Key Highlights
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The modern B2B buying process is now predominantly digital, with buyers preferring to conduct their own research.
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Understanding the stages of the buyer journey—awareness, consideration, and decision—is crucial for improving the buyer experience.
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B2B purchases involve multiple decision makers, leading to a longer and more complex sales cycle.
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Successful B2B portals require self-serve options, personalized content, and intuitive features like custom catalogs and price lists.
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Specialized agencies like Thegenielab leverage platforms like Shopify Plus to build custom solutions that streamline the buying process.
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Focusing on customer success through collaboration and post-purchase support builds loyalty and drives repeat business.
Introduction
Navigating the business-to-business (B2B) landscape can feel like a complex expedition. The modern B2B buying process has evolved, and today’s buyers are more informed and independent than ever before. Understanding their path from identifying a need to making a purchase is no longer just an advantage—it's a necessity. To succeed, you need a clear map of the buyer journey. This guide will help you enhance the buyer experience, streamline your sales, and build lasting relationships with your B2B customers.
Understanding the B2B Buying Journey in 2025
The B2B buying journey describes the entire process a business undergoes when making a purchase, from recognizing a need to acquiring a solution. This path involves multiple stages and touchpoints that shape the overall customer experience. Unlike simple consumer purchases, the B2B sales cycle is often longer and involves more research and deliberation.
Adapting your strategy to modern buyer behavior is essential for success. As buyers increasingly rely on digital resources, understanding each phase of their journey allows you to provide the right information at the right time. Let's explore the key stages of this process and how they influence purchase decisions.
Key stages of the B2B buying process
The B2B buying process is not a single event but a journey that unfolds across several distinct stages. By mapping this journey, you can better understand what potential buyers need at each step and guide them toward a final decision. It begins long before they ever contact a sales representative.
Initially, potential solutions are explored as buyers become aware of a problem. They then move into a phase of careful evaluation, where they compare different options and vendors. The final stage involves making a purchase decision, which often requires approval from multiple decision makers within the organization.
The typical B2B buyer journey can be broken down into these key stages:
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Awareness Stage: The buyer identifies a challenge or need and begins researching to better understand their pain points.
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Consideration Stage: The buyer has defined their problem and starts exploring potential solutions, evaluating different products or vendors.
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Decision Stage: The buyer narrows down their options and chooses a specific vendor, often after product demos or trials.
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Retention: After the purchase, the focus shifts to ensuring a positive customer experience to encourage repeat business.
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Advocacy: A satisfied customer becomes a brand advocate, providing positive reviews and referrals.
Recent changes in buyer behaviors and expectations
In recent years, B2B buyer behavior has shifted dramatically. Buyers now complete a significant portion of their journey—as much as 67%—digitally before ever speaking to a sales representative. They prefer a rep-free sales experience, conducting their own in-depth research, comparing prices, and reading customer feedback independently.
This change means your online presence is more critical than ever. Buyers expect to find all the information they need to address their pain points and evaluate solutions on your website. They want self-serve options and transparent information that empowers them to make a buying decision on their own terms.
Your sales team has fewer opportunities to influence decisions in the early stages. Instead of pushing a sale, your role is to provide value and make the buying experience as smooth as possible. This requires a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for and ensuring your digital touchpoints meet their high expectations.
The impact of digital transformation on B2B purchases
Digital transformation has fundamentally reshaped the B2B sales process. With a wealth of information available online, potential buyers are more empowered and informed than ever. They can easily research products, read reviews, and compare competitors, giving them more control over their purchasing journey.
This shift requires businesses to adapt their strategies. Rather than relying on outbound sales, the focus is now on creating a seamless digital experience that guides buyers from awareness to purchase. This includes providing high-quality content, intuitive website navigation, and excellent customer service through digital channels.
The effects of digital transformation on B2B purchasing include:
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Buyers are spending more time on independent research online.
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Increased demand for self-service options and transparent pricing.
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A shorter amount of time spent directly interacting with sales reps.
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Greater emphasis on content marketing, SEO, and social media outreach.
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The need for personalized experiences to improve conversion rates.
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Higher expectations for fast and responsive customer service.
