Shopify/BigCommerce: Add Net Terms Without Breaking Checkout

Modern B2B ecommerce demands frictionless payment experiences. Average ecommerce cart abandonment is approximately 70% according to Baymard Institute research. For B2B merchants, offline PO processes create significant friction.

The solution: embed net terms for ecommerce directly into Shopify or BigCommerce checkout. This creates a seamless experience where credit approval, order placement, and funding happen in one transaction. Merchants receive advance payment on approved invoices while buyers get instant credit decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Average cart abandonment is approximately 70% across ecommerce, with checkout friction as a major factor
• Integrated net terms solutions meaningfully reduce checkout abandonment compared to offline PO processes
• 83% of B2B buyers want experiences similar to B2C per Wunderman Thompson research
• Automated credit decisioning can reduce approval times from multiple days to near-instant for many applicants per business credit check platforms
• Merchants often see higher average order values and improved customer retention when offering net terms
• Manual PO processing carries significant per-transaction costs in administrative overhead
• Payment flexibility is critical in B2B vendor selection decisions

Why Traditional PO Workflows Kill B2B Checkout Conversion

Traditional B2B purchasing creates significant friction. When buyers must exit the platform to complete credit applications or engage in email communications, abandonment follows predictably.

The typical offline PO workflow involves disconnected steps. Buyers add items but cannot complete purchase online. Sales reps manually create quotes via email.

Buyers submit credit applications with extensive documentation. Finance teams conduct manual review taking days. Purchase orders require phone confirmation before fulfillment begins.

This fragmented approach contradicts modern buyer expectations. 83% of B2B buyers want experiences similar to B2C per Wunderman Thompson research. Forcing customers through legacy workflows creates competitive disadvantages.

Manual PO processing carries significant administrative overhead. Extended sales cycles delay revenue recognition and strain customer relationships.

The Cost of Forcing Buyers Off-Platform

When B2B merchants require buyers to complete purchases outside their ecommerce platform, they sacrifice conversion advantages:

• Immediate momentum loss: Buyers who exit often never return when preferred payment methods are unavailable
• Competitive vulnerability: Poor payment experiences drive buyers to competitors
• Operational inefficiency: Finance teams spend excessive time on manual processes with paper-based workflows
• Revenue impact: Extended sales cycles mean delayed cash flow and reduced productivity

What Embedded Net Terms Mean for Ecommerce Platforms

Embedded net terms represent a fundamental shift in B2B commerce. Credit approval, payment processing, and funding integrate into one seamless checkout experience.

Rather than treating net terms as separate financial processes, modern embedded solutions make credit a native payment method. This appears alongside credit cards, ACH, and wire transfers.

This approach delivers three critical advantages:

1. Real-time underwriting: AI-powered credit assessment provides instant decisions at checkout
2. Unified transaction flow: Buyers complete purchases without leaving the platform
3. Immediate merchant funding: Approved invoices trigger advance payments, decoupling merchant cash flow

Payment Terms Examples in B2B Ecommerce

Modern embedded solutions offer flexible term structures mirroring traditional B2B payment expectations:

• Net 30 terms: Most common, balancing buyer flexibility with merchant cash flow
• Net 60 terms: Attractive for larger purchases or seasonal businesses needing payment windows
• Net 90 terms: Suitable for capital equipment or strategic purchases requiring longer financing

These terms can be offered dynamically based on creditworthiness. Some platforms provide instant approvals for purchases up to $25,000. Payment flexibility is critical in B2B vendor selection decisions.

How Shopify Checkout Extensions Enable In-Flow Credit Approval

On Shopify Plus, approved Payments Apps and Checkout UI extensions allow adding net terms natively. Unlike traditional payment gateways requiring external redirects, checkout extensions add custom methods within the purchase flow.

Key technical capabilities include:

• Native UI components: Credit application forms appear within Shopify's branded checkout
• Real-time API integration: Instant credit decisions without page refreshes or redirects
• Multi-gateway architecture: Net terms operate alongside other payment methods
• B2B-specific features: Support for PO numbers, tax exemptions, and bulk ordering

What Is Shopify Payments and Why B2B Needs More

While Shopify Payments provides seamless credit card processing, it doesn't address B2B buyers expecting net terms. B2B transactions require different payment infrastructure than B2C.

The solution isn't replacing Shopify Payments but complementing it. Modern net terms integrations work alongside existing payment methods. Buyers choose between immediate payment or deferred terms within checkout.

BigCommerce Apps That Add Net Terms Without Custom Code

BigCommerce's app marketplace provides numerous net terms solutions without custom development. The platform's open API architecture makes it well-suited for embedded payment integrations.

