Despite slow internet speeds and high connectivity costs, eCommerce ventures have emerged in retail fashion, food and beverage, banking, electronics, and home accessories, largely as a result of business closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most eCommerce platforms accept cash upon delivery. Although COVID-19 has played a pivotal role in accelerating digital adoption in the industry, B2B companies in Lebanon have been slow to digitize their offerings due to complex legacy technology environments, organizational structures, and concerns surrounding information security and the rise of a cash economy. B2B e-commerce companies have witnessed increased online transactions through online applications, websites, and Instagram accounts. Payments can be completed through either cash upon delivery or “fresh dollar” debit and credit cards (i.e. cards linked to “fresh dollar” accounts), including international credit cards. Despite the rise of B2B eCommerce companies, some are still in the early stages of growth, and rely on the salesperson’s personal relationship with the client. Even though the complexity of B2B products and pricing necessitates offline interactions and transactions to a certain extent, factors such as the rise of social media, online catalogues, and product marketplaces are playing an important role in the industry’s digital transformation.
eCommerce
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