Should I Focus My Search on B2B Service Companies — or Does Every Service Business Have Both Sides Anyway?

November 03, 2025

by a searcher from Purdue University in Denver, CO, USA

Hey everyone 👋, I’m refining my acquisition search toward service businesses after originally exploring SaaS. One question I’m wrestling with is whether it really makes sense to focus specifically on B2B vs. B2C, or if most strong service businesses naturally blend the two. On one hand, I like the idea of a B2B service — recurring contracts, less customer churn, and often a clearer value proposition. But I’m noticing that many great service businesses (e.g., HVAC, landscaping, cleaning, construction, etc.) seem to have both B2B and B2C components, depending on how they grow or position themselves. For context, my background is in software development and process optimization, so my value-add is digitization and building operational systems. That could apply in either arena, but I’m wondering if B2B gives me a clearer lane — or if I’m over-segmenting. So my question for the group: 👉 When you think about service companies worth acquiring, is it smart to focus strictly on B2B — or do most strong operators end up with a mix of both anyway? Would love to hear from those who’ve been in the trenches here — what’s worked best for you, and why? Thanks in advance!

Reply by a searcher
from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Apex, NC, USA

Consumers are the worst. I kid. But only slightly. Most SMBs take whatever revenue comes their way so I'd expect you will see most with non-ideal customer segments. I'd think through it in terms of acquistion model (how do you get customers), and support models (what level of customer service is expected). You have to have channels/teams to support both B2B and B2C as IMO they are both different. But most use similar motions to serve both because they aren't big/specialized enough to truly segment those customers into unique service models. Ultimately, a matter of preference as to what segment is "better." Good business w/ better people is preferred over any segment.

Reply by an intermediary
from Boston University in Littleton, MA, USA

I have business doing both and looking partner/investor

+4 more replies.

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