Glossary
Consultation
A consultation is a scheduled meeting where a business and a potential or existing customer discuss needs, goals, or possible solutions.
Businesses use consultations to understand customer requirements, answer questions, provide recommendations, and determine the best next steps before delivering a product or service.
Quick Reference
Definition
A consultation is a planned conversation between a business and a prospective or existing customer to discuss goals, challenges, needs, or possible solutions. Consultations may take place in person, by phone, or through video conferencing and are commonly used before providing professional services or making recommendations. Depending on the business, consultations may be free, paid, or included as part of a service package.
Why This Term Matters
Consultations help businesses better understand customer needs before recommending products or services. They provide an opportunity to build trust, answer questions, gather important information, and determine whether the business is a good fit for the customer's situation. For many service-based businesses, consultations are an important part of the sales process.
How It Works
A potential customer schedules a consultation through a website, landing page, booking calendar, phone call, or referral. During the meeting, the business asks questions, learns about the customer's objectives, discusses possible solutions, and explains available products or services. After the consultation, the business may send a proposal, estimate, follow-up email, or invitation to move forward with the next step.
Examples
- A marketing agency offers a free 30-minute consultation to discuss a company's advertising goals.
- A financial advisor meets with a prospective client to review retirement planning options.
- A business consultant schedules a discovery call before preparing a customized proposal.
Related Business Functions
Related Business Models
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a consultation?
A consultation is a scheduled discussion where a business learns about a customer's needs, answers questions, and recommends possible solutions.
Are consultations always free?
No. Some businesses offer free consultations, while others charge a fee or include consultations as part of a paid service.
Why do businesses offer consultations?
Consultations help businesses understand customer needs, determine whether they are a good fit, build trust, and recommend appropriate products or services.
What happens after a consultation?
Depending on the business, the next step may include sending a proposal, providing a quote, scheduling additional meetings, or beginning the agreed-upon service.
Final Thoughts
Understanding consultations helps explain how many service-based businesses begin working with new customers. Consultations connect appointment scheduling, CRM, lead management, customer communication, and sales into a structured process that helps both the business and the customer make informed decisions.