D2C (Direct-to-Consumer)

D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) refers to brands that sell their products directly to customers without relying on third-party intermediaries such as wholesalers, distributors, or traditional retail stores.

How D2C Works

In a D2C model, brands control the entire customer journey—from marketing and sales to fulfillment and post-purchase communication. Sales typically occur through owned channels such as:

• Brand websites
• Mobile apps
• Social commerce platforms

This direct relationship gives brands access to first-party customer data and greater control over the buying experience.

Why D2C Matters

The D2C model allows brands to:

• Own customer relationships and data
• Improve margins by removing intermediaries
• Move faster with product launches and testing
• Deliver more personalized experiences

D2C brands often rely heavily on email, SMS, and lifecycle marketing to build long-term customer value.

D2C Challenges

While powerful, D2C also introduces challenges such as:

• Higher customer acquisition costs
• Increased responsibility for logistics and support
• Greater competition for consumer attention

Successful D2C brands focus on retention and repeat purchases to offset acquisition costs.