Top B2C startups and impact on staffing

The term B2C refers to a company that sells their product or service directly to the consumer and stands for “Business to Consumer”. This type of selling is extremely common if you look around you. For instance, retail stores and eateries directly fall under this category. However, in general parlance, B2C, normally refers to web-based businesses or e-commerce companies that sell directly to consumers. The major players are retail players like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal. The last few years have seen an explosion in this area and there are several startups now which are in this segment.

The top companies of this sector in India are many but here is a list of some popular ones:

1.   Myntra
2.   Flipkart
3.   Meesho
4.   Nykaa
5.   BookMyShow
6.   FirstCry
7.   JioMart
8.   Shopsy
9.  Tata 1mg   
10.   Lenskart

The direct impact of e-commerce growth has led to an increase in employment opportunities. Apart from direct employment opportunities, there has been an indirect impact as well because of allied industries like logistics, warehousing, IT, sellers, payment solutions, advertisers and marketers. 

There has been a significant jump in job creation in the last ten years in these companies, e-commerce and allied sectors like logistics, warehousing and IT/ ITeS. The logistics and warehousing sectors are contributing the highest. 

It is significant to note that almost 80% to 90% of the workforce is being engaged in the last mile. A majority of the workforce in e-tail logistics is providing last mile connectivity and employment opportunities to people in Tier-II and Tier-III towns who have no formal degrees. In many ways, this has created a balanced growth and an inclusive environment. B2C or e-tail is also a destination for highly skilled technology jobs and in regular corporate functions like HR, finance and accounts, administration and so on.

Apart from contributing to increased employment, the B2C sector is improving the socio-economic environment by empowering women, being a change agent for craftsmen and artisans from smaller towns, creating employment opportunities in villages and encouraging entrepreneurship. 

Hiring big and the best

Increased consumer spending and renewed focus on market expansion has made B2C players dominate the hiring landscape. These companies are adding significant employee strength to support the growth they are witnessing. This has been compounded by the entry of global e-commerce players in the Indian market in the last few years and has expanded the workforce to make the most of the industry growth.

Predominantly, the hiring is in the space of technology followed by functions like product marketing, supply chain, pricing and profit management, merchandising, vendor management, content development and service. Quite obviously, the large e-commerce companies have also managed to attract the best engineering and management brains, as well. B2C and e-tail are also a destination for highly skilled technology jobs.

A paradigm shift in the aspirations of young Indians

E-commerce companies and B2C players have created new employment opportunities that have created a paradigm shift in employee expectations. These companies provide aggressive career paths, wholesome opportunities and growth of skills, which attracts the employee towards the dynamic and challenging work environment. Therefore, it is no surprise that e-commerce companies are on top of the list of preferred sectors for employment and top the campus recruitment list, too. Several graduates of leading business schools have indicated that they prefer the e-commerce and B2C sectors higher than even IT or BFSI.

The work environment in these companies play a major role in attracting young talent to them. Quick decision making and the pace of work makes a young recruit think on their feet. Many of these work environments demand a high level of maturity and adaptability from new hires. Many of these companies do not conform to traditional organizational functioning and rigid reporting structures. This spurs innovation and creates rich experiences for young people, who are given a lot of responsibility and they enjoy building their career in such workplaces.

Summary

Employment opportunity creation is a direct function of economic growth and industry. To support this, the government has also launched several initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India and Skill India. With all these in place, B2C and e-commerce are set to gain momentum and create more employment opportunities. Despite challenges like regulatory issues, growing competition and investment pressure, the industry is stabilizing and growing steadily. One can foresee a good growth in the staffing and employment landscape.

People Also Ask

1.  What are 2 examples of B2C?

Business-to-consumer or B2C is a type of business model in which the company sells the products or offers services directly to the end customers. Major e-commerce players such as Amazon and Flipkart are some examples of B2C.

2. What are the key features of B2C marketing?

The main features of B2C marketing are a short sales cycle, the emotional element dominating the rational element, directly working with the customer and leveraging social media. 

3. What are the major challenges of the B2C model?

Customer loyalty and experience, consumer traffic, client support and payment processing are some of the major challenges of a B2C model.