Direct to Consumer Survey Exploration: Understanding Consumer Preferences 2024

It is less likely you have heard of a D2C brand. B2B and B2C are so COMMON. And have masked the D2C brands. Even Google or Social media sites use alternative terms for it. 

Guess what!!! 

It is one of the MOST popular ways. Even in the future, it is an EMERGING star. 

Based on Significance, our experts came up with the idea. Why should we not get the REAL-TIME data? 

This impulse put endeavors into the survey of 200 people. Distinctive selection gave us POSITIVE vibes for DTC brands. 

And the BEST part? It was not only our effort but also ENSURE authenticity of data with random sampling in the SURVEYS. Our distinctive approach ensured 100% accuracy and transparency in data. Plus, we double-checked every data point to make it 100% unique. Overall, the whole data gives you an accurate estimate of the DTC lovers. 

Are you curious what our REAL-TIME survey of 200 consumers says? 

Read the whole data guide about the D2C brands. 

1

What is Direct-to-Consumer(D2C)?

I have seen business involving a third party or middleman. The purpose? To facilitate the trade. But it has one potential problem. Increased COSTS. 

But now, DTC brands have DOMINATED. 

It is the process of selling directly to consumers. No go-between is there. You sell products at the ACTUAL cost. 

Benefit? 

Better customer loyalty. Lower costs. And effective customer retention.

What is Direct-to-Consumer

Hey friend! DTC brands are different from B2B. In B2B, deals occur between the businesses. Then what happens in DTC?

It is a retail business. The DTC brand sells directly to consumers. For instance, Chanel, Adidas, and Nike are DTC brands. 

But why do you even think about launching the DTC brand? It goes easy on the eyes. Let me let you know. 

Direct Access to Consumer data

You directly communicate with the consumers. Know what is happening. Evaluate what they like. Get the consumer data to check their interests. 

You know, the Target Audience

You grabbed consumer data. You know who you are selling. What else do you need to generate more sales?

Strong Brand Loyalty

Offering excellent customer experience does the WONDERS. You enjoy STRONGER brand loyalty. And non-stop sales. 

Higher profit

You are the BOSS of your business. And improve your profit margins without CUTTING costs on mediators.

3

Demographic Information

Direct-to-consumer DTC brands have dominated. You might not believe my words. But check the demographic data. 

  • Around 30.7% of the consumers of the age group 25-34 like most DTC brands. It is the highest of any age group data! 
  • 64.1% of the males voted for the Direct to Consumer DTC brands. Conversely, 35.9% of the females went for the direct-to-consumer DTC brands. 
  • In our survey, 61.5% of users were in the URBAN area. They buy from DTC model brands. Why? Because of personalized shopping experience.  
  • And guess what? DTC model brand lovers are the FULL-TIME employees. As per data, 39.74% of the consumers love DTC brands. 

General Understanding

No bragging at all. We have conducted the REAL-TIME data to help ONLINE RETAILERS know: 

  • How many customers love them? 
  • Is it okay to go for direct-to-consumer sales? 
  • How profitable can you be? 

And you want to know our HIDDEN response to the consumers, right? 

Take a look. 

  • Most people need to learn the TERM D2C. Why? Because B2C is more common. 35.7% of the consumers didn’t even know what D2C is. Around 31% of the consumers have RESPONDED they’ve heard of it. And 33.3% of the consumers already knew what D2C is. 
  • Most people don’t even have seen online ads when it comes to DTC ads. Our data shows that 42.9% said they’ve never seen D2C ads. 23.8% have most often seen the ads. 19% have sometimes seen the social media ads of D2C brands. And 14.3% have seen it very rarely. 
  • Most people have yet to learn about the D2C from any source. 45.2% have yet to hear of it. 38.1% have known about it from Social media. And 16.7% from friends and family
  • 42.9% of the users shop from DTC retailer stores monthly. 21.4% shop weekly. 14.3% shop rarely. And 19% shop daily. Less than 0.5% don’t make purchases from online retail brands. 
  • 36.1% of the users have yet to return PRODUCTS. 

4

  • Most people consider price(38.1%). The reviews(31%). After that, material (16.7%). And finally, 14.3% consider brand names. 
  • Most users trust online product descriptions. 66.7% responded SOMETIMES. 23.8% responded OFTEN. And 9.5% responded RARELY! 
  • Debit cards are the MOST favorite payment method. 55.6% of users use it to pay for consumer brands. 
  • 58.3% of the users have FOLLOWED consumer brands on social media. 
  • 47.2% of users just TRUST consumer brands. And make their purchases due to excellent customer journey. 
  • 50% of the users like to BUY clothes directly from brands. After that, electronics is on the top for 38.9%
  • 41.7% of the users may subscribe to the monthly box from established brands. 

4

Business model and marketing strategy: both are the TRUMP cards. You can’t ignore one. A successful customer journey ensures BETTER deals for the brands. And that is true when brands focus more on the customer experience. And go to the far end of SATISFY consumer needs. 

Here is what the consumers say about the DTC model and marketing strategy. 

  • The D2C brand can be an INNOVATIVE solution for some users. In our survey, 42.9% of the USERS showed UNSURE responses about the innovation of D2C legacy brands. 40.5% agreed to the FACT. And 16.7% of the USERