How Berlin Packaging Transformed B2B Sales with BigCommerce APIs

From Legacy to Modern B2B Commerce

Berlin Packaging, a family-owned supplier of glass, plastic and metal containers since 1938, faced a crossroads: continue with a dated ecommerce platform or seek a modern solution that could scale with their complex B2B workflows. With over 200 partner-vendor locations and drop-shipping requirements, every sale relied on seamless integrations and real-time data.

Choosing BigCommerce Over Legacy Platforms

In a detailed evaluation involving RESTful API support, total cost of ownership, and cloud versus on-premises hosting, Berlin Packaging narrowed its shortlist to Magento, WebSphere, and BigCommerce. After weighing pricing, configuration flexibility, and platform functionality, the team landed on BigCommerce. A key surprise was the direct access to senior BigCommerce advisors who guided architectural decisions and implementation best practices.

Building Custom Integrations with Americaneagle.com

To handle specialized item attributes, custom inputs, and tailored shipping logic, Berlin Packaging enlisted Americaneagle.com. Using BigCommerce’s open API, they crafted:

• A custom product catalog that supports hundreds of unique container attributes
• An enhanced checkout flow with tiered pricing and credit-limit checks
• Dynamic shipping rules to coordinate drop shipments across 200+ locations

These integrations not only improved the front-end experience but also streamlined backend fulfillment processes.

ERP Integration for Real-Time Data

Berlin Packaging’s proprietary ERP runs on an IBM i-Series mainframe. Working closely with both BigCommerce and internal IT, they built a bi-directional integration that syncs cart details, PO references, and financial data. Customer service reps can now instantly retrieve order status, credit limits, and outstanding balances directly from the ERP when callers reference a PO number. This transparency empowers clients with accurate account information at every step.

Measurable Business Outcomes

Within the first year on BigCommerce, Berlin Packaging saw:

• 27% uplift in conversion rate year-over-year
• 21% increase in time spent on site
• 2,696% surge in web leads through optimized form flows

Overall user satisfaction rose as customers enjoyed a faster, more intuitive interface—an appreciable improvement over the legacy environment.

Continuous Improvement and Future Roadmap

By leveraging BigCommerce’s extensible platform and inviting feedback from end users, Berlin Packaging is exploring machine-learning recommendations for cross-selling, expanded international storefronts, and deeper analytics dashboards. They’ve built a solid foundation to accelerate growth and adapt quickly to evolving market demands.