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Business-to-Business (B2B)

Term of the Day - 11 January 2024

Today’s Term is “Business-to-Business (B2B)”.

Business-to-business (B2B) refers to transactions between businesses/companies, not between businesses and consumers. Imagine a factory buying raw materials from a supplier, a restaurant ordering ingredients from a distributor, or a software company selling tools to another company. These are all B2B transactions.

In the B2B context, businesses interact, trade, or collaborate with each other to fulfill their respective needs. This can encompass a wide range of goods and services exchanged between manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and other enterprises.

B2B differs from business-to-consumer (B2C) in several ways:

  • Higher value transactions: B2B deals often involve larger sums of money than B2C, as companies purchase in bulk or for resale.

  • Complex relationships: B2B transactions often involve long-term contracts, negotiations, and technical specifications.

  • Different marketing: B2B marketing focuses on reaching decision-makers within companies, often through targeted advertising and industry events, rather than broad consumer advertising.

B2B encompasses a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and technology to professional services and finance. It's a vital part of the global economy, and understanding its dynamics is crucial for anyone interested in business or commerce.