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Characteristics of B2B Relationships - Explained

What are the Characteristics of a Business Relationship?

Written by Jason Gordon

Updated at September 28th, 2021

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Table of Contents

What are the Characteristics of a Business Relationship?

What are the Characteristics of a Business Relationship?

Business to Business (B2B) relationships often entail the following characteristics: 

  • Cooperative Problem Solving - A customer may seek assistance in finding a solution to this problem or to seek knowledge, experience, or guidance in a situation. 
  • Exchange of Information - Partners in a B2B relationship often exchange information between them. 
  • Operational Ties - For example, one company may invest in locating ourselves closer to the business relationship partner or collaborate in our technology systems. . 
  • Legal Ties - There are generally numerous legal relationships between the parties. For example, we may enter into contracts or pursue joint ventures. 
  • Partner Adaptations - This is kind of like operational ties, except that it entails minor changes or alterations to a product or process in order to facilitate the partner. An example might include changing a shipping procedure to accommodate the business partner's receiving schedule. 
  • Power -  Power can cause problems if it's not managed or acknowledged appropriately. Basically, either the buyer or the seller is going to be in a better position to dictate how the relationship works.


Related Topics

  • Business to Business (B2B) Definition
  • Business to Consumer (B2C) Definition
  • Business to Government (B2G) Definition
  • Business Customers are Different from Consumers
  • What Drives Purchase Decisions?
  • Types of Purchase Decisions
  • Who Makes Purchase Decisions?
  • Role of the Business Buying Center
  • Identifying Options for Purchase
  • Benefits/Detriments of B2B Relationships
  • What is Included in a Business Relationship?
  • What are Kickbacks a Bad Thing?
business relationship characteristics

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