B2C Sales: A Beginner’s Guide To Sales In 2023

In the world of tech sales, the term B2C sales” might seem like just one more drop in an ocean of acronyms. B2B. B2C. SaaS. PaaS. IaaS. The list goes on and on.

And if you're not in the industry, it can be tough to keep up. So today, we're going to take a break from all of that and focus on just that one acronym: B2C.

Chances are, you have a B2C sales experience every day. It might be shopping on your favorite online marketplace, visiting a grocery store, or even seeing an ad on your TikTok For You feed.

Like air, it’s everywhere – and that’s why we’re here to fill you in on the fundamentals!

What are B2C sales? (And Other Burning Questions)

B2C stands for business-to-consumer. You can probably guess from the name that this type of sale is when a business sells a product or service to an individual person, often for their own use!

Examples of businesses that make B2C sales include:

• Retail shops (both brick-and-mortar and online)
• Gyms and fitness studios
• Car dealerships
• Restaurants, bars, and pubs
• Your favorite streaming service
• Gaming platforms

But what sets B2C apart from other types of sales like B2B (or business-to-business) sales?

• B2C sales typically involve smaller transactions than B2B sales. That's because consumers are buying for themselves, rather than for an entire business or organization.
• Transactions are also usually quicker and less complex since there's only one buyer involved. For comparison, a B2B sale can involve anywhere from 6 to 10 decision-makers, and can take months or even years to complete.

B2C Sales Skills: Selling From (and To) The Heart

Just because the transactions are smaller, faster, and less complex, it doesn't mean they're any less important. In fact, B2C deals can be some of the most challenging — and rewarding — sales to close. That's because you're not just selling a product or service; you're selling an emotional connection.

Think about it — when was the last time you made a purchase without any emotional component whatsoever? We're willing to bet it hasn't happened recently, if ever.

Even if you're buying something as simple as a pair of socks, you're still making an emotional connection to that product. Maybe it's the style that caught your eye, or the color that spoke to you, or the fact that they were on sale for an unbeatable price.

Whatever the case may be, there was an emotional cue that led you to make that purchase.

When you tap into those emotions and make that connection with your customer, you have the power to really move them (and close the deal)! That’s why these skills are no-brainers when it comes to taking a B2C sales job:

• On-your-feet thinking – you never know what’s coming next, and you’re always up for the challenge!
• Fast connection with customers – you find common ground quickly and easily to cement a good rapport.
• Great listening skills – you don’t just try to sell; rather, you figure out what they really need.
• Clear communication, both verbal and non-verbal – you can explain the benfits of a product clearly in a friendly and approachable way.
• Compelling storytelling – you know how to weave a story around a particular use case or a past experience.
• Adaptivity and flexibility – you roll with the punches and respond to customers as you get to know them better.

Get The B2C Basics… And More

B2C is just one slice of the sales alphabet. And now that you know a little more about what B2C sales is all about, how it ticks, and what skills you’ll need for Career Success, we hope you have a better idea about whether it’s the right path for you!

One more acronym we love? ABL: Always Be Learning. If you share that passion with us and want to know more about the techniques and strategies that make our graduates top performers, check out our Career Success Catalog!

Good luck out there!