B2B Buyer Types and Decision Maker Dynamics
Unlike B2C sales, B2B purchases are rarely made by a single individual. Instead, they involve a buying group of six to ten decision makers, each with their own priorities and concerns. This dynamic adds layers of complexity to the sales process, as you need to win over an entire team, not just one person.
Understanding the different roles within this group is key. From end-users to C-suite executives, each member has a unique perspective that influences the final decision. By identifying these different buyer personas, you can tailor your messaging to address the specific buyer behaviors and needs of everyone involved.
Identifying different types of B2B buyers
To effectively engage a B2B buying group, you first need to know who you're talking to. Creating a detailed buyer persona for each key role is the first step. This isn't about guesswork; it requires real research and data from your sales and marketing efforts to understand the motivations and pain points of your potential buyers.
Start by talking to your sales team. They interact with prospects daily and can offer valuable insights into common objections and what triggers a purchase. You can also survey existing customers to learn how they discovered you and what influenced their decision. Analyzing behavioral data from your website and CRM can reveal how different users interact with your brand.
Here’s how you can identify different types of B2B buyers:
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Analyze your existing customer data to find common roles and industries.
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Interview your sales team for insights on the buying group dynamics.
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Survey current clients to understand their purchasing journey.
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Use analytics to track how different users interact with your website.
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Monitor social media and industry forums to understand their challenges.
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Look for patterns in the product features that different buyer types are interested in.
What decision-makers consider before making a purchase
When B2B decision makers evaluate potential suppliers, their buying decision is driven by more than just price. While cost is a factor, they are primarily focused on logic, value, and the overall impact on their business needs. They conduct extensive due diligence to ensure they are making the right long-term investment.
Decision-makers are significantly more emotionally connected to their vendors than B2C customers because the stakes are higher. A poor purchase can have serious professional consequences. This is why they carefully read product reviews, compare features, and seek proof of ROI before committing. They want to partner with a supplier they can trust.
Here are some key factors decision-makers consider:
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The product's ability to solve their specific pain points.
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Clear evidence of ROI through case studies or calculators.
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Alignment with their long-term business goals.
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The reputation and trustworthiness of the supplier.
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Feedback from existing customers and product reviews.
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The quality and responsiveness of customer support.
Trends in how organizations select vendors
The way organizations select vendors is evolving. The modern buying cycle is characterized by buyer independence and a preference for digital channels. Buyers want to be in control of their journey and often delay contact with sales reps until they are far along in their decision-making process. This means your marketing efforts must provide a wealth of information upfront.
This buyer-led approach makes it challenging for sales reps to get facetime. Research shows that buyers spend only 17% of their purchasing time meeting with potential suppliers. When comparing multiple vendors, the time spent with any single rep may be as little as 5-6%. This limited window means every interaction must be impactful.
To succeed, you must adapt to a buyer experience that is less about selling and more about helping customers buy. Here’s a look at how vendor selection has changed.
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Traditional Vendor Selection |
Modern Vendor Selection |
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Relied heavily on sales reps. |
Driven by independent online research. |
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The sales process was linear. |
The buying journey is non-linear and self-guided. |
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Limited access to information. |
Abundant information from various digital sources. |
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Decisions based on relationships. |
Decisions based on data, reviews, and demonstrated ROI. |
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Longer, direct engagement. |
Shorter, more focused interactions with sales reps. |
Factors Driving Today’s B2B Buying Decisions
Today's B2B buying decision is shaped by a new set of expectations. Business buyers are looking for solutions that not only solve their pain points but also offer a seamless and efficient customer experience. They face numerous challenges, from navigating complex internal approvals to sifting through an overwhelming amount of information online.
To win their business, you need to focus on buyer enablement—making it easier for them to buy. This means addressing their challenges directly and highlighting the factors that matter most, such as technology, price, trust, and speed. Let's examine these drivers more closely.
Common challenges faced by B2B buyers
The B2B purchasing process is rarely straightforward. In fact, over three-quarters of B2B customers describe their recent purchase as complex or difficult. This complexity arises from a variety of factors, including the number of people involved and the sheer volume of information available.
One of the biggest pain points is managing the internal buying group. With 6-10 decision-makers, each armed with their own research and opinions, reaching a consensus can be a significant hurdle. Buyers also struggle with an overwhelming number of solutions to consider, as new technologies and services emerge every year.