Key integration advantages include:

• Pre-built app installations: Most solutions install from the marketplace in minutes
• B2B Edition compatibility: Native support for complex pricing tiers and approval workflows
• Quote-to-order workflows: Seamless transition from quote generation to order completion with credit
• Wholesale pricing integration: Automatic application of negotiated pricing alongside credit terms

BigCommerce Pricing Tiers and App Compatibility

Checkout SDK and Open Checkout are available across plans. BigCommerce B2B Edition is an Enterprise add-on. Higher tiers provide advanced capabilities.

Higher-tier plans offer:

• Advanced checkout customization capabilities
• Enhanced API rate limits for real-time credit decisions
• Dedicated support for complex B2B workflows
• Multi-currency and multi-language support for global buyers

Merchants on lower tiers can still implement net terms. They may use post-purchase credit application flows rather than fully integrated checkout.

Credit Assessment: Instant Decisions vs. Manual Underwriting

The most significant advancement in B2B payments is automated, real-time decisioning. Traditional credit processes requiring extensive documentation have given way to instant assessments.

Modern credit assessment leverages:

• Business credit bureau data: Traditional reports supplemented with trade reference information
• Bank account verification: Real-time account validation and cash flow analysis
• Alternative data sources: Payment history, operational metrics, and behavioral signals
• Proprietary risk models: Machine learning algorithms assessing creditworthiness beyond traditional metrics

This automation delivers dramatic efficiency gains. Automated credit decisioning can reduce approval times from multiple days to near-instant for many applicants. Applications requiring manual review typically receive decisions within 24 hours.

Resolve's business credit check platform exemplifies this approach. It requires only a business name and address to deliver comprehensive assessments within 24 business hours at no merchant cost.

Funding Mechanics: How Merchants Get Paid Upfront

Perhaps the most compelling advantage is decoupling merchant cash flow from buyer payment schedules. Instead of waiting 30, 60, or 90 days, merchants receive advance funding.

This funding model typically works as follows:

1. Buyer completes purchase with net terms at checkout
2. Credit approval triggers immediate invoice creation
3. Payment provider advances funds to merchant (typically 50-100%)
4. Buyer pays provider directly on agreed terms
5. Remaining advance percentage settles upon buyer payment

Advance rates vary based on buyer creditworthiness:

• 100% advance: For low-risk, established buyers
• 90% advance: Standard offering for most qualified buyers
• 75% or 50% advance: For higher-risk profiles or new relationships

Pricing structures are typically transparent and flat-rate. A flat 3.5% fee on 30-day invoices with 100% advance for qualified transactions is standard per Resolve's pricing.

This non-recourse funding model means merchants receive guaranteed payment. Non-recourse generally means the provider bears credit and default risk, subject to exceptions like fraud or disputes. Resolve's better than factoring solution offers this model.

Integration Architecture: ERP, Accounting, and Checkout Sync

Successful net terms implementation requires seamless integration across the technology stack. Modern solutions provide comprehensive integration automating data flow across systems.

Key integration points include:

• Ecommerce platform sync: Automatic order and customer data transfer
• Accounting system integration: Real-time invoice and payment reconciliation
• ERP connectivity: Inventory, customer, and financial data synchronization
• Payment gateway coordination: Multi-method payment processing and settlement

How Auto-Bookkeeping Syncs Invoices to QuickBooks

One of the most valuable features is automatic bookkeeping synchronization. When net terms transactions occur, the system automatically:

1. Creates the invoice in the accounting system
2. Records the advance payment as received funds
3. Tracks the receivable balance
4. Reconciles buyer payments upon receipt
5. Updates financial statements in real-time

Resolve's B2B payments platform integrations support comprehensive synchronization. QuickBooks Online, Xero, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct are supported. This eliminates manual data entry and ensures financial accuracy.

Payment Portal UX: ACH, Wire, Credit Card, and Check Options

The buyer payment experience extends beyond checkout. Modern net terms solutions provide branded payment portals accepting multiple methods while maintaining merchant branding.

Key payment portal features include:

• White-label branding: Portal appears as the merchant's brand, not the provider's
• Multiple payment methods: ACH, wire transfer, credit card, and check acceptance
• Flexible payment scheduling: One-time or installment payments based on terms
• Remittance documentation: Automatic payment confirmation and receipt generation

Payment Method Fees: Who Pays What

A critical consideration is fee allocation. Leading solutions pass credit card processing fees to buyers choosing that method, protecting merchant margins.

Other payment methods like ACH typically have lower fees. This gives buyers cost-effective alternatives.

Fee transparency ensures merchants maintain pricing integrity while providing flexibility. Many providers enable passing card fees to buyers where permitted by card network rules. The B2B net terms solution from Resolve includes this fee structure.

Collections and Receivables Automation Without Hiring AR Staff

Beyond credit approval and funding, modern solutions include comprehensive accounts receivable automation. This handles the entire post-sale workflow without dedicated AR staff.

