Companies will use EDI systems to transfer information related to procurement of merchandise. Since instituting an EDI system is expensive, typically only the larger buyers can afford using such a method for information transfer.

Sellers
Sellers are businesses that offer some type of service or good. Unlike more traditional methods of procurement, B2B exchanges provide an equal opportunity for small businesses to compete with larger enterprises. The Internet breaks down barriers - any firm, even small businesses, with online access can compete equally and on the same playing field. To continue with the same example, large companies, like US Steel, Alcan, as well as smaller businesses, such as Stevens Steel, might all place bids to supply Ford or General Motors with the goods they requested.

As for EDI, only sellers that have established relationships with large buyers will have instituted an EDI system. EDI requires a significant investment, so only major suppliers, or smaller suppliers at the request of a large purchaser, will be using EDI.

Payment
After an auction closes on a B2B exchange, information is transferred between the purchaser and the winning bidder. From there, terms and conditions are agreed upon between parties as part of contractual negotiations. The B2B exchange merely initiates the interactions between parties. Payment, delivery and other service level agreement details are executed in identical fashion to a process that was initiated off-line, which may include a transfer of information over an EDI system.