Supply Chain Chaos? Shop Smarter, Pay Faster

When supply chains are unstable, finding alternative sources of supply quickly becomes a race you can’t afford to lose. Traditional procurement processes often get tossed aside in favor of speed and agility. But in the rush to secure supply, how can you stay fast and financially smart?

The Web Is Your Best Source of Supply

When time is of the essence, most of us instinctively turn to Google. It’s a faster, more dynamic alternative to dusty procurement networks filled with outdated and incomplete supplier records. Suppliers constantly update their websites to showcase their latest offerings — and it shows. Over 70% of B2B suppliers worldwide now have an online presence, with Europe leading the pack at over 77%.

Meanwhile, B2B online stores and marketplaces — where about 35% of suppliers have set up shop — are growing at an impressive 20% per year. These platforms give buyers direct access to global capacity, real-time inventory updates, and full order traceability, much like the e-commerce experience you’re used to when buying your favorite pair of jeans.

Agile Purchasing Needs Agile Payment

In many cases, these B2B platforms allow for immediate checkout using a credit card — a fast, simple way to lock in supply during volatile times. But there’s a catch: only about 11% of employees typically have access to a corporate credit card. Even when they do, issuing traditional cards can be slow, and controlling spending across a large workforce becomes a serious challenge.

Enter BlueBean: Payments On Demand

This is exactly the problem BlueBean solves. By installing the BlueBean browser extension on employees' computers, companies empower their teams to pay safely and instantly with single-use virtual cards. These virtual cards are automatically generated based on company-approved controls, ensuring purchases are pre-approved, compliant, and executed in real-time — giving you a critical edge in securing supply.

And it gets better: BlueBean works with your preferred card issuer, helping you protect your working capital and even earn rewards. On average, companies see a 1.25% rebate on purchases — turning your procurement agility into a strategic financial advantage.

Sources: Eurostat, U.S. Census Bureau - E-Commerce Statistics, Statista and Shopify Reports, McKinsey and Company Reports on B2B Digitalization