Here are some common challenges B2B buyers face:
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A complex and difficult purchasing process.
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Coordinating with a large group of internal decision-makers.
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Sifting through vast amounts of information from different sources.
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Difficulty comparing different vendors and solutions.
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Receiving unclear or irrelevant messaging from suppliers.
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Dealing with slow responses or poor customer service.
Influencing factors: technology, price, trust, and speed
When it comes to the final decision, four key factors consistently stand out: technology, price, trust, and speed. B2B buyers are looking for a solution that not only meets their technical requirements but also offers a transparent and efficient purchasing experience.
Technology is the foundation. Does the product have the features needed to solve their problem? Price is always a consideration, but it is often weighed against the value and ROI the solution provides. Trust is perhaps the most critical emotional factor; buyers need to feel confident in their vendor partnership. Finally, speed in communication and delivery can make or break a deal.
These factors heavily influence the final purchase:
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Technology: The solution must have the right features and integrate with existing systems.
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Price: The cost must be justifiable, with a clear path to ROI.
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Trust: Buyers need to believe in the vendor's reliability and expertise.
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Speed: Quick responses and an efficient process are highly valued.
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Personalization: Content and solutions should be tailored to their specific needs.
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Support: Access to reliable customer support is a major consideration.
The importance of self-serve options and personalization
Given that most B2B buyers prefer a rep-free experience, providing robust self-serve options is no longer optional. Buyers want the freedom to explore, evaluate, and even purchase on their own time. An intuitive and comprehensive self-serve portal can significantly improve the customer experience and boost conversion rates.
Personalization is equally important. Generic messaging and one-size-fits-all solutions fall flat. By segmenting your audience and tailoring your content, you can speak directly to the specific needs and pain points of different buyer personas. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of their business and builds trust.
Here’s why self-serve and personalization are critical:
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They cater to the modern buyer's preference for independent research.
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Personalized content addresses specific pain points, increasing relevance.
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Ease of use in a self-serve portal reduces friction in the buying process.
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They empower buyers, giving them control over their journey.
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A streamlined experience leads to higher customer satisfaction and better conversion rates.
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They free up your customer support team to handle more complex issues.
The Role of Agencies in Building Price Lists, Catalogs, and Portals
To meet the demands of the modern B2B buyer, having the right digital tools is essential. Custom price lists, dynamic catalogs, and intuitive customer portals are the building blocks of a great B2B ecommerce experience. However, developing these complex systems in-house can be a major challenge.
This is where specialized agencies come in. Agencies with expertise in B2B ecommerce can design and develop these critical assets, streamlining your sales process and creating a seamless experience for your customers. They bring the technical knowledge and strategic insight needed to build solutions that drive growth.
Why specialized agencies are essential for B2B ecommerce
Navigating the complexities of B2B ecommerce requires a unique skill set that many companies don't possess internally. Specialized agencies bring a deep understanding of the B2B buyer journey and the technical expertise needed to build effective potential solutions. They know how to create a buying experience that is both user-friendly and powerful.
These agencies do more than just build websites; they craft strategies. They analyze your business goals and your customers' needs to design portals, catalogs, and price lists that are tailored to your specific market. This strategic approach ensures that your digital platform not only looks great but also functions as a powerful sales tool.
By partnering with an agency, you can leverage their experience to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your time to market. They handle the technical heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on running your business while being confident that your eCommerce platform is optimized for growth and customer satisfaction.
Key features successful portals must have for B2B buyers
A successful B2B portal is more than just a place to list products. It should be a comprehensive tool that supports buyer enablement at every stage of their journey map. The design must prioritize ease of use, allowing customers to quickly find information, manage their accounts, and place orders without friction.
The portal should offer advanced product features tailored to B2B needs. This includes tiered pricing, bulk ordering capabilities, and customer-specific catalogs. By providing these functionalities, you empower buyers and streamline their purchasing process, which is crucial for building long-term loyalty and encouraging repeat business.
Essential features for a B2B portal include:
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Custom price lists for different customer segments or volume tiers.
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The ability to manage and place bulk orders easily.
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Personalized catalogs showing only relevant products.
