Direct-to-consumer (DTC or D2C)

What is direct-to-consumer (DTC)?

Direct-to-consumer (often shortened as DTC or D2C) is a business model where brands sell their products directly to customers, without using any middlemen like retailers, wholesalers, or third-party marketplaces. This approach gives the company complete control over the shopping experience, from how the product is marketed and priced to how it’s delivered and supported.

The direct-to-consumer model is common in ecommerce and is especially popular among subscription-based businesses, apparel brands, and wellness companies. By cutting out intermediaries, DTC brands can build stronger customer relationships, personalize experiences, and make data-driven decisions using direct feedback. It also helps increase profit margins and allows more flexibility in branding and promotion.

Why is DTC important?

DTC gives brands:

• Higher profit margins
• Direct access to first-party customer data
• Full control over branding and messaging
• The ability to launch quickly and scale efficiently
• Personalized marketing opportunities

Example of direct-to-consumer in action:

Imagine a wellness brand that offers a line of personalized vitamin packs. Customers subscribe directly on the brand’s official website, choose their preferences, and receive monthly deliveries. The company manages marketing through social media and handles shipping without involving any third-party retailers. This is a clear example of a direct-to-consumer business.

Driftcharge Tip

For success in DTC, focus on building strong customer relationships, offering seamless user experiences, and using data to personalize communication and improve retention.

Ganesh Pawar

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Ganesh Pawar is the founder of Driftcharge, a subscription management app designed to help Shopify merchants streamline and scale their subscription businesses. With a deep focus on solving real-world pain points—like legacy account page support, flexible subscription options, and advanced analytics—Ganesh is passionate about building tools that drive growth and retention.