Walmart is the largest retailer globally, and there are many different opinions about whether it’s a B2B or B2C company.
To learn more about this company, keep reading to explore both sides of the argument, and see how you can decide if Walmart is more like a B2B or B2C company!
Is Walmart B2B or B2C In [currentyear]?
Many believe Walmart exhibits several characteristics of both a B2B and a B2C company in [currentyear]. This has created much debate about classifying the company. Like B2B companies, Walmart has many bulk products that other businesses may use. However, Walmart mainly has small items geared to individuals and families like a B2C company.
To find a comparison of B2B and B2C companies, and classify Walmart, keep reading for more useful facts!
What Is the Difference Between a B2B and a B2C Company?
Overall, the main difference between a B2B company and a B2C company is that B2B companies sell to other businesses, while B2C companies sell directly to consumers.
What Are B2B Companies?
Business-to-business or B2B eCommerce tends to be more complex than consumer-focused websites.
These companies involve heavier research, needs-based purchasing, and less marketing-driven buying.
In some cases, B2B companies have to consult with multiple departments before purchasing.
If not executed correctly or thoroughly researched beforehand, this can result in costly mistakes, so it’s essential for them!
On the other hand, consumers only need to consider themselves when making purchases.
Therefore, emotional-driven decisions take over, because no one else involved will be impacted by your decision besides you personally.
What Are Examples of B2B Companies?
Some examples of B2B companies are Dell, IBM, and Microsoft.
All three of these companies have physical locations and websites that allow businesses to purchase products and services online.
What Are e-Commerce Examples of B2B Companies?
Some examples of B2B eCommerce companies are Staples, Grainger, and Office Depot. These companies allow businesses to purchase office supplies online.
What Are B2C Companies?
In contrast, business-to-consumer, or B2C eCommerce, is much simpler because it only involves one type of customer – the end-user or consumer.
This does make marketing and advertising a lot easier because you can target a specific group of people instead of trying to reach out to all businesses.
What Are Examples of B2C Companies?
Notable B2C Companies are grocery chains like Kroger or Albertsons. Here, local families are the target audience.
Although some products may be sold in bulk, typical products are available in sizes sufficient for the average family.
What Are Examples of e-Commerce B2C Companies?
Some examples of B2C companies are Amazon and Apple. Both of these companies have websites that allow consumers to purchase products and services online.
How Does Walmart Fit Into the Picture?
Many consider Walmart as a bit of a hybrid company. While it does sell some products and services to businesses, its primary focus is on marketing to consumers.
However, some aspects of Walmart’s business model are more typical of B2B companies.
What Are the Arguments for Walmart Being a B2B Company?
Those who argue that Walmart is a B2B company point to the fact that Walmart sells products to other businesses, not just consumers.
For example, Walmart sells products to restaurants, hotels, and other businesses.
These businesses then use the products they have purchased from Walmart to run their businesses.
So, while Walmart may sell products to consumers, it also sells many products to other businesses, making it more like a B2B company than a B2C company.
What Are the Arguments for Walmart Being a B2C Company?
Those who argue that Walmart is a B2C company point to the fact that Walmart sells products directly to consumers.
They also argue that while Walmart may sell some products to other businesses, most of its sales are to consumers.
This makes it more like a B2C company than a B2B company.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not Walmart is a publicly-traded company, is Walmart a Fortune 500 company, and is Walmart the biggest company in the world.
Conclusion
Walmart is more like a B2C company than a B2B company. One main difference between a B2B company and a B2C company is that B2B companies sell to other businesses, while B2C companies sell directly to consumers.
Walmart sells products to other businesses, but most of its sales are to consumers. This makes it more like a B2C company than a B2B company.