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Intuitive navigation and powerful search functionality.
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Self-service account management and order tracking.
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Seamless integration with existing business systems like ERP or CRM.
How agencies optimize catalogs and price lists for volume and flexibility
Specialized agencies excel at creating B2B catalogs and price lists that are both powerful and flexible. They understand that B2B sales often involve variable pricing and large-volume orders. Their approach is to build systems that can adapt to different customer needs while aligning with your overall business goals.
To achieve this, agencies implement features like tiered pricing, which automatically adjusts prices based on order volume. They also create custom catalogs that can be tailored to specific customer segments, ensuring that buyers only see the products and pricing relevant to them. This level of personalization simplifies the buying process and enhances the customer experience.
Agencies optimize catalogs and price lists by:
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Implementing customer group-specific pricing rules.
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Creating multiple price lists for different markets or tiers.
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Enabling volume-based discounts to encourage larger orders.
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Developing personalized catalogs for specific accounts.
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Ensuring the system is flexible enough to handle complex pricing logic.
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Integrating with inventory management to show real-time stock levels.
Thegenielab’s Expertise as a Shopify Plus Agency
When it comes to building powerful B2B ecommerce solutions, Thegenielab stands out as a premium choice. As experienced Shopify Plus experts, we combine strategy, technology, and creativity to build innovative commerce experiences. Our focus is on growing your business and achieving tangible results.
We specialize in designing and developing custom solutions on the Shopify Plus platform, including tailored price lists and custom catalog designs. Our unique mix of technical expertise and a deep commitment to customer success ensures we deliver websites that not only look great but also generate leads and close sales.
Deep experience building price lists for B2B merchants
At Thegenielab, we have over a decade of experience crafting custom price lists that cater specifically to the needs of B2B merchants. We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in the B2B world. That's why we work closely with you to develop a pricing structure that aligns with your sales strategy and supports the entire customer journey.
Our process begins with mapping out the buyer journey map to understand the different touchpoints and pricing requirements for your customer segments. We then leverage the power of Shopify Plus to implement flexible and dynamic price lists. This allows you to offer custom pricing for wholesale accounts, bulk orders, or specific customer groups, creating a better buyer experience.
By focusing on both functionality and user experience, we ensure that your pricing is not only competitive but also easy for your customers to understand and access. This thoughtful approach helps streamline the purchasing process, reduces friction, and ultimately drives more sales.
Custom catalog design and integration for seamless browsing
A well-designed custom catalog is essential for guiding potential customers through their journey map and ensuring seamless browsing. At Thegenielab, we specialize in creating custom Shopify themes and catalog designs that are tailored to your brand identity and business requirements. Our goal is to create a visually appealing and unique online store that stands out.
We go beyond aesthetics to focus on user experience, analytics, and strategy. Our designs make it easy for customers to find products, view details, and request product demos. We also develop custom apps and integrations to enhance functionality, ensuring your catalog works perfectly with your existing systems.
Here’s how we create a superior catalog experience:
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Building custom themes that reflect your brand identity.
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Designing intuitive navigation for seamless browsing.
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Optimizing for mobile to capture shoppers on any device.
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Integrating custom apps for enhanced functionality.
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Focusing on UI/UX to improve conversion rates.
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Ensuring fast site speeds for a better user experience.
Creating intuitive portals that streamline the B2B buying journey
An intuitive portal is the key to simplifying the B2B buying process and improving the overall buyer journey. Thegenielab has a proven track record of building B2B platforms that offer a seamless experience. We’ve worked with clients like Sister Jane and Itspearltime to develop custom portals that support complex Shopify development tasks and streamline wholesale operations.
Our approach focuses on making the portal easy to navigate and use. By understanding your business automation needs, we build solutions that scale with your demand. This includes features like custom order management and reporting, which simplify back-end processes and improve efficiency for both you and your customers.
The result is a platform that not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts conversion rates. By removing friction from the buying journey, we help you build stronger relationships with your B2B clients and drive sustainable growth for your business.
Thegenielab’s Unique Approach to B2B Client Success
At Thegenielab, our approach to B2B client success is built on a foundation of partnership and collaboration. We don't just build websites; we build relationships. We believe that understanding your business challenges and goals is the first step toward creating a solution that delivers real value.
