B2B data integration services require a different approach than the one used by traditional freelancer marketplaces. The reality is, platforms that cater to broad industries struggle with the complexities of EDI and integration work. The biggest issue? Marketplace fees cut into margins, making it harder for service providers of all types to remain competitive.
While some platforms do simplify aspects of transaction facilitation, they also drive up costs across the board—especially when you factor in escrow laws, jurisdictional differences, and added platform fees. This model might work for a very few gig-based freelance services, but B2B integration operates differently. What’s more, the rush towards freelance marketplaces was done because those marketplaces are really just bridging the “Trust Gap” as a way to help buyers feel they will get what they paid for.
Why “Trust Bridging” Isn’t Necessary in B2B Integration
Most freelancer marketplaces build facilitation around trust bridging—offering escrow, rating systems, and generic contracts to help strangers work together safely. But in EDI and B2B integration, trust doesn’t come from a middleman—it comes from process.
Our industry operates on a verify-trust model, then if successful, into ongoing deliverable verification:
- Verify – You don’t just plug in a VAN or API and hope it works. We establish relationships, sign agreements, define targets, exchange guidelines and much more before much happens. Not always – but when it doesn’t, more often than not, a relationship with trust was already there.
- Trust – The trust isn’t transactional; it’s built through collaboration, precision, and adherence to industry standards day in and day out.
- Verify Again – Once integrations are live, EDI team attached to each partner/provider and the client continuously validate, monitor, and optimize performance.
The point is, B2B integration isn’t a quick marketplace gig—it’s a structured, ongoing partnership. And forcing B2B integration into a marketplace that wasn’t built for it only adds unnecessary friction.
Retail EDI: Built for B2B – Gig Work is Optional
That’s why we built Retail EDI—a purpose-driven alternative that understands how B2B integration actually works. Instead of a traditional freelancer marketplace with forced transaction facilitation, we provide:
✅ A dedicated ecosystem where EDI and integration professionals connect without the overhead of marketplace fees
✅ Marketing and visibility tools to help Providers reach the right audience without paying for ad space
✅ Direct content distribution to Google Search, Google News, LinkedIn, and more—so your expertise gets seen by decision-makers
No Transaction Fees, No Commissions—A Different Approach
A marketplace that doesn’t charge per transaction, or take commissions on deals between other parties is still a marketplace. Swap-meets and ‘flea’ markets are fun – they are also marketplaces. It’s digital real estate, and excitingly that scales well. It makes it easier for startups, offshore companies and individuals to make a more equitable impact across not just more industries, but the use cases that follow. And that creates cross-pollination – and opportunities for Providers to grow.
Our answer: We removed transaction fees and commissions entirely. Instead of acting as an intermediary, we help users succeed by:
🔹 Partnering with top-tier Providers to offer specialized services and expertise
🔹 Offering campaign and marketing solutions to help Providers stand out
🔹 Giving businesses a platform to showcase their capabilities without hidden costs
All those marketing channel and salespeople have a home here as well. If you have any of those responsibilities right now, Sign Up! You are the most qualified people to critique what we’re doing here and the most likely to offer helpful insight as well as introductions. What’s more, when our team is squeezed on resources – we’re reaching into the user base for folks to engage.
What Are You Waiting For?
Sign up today and take advantage of a platform built for people and companies that touch B2B integration. No fees, no commissions—just the tools you need to succeed. Don’t keep this to yourself—tell your colleagues and marketing managers, and let’s grow this ecosystem together!