Automated AR workflows typically include:

• Payment reminder scheduling: Automated email and SMS notifications based on schedule
• Late payment handling: Escalated communication for overdue accounts
• Payment plan negotiation: Flexible restructuring options for struggling buyers
• Collections management: Professional follow-up for severely delinquent accounts

AI-powered platforms enhance these capabilities with:

• Predictive payment behavior: Anticipating which accounts may need intervention
• Dynamic communication timing: Optimizing reminder frequency and channel
• Personalized messaging: Tailoring communications based on buyer preferences
• DSO reduction: Automatically optimizing workflows to accelerate cash flow

Resolve's accounts receivable automation platform uses AI agents to manage entire workflows. This reduces DSO and accelerates cash flow without manual overhead.

Risk Transfer: How Platform Underwriting Protects Merchant Cash Flow

The fundamental value proposition is risk transfer. Instead of merchants assuming credit risk, the payment provider assumes this through comprehensive underwriting.

This risk transfer provides multiple protections:

• Credit assessment: Professional evaluation using advanced data sources and models
• Approval authority: Provider makes final credit decisions, not the merchant
• Default protection: Non-recourse funding means merchants keep advance payments
• Collections responsibility: Provider handles collections, preserving merchant customer relationships

What Non-Recourse Means in Practice

Non-recourse funding is a critical differentiator from traditional factoring. Non-recourse generally means the provider bears credit and default risk, subject to exceptions.

With non-recourse terms:

• Advance payments are typically yours to keep, even if buyers default
• No buy-back requirements or recourse obligations in most cases
• Credit risk is transferred to the payment provider
• Merchant P&L is protected from bad debt losses in standard scenarios

Resolve's net terms management solution provides this risk transfer. It takes on credit assessment, decisions, and the majority risk of late payments.

Pricing Models: Fee Structures for 30-, 60-, and 90-Day Terms

Transparent pricing is essential for merchants evaluating solutions. Modern platforms offer straightforward fee structures based on term length.

Common pricing models include:

• Flat percentage fees: Simple, predictable costs based on term length
• Risk-based pricing: Variable rates based on buyer creditworthiness
• Volume discounts: Reduced rates for high-volume merchants
• Custom pricing tiers: Tailored solutions for enterprise merchants

Comparing Fee Structures for Net Terms

Research reveals common pricing points. A flat 3.5% fee on 30-day invoices with 100% advance for qualified transactions is standard per Resolve's pricing.

For 60 and 90-day terms, fees are typically higher and more variable based on risk. Merchants should evaluate total cost against benefits of improved conversion.

Benefits include higher average order values and reduced operational costs. Resolve's pricing page provides transparent information about fee structures. Custom plans are available based on merchant implementation requirements.

Implementation Checklist: From Plugin Install to First Approved Order

Implementing net terms capabilities requires careful planning. A successful implementation follows this general timeline:

Shopify Checkout Extension Setup in 5 Steps

1. Evaluate platform requirements: Confirm Shopify Plus subscription for full customization
2. Install payment extension: Add the net terms app from Shopify App Store
3. Configure credit policies: Set approval thresholds and term options
4. Test checkout flow: Validate credit application and approval processes
5. Launch and monitor: Go live with tracking to measure impact

BigCommerce App Configuration and Testing

1. Assess plan compatibility: Verify BigCommerce tier supports required features
2. Install from app marketplace: Add net terms solution with one-click installation
3. Connect accounting systems: Link QuickBooks or other financial platforms
4. Configure customer groups: Set different terms for different buyer segments
5. Conduct end-to-end testing: Validate full purchase-to-payment workflow

Implementation typically takes 2-6 weeks for full integration. Basic functionality can often be achieved in days using pre-built apps.

The key is starting with a pilot program. This validates assumptions and optimizes customer experience before full rollout.

Resolve's B2B payments platform streamlines this process. Instant plug-ins, flexible APIs, and automated syncing fit directly into existing stacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add net terms to Shopify without Shopify Payments?

Yes—via approved Payments Apps and Checkout UI extensions on Shopify Plus. Many merchants offer net terms alongside Shopify Payments. The integration works through Shopify's checkout framework, separate from core payment processing.

Do BigCommerce apps for net terms require BigCommerce Enterprise?

Basic net terms apps work across plans. BigCommerce B2B Edition is Enterprise-only; higher tiers offer higher API limits and dedicated support. Lower-tier plans can implement solutions using post-purchase flows rather than fully embedded checkout.

How long does credit approval take at checkout?

Modern embedded solutions provide instant decisions for most applications using automated underwriting per business credit check platforms. Applications requiring manual review typically receive decisions within 24 hours, dramatically faster than traditional 3-7 business day processes.

What happens if a buyer defaults on payment terms?

With non-recourse funding models, merchants typically keep advance payments even if buyers default, subject to exceptions like fraud. The provider assumes credit risk and handles collections, protecting merchant cash flow and customer relationships. Verify your chosen solution offers true non-recourse terms without hidden provisions.

This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute formal legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post. Resolve assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.