Our unique mix of strategy, creativity, and technical expertise allows us to craft a buying experience that moves prospects smoothly through the sales funnel. We work with you to tailor solutions that are not only functional but also aligned with your vision for growth.
Collaboration with clients to tailor solutions
True client success stems from deep collaboration. At Thegenielab, we pride ourselves on working closely with our clients to bring their vision to life. We listen to your needs, understand your challenges, and tailor solutions that are a perfect fit for your business needs. Our clients consistently praise our responsiveness and clear project management.
We believe in going above and beyond the basic requirements. By offering valuable ideas and constructive feedback, we act as a true partner in your growth. Whether you need a quick update, help with product demos, or a full platform migration, our team is always available and efficient in resolving what you need.
This collaborative approach ensures that the final product not only meets your technical specifications but also aligns with your mission. We care about supporting your goals and helping you grow, making the entire process a seamless and rewarding experience that optimizes the buyer journey.
Leveraging Shopify Plus for advanced B2B functionality
Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level solution designed for high-volume businesses, and Thegenielab knows how to unlock its full potential for B2B merchants. The platform offers advanced functionality and product features that are essential for handling complex B2B workflows and enabling rapid growth.
We leverage Shopify Plus to provide a level of control and scalability that standard platforms can't match. This includes building custom checkout experiences, managing large inventories, and handling high traffic volumes without compromising performance. These features support buyer enablement by making the purchasing process smoother for your clients and easier for your sales rep to manage.
Key Shopify Plus functionalities we use for B2B include:
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Customizable checkout to increase conversion rates.
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Advanced reporting and analytics for data-driven decisions.
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High scalability to handle high traffic and large order volumes.
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Dedicated support to ensure your business runs smoothly.
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The ability to create wholesale-only product catalogs.
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Management of multiple price lists and purchase orders.
Real-world examples of B2B portals, catalogs, and price management
Our portfolio is filled with real-world examples of how we've helped B2B companies succeed. These case studies demonstrate our ability to build sophisticated portals, catalogs, and price management systems that drive results. For example, we partnered with Sister Jane in 2017 to build their B2B platform, providing support for complex development tasks.
Similarly, we worked with Itspearltime in 2022 to build their B2B platform from the ground up. For SIC Cups, we developed a custom theme and a Shopify App to manage clients for B2B, resulting in a high-performance site with great merchandising qualities. These projects highlight our expertise in creating tailored solutions for diverse B2B needs.
Our work showcases key features that enhance the buyer experience:
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Casual Basement: A full redesign and platform migration led to faster site speeds and increased conversion rates.
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Shotkam: Ongoing UX improvements and site speed optimization for their Shopify Plus store.
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Journelle: Regular theme development, custom apps, and CRO for their Shopify Plus store.
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Colony Co: A redesign that improved user experience and conversion rates.
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Bonds Packaging: Improved UI/UX design using a Shopify free theme as a base.
Optimizing Every Stage of the B2B Buyer Journey with Thegenielab
Optimizing every stage of the B2B buyer journey is essential for converting prospects into loyal customers. At Thegenielab, we provide end-to-end solutions that enhance the buying experience from initial discovery to post-purchase support. We use customer feedback and data to ensure each touchpoint effectively moves the buyer to the next stage.
Our expertise in Shopify development, SEO, and performance optimization ensures your store is ready to meet the demands of modern buyers. By focusing on creating a seamless and intuitive journey, we help you build trust and drive growth.
From initial awareness to post-purchase support
Thegenielab supports your business across the entire buying cycle. During the initial awareness stage, when buyers are researching solutions, our SEO and content marketing services ensure your brand is visible and established as a thought leader. We help you attract potential customers long before they initiate contact with a vendor.
Once a purchase is made, our commitment to your success continues. We know that excellent customer service and post-purchase support are crucial for fostering long-term relationships and encouraging repeat business. We offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your store remains up-to-date, secure, and functional, minimizing downtime.
Our services cover every stage of the journey:
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Awareness: SEO and content strategies to attract prospects.
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Consideration: Custom catalogs and UX design to showcase products.
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Decision: Streamlined checkout and clear pricing to close sales.
