has never been more important. In B2C, we are seeing consumers demand that the businesses they buy from conduct themselves properly and with the long-term future of our planet in mind. With purpose and sustainability feeding through the entire supply chain, Indian B2B buyers are the most likely to buy from a supplier who has a greater purpose that goes beyond selling goods and services.
Hugh Fletcher, global head of consultancy and innovation at Wunderman Thompson commerce & technology, said, “Just like regular consumers, B2B buyers want a more immersive, omnichannel experience and the same attention that is often afforded to B2C shoppers. Whether it’s selling through the metaverse, partnering with a marketplace or optimising through mobile sites, it’s essential that businesses listen to their clients’ pain points and deliver a tailored experience.
“But as important as developing the best digital experience is, business cannot forget the importance of building genuine, human relationships; particularly with the wider societal shift to work from home. Finding the perfect mix and balance of digital and personal interaction is vital. And, with multiple channels to pick from, B2B buying has changed much since 2020. The onus is on B2B vendors to deliver their buyers the right products, at the right price, through the best omni-channel experiences.”
Link to the report – The B2B Future Shopper Report 2023 (wundermanthompson.com)
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
