Business to Consumer (B2C) refers to the commercial transaction model in which businesses sell products or services directly to individual end consumers for personal or household use, rather than to other businesses or intermediaries. In the logistics and supply chain context, B2C encompasses the entire operational framework required to fulfill orders placed by individual customers, including order processing, inventory management, packaging, shipping, and last-mile delivery to residential addresses. This model has become increasingly prominent with the growth of e-commerce, fundamentally transforming traditional retail supply chains and creating unique logistical challenges centered on speed, flexibility, and customer experience.
Key Characteristics
- Direct-to-Consumer Fulfillment
- High Order Volume with Small Unit Quantities
- Emphasis on Speed and Delivery Flexibility
- Complex Returns Management
- Consumer-Centric Service Requirements