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Retention: Ongoing maintenance and development support.
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Advocacy: A superior experience that turns customers into fans.
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Support: Responsive customer support to resolve any issues quickly.
Activation points and touchpoints within custom portals
A custom B2B portal is a landscape of carefully planned touchpoints and activation points designed to guide the customer journey. Touchpoints are any interaction a customer has with your brand, such as visiting a product page or reading a case study. Activation points are the specific triggers that prompt them to take the next step.
At Thegenielab, we strategically design portals with a clear buyer journey map in mind. We place activation points—like a "Request a Demo" button after a product video or a special offer pop-up—at key moments to drive action and improve conversion rates. This ensures a seamless flow from one stage to the next.
Examples of touchpoints and activation points we build include:
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Touchpoint: Browsing a product category.
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Activation Point: A pop-up offering a downloadable comparison guide.
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Touchpoint: Viewing an order history page.
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Activation Point: A "Reorder Now" button for quick repurchasing.
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Touchpoint: Reading a blog post about an industry problem.
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Activation Point: A call-to-action to schedule a consultation.
Future trends in B2B buyer experience and technology advancements
The B2B buyer experience is constantly evolving, driven by technology advancements and shifting expectations. Future trends point toward even greater personalization, automation, and self-service. Artificial intelligence will play a larger role in delivering tailored content and predictive insights, further streamlining the purchasing process.
Industry reports suggest that B2B buyers will continue to demand more transparency and efficiency. The final decision will be heavily influenced by how easily and quickly they can find information, evaluate solutions, and complete a purchase. Vendors who embrace these changes will gain a significant competitive advantage.
Future trends to watch in the B2B buyer experience:
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Increased use of AI for personalized recommendations and outreach.
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More sophisticated self-service portals with advanced features.
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Greater emphasis on data analytics to understand buyer behavior.
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The rise of chatbots and automated customer service.
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Hyper-personalized content delivered at every stage of the journey.
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Seamless integration across all digital channels for a unified experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thegenielab stands out as a premium Shopify Plus agency dedicated to enhancing the B2B buyers' experience. With a deep understanding of the evolving B2B landscape, they excel in creating customized price lists, catalogs, and intuitive portals that streamline the buying journey. Their collaborative approach ensures that each solution is tailored to meet the unique needs of clients, leveraging advanced B2B functionality to drive success. By focusing on key touchpoints throughout the buyer journey, they not only facilitate smooth transactions but also build lasting relationships with client businesses. If you're looking to elevate your B2B ecommerce strategy, get in touch with Thegenielab to explore how their expertise can transform your online presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Thegenielab a premium choice for B2B online merchants?
Thegenielab is a premium choice because we are Shopify Plus experts dedicated to customer success. We build custom B2B portals with advanced product features that streamline the buyer journey. Our focus on creating a seamless buying experience results in higher conversion rates and long-term client satisfaction.
How does Thegenielab build custom price lists and catalogs for B2B buyers?
Thegenielab builds custom price lists and catalogs by first creating a detailed buyer journey map. We then leverage Shopify Plus to implement flexible pricing and personalized catalogs that support buyer enablement. This tailored approach, combined with excellent customer service, ensures a smooth and efficient purchasing process for B2B buyers.
What should B2B companies look for in an agency when developing portals?
When choosing agencies for portal development, look for deep technical expertise, a collaborative approach, and a portfolio of successful projects. A great agency will use customer feedback to address pain points, offer interactive product demos, and focus relentlessly on creating an exceptional buyer experience that drives results.
What are the key features of Thegenielab that enhance the B2B buyers' experience?
Thegenielab enhances the buyer experience by building intuitive B2B portals focused on ease of use. Our key features include custom pricing, bulk ordering, and personalized catalogs. We combine these potential solutions with responsive customer support to ensure a frictionless journey from discovery to purchase and beyond.
How does Thegenielab compare to other platforms focused on B2B transactions?
Unlike generic B2B platforms, Thegenielab offers fully custom solutions as a Shopify Plus agency. We tailor every aspect of the platform to your specific sales strategy, focusing on improving conversion rates and customer satisfaction for business buyers. Our collaborative, results-driven approach sets us apart from one-size-fits-all providers.

