Why consumer-to-consumer (C2C) matters to a first-time founder
In a C2C model, the platform usually does not own the goods or provide the underlying service. Its value comes from matching participants and making trust, payment or delivery easier. The founder must solve fraud, disputes and the two-sided challenge of attracting enough buyers and sellers at the same time.
Examples of consumer-to-consumer (C2C)
A resale app lets individuals list used trainers for other individuals to buy. On a $100 sale, it charges the seller $8 and the buyer $3 for payment protection. The platform verifies accounts, holds payment until dispatch and provides a dispute process, but the seller owns the trainers.
Common misunderstanding
C2C describes who transacts, not whether a company is involved. A commercial marketplace may operate the platform while the underlying sale remains between consumers. In B2C, a business sells to a consumer. The boundary can change when frequent sellers are legally treated as traders, bringing extra consumer duties.
When to use it
Use it when designing a marketplace, comparing business models or explaining who supplies the offer. Check local rules on platform reporting, payments, product safety and consumer status. If your company buys stock and resells it to individuals, call the transaction B2C rather than C2C.