consumertoconsumer

Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) commerce refers to transactions conducted directly between private individuals, rather than between a business and a consumer. C2C exchanges are typically facilitated by third‑party platforms that provide listing tools, search and communication features, payment processing, and often logistics services. The platforms earn revenue through listing fees, commissions, or premium features, while allowing individuals to monetize personal items or services.

Historically, C2C began with classified advertisements in newspapers and evolved with online marketplaces. eBay, launched in 1995, popularized consumer‑to‑consumer selling through auctions and fixed‑price listings. Other prominent platforms include Craigslist and Gumtree, which emphasized free or low‑cost classifieds. In many markets, social networks and mobile apps have expanded C2C by enabling peer‑to‑peer selling of used goods, handmade items, and local services. Some marketplaces blend C2C with other models, permitting occasional professional sellers.

C2C platforms typically offer marketplaces where sellers create listings with descriptions, photos, prices, and terms; buyers search, negotiate, and complete purchases. Transactions may be conducted within the platform or through external processes. Payment may be processed by the platform (often with buyer protection) or directly between parties; logistics can be handled by the platform, the seller, or the buyer. Dispute resolution, ratings, and reputation systems help manage trust.

Risks include fraud, misrepresentation, and shipping problems. User reviews, identity verification, seller ratings, and escrow services mitigate some risks but do not eliminate them. The model is particularly important for access to secondhand goods, collectibles, and niche items, and it can enable individuals to monetize underused assets with relatively low entry barriers. Global variation in regulation and consumer protections shapes how C2C operates in different regions.