B2B, B2C, C2C and C2B Business Models: What’s the Difference?

In our previous blogs, we gave you a few recommendations concerning your business, like which Drupal theme would be right for your business, or video content marketing. Today, we’ll focus on business models.

As the development of globalization, consumerism, and trading has continued, there has been a lot of talk about four models for business B2C (Business to Consumer), B2B (Business to Business), C2C (Consumer to Consumer) and C2B (Consumer to Business). Each of these has proven to be the successful business model.

The differences between B2C, B2B, C2C and C2B business models

B2B: Business to Business

This type of websites for business is suitable for the companies that sell products or services to another company, which is an intermediate buyer who then sells the product to the final customer. They help other companies establish a solid foundation for the long-term commercial interrelations between the companies. B2B websites may come in various types. One of them helps to receive information from partners, the other creates accounts for payment for the products or services and establish contracts. An example of B2B web-platform would be a website selling vehicle's components that some auto manufacturer will purchase in order to produce his own product. For instance, among the most well-known B2B websites is the Alibaba B2B Marketplace.

B2C: Business to Consumer

B2C websites for business are the most popular. Web platforms that follow the B2C model are suitable for companies which sell products or services directly to a customer online. One of the largest B2C websites is Amazon. A customer can view products on the page, choose a product and order it. The Business to Consumer model doesn’t require a middleman and reduces the cost of the goods for the ultimate consumers. B2C sites aim to make easy for shoppers to buy products end enjoy this process.

C2C: Consumer to Consumer

Consumer to Consumer website serves as a mediator between the clients and gives an opportunity to sell or purchase goods directly. Through C2C web-service consumers can sell their assets like cars, or rent a room by publishing their information on the website. One customer may buy a product of another consumer by viewing the description on the website.

For instance, Gumtree and Airbnb are typical C2C web-services. Airbnb allows travellers to book homes or to rent apartments all over the world, while on Gumtree i they can purchase everything from fashionable clothes to antique masterpieces.

C2B: Consumer to Business

Websites following C2B business models are the least widespread among the other types of business models. In the C2B individuals offer goods and services to companies in exchange for pay. It is a complete reversal of B2B or B2C, where companies offer their services to customers. C2B web-services provide an opportunity for the consumers to set prices for the products they would like to buy. The C2B website finds the seller who is eager to sell the goods for the price that the consumer wants. C2B businesses, as well as consumers, profit from the flexibility of such services. Surveyscout and Survey Monkey are typical C2B models.

We hope this blog was helpful, and that now you know what type of the website you want to have. Whether it is B2B, B2C, C2C or C2B, our Drudesk crew can help you with your website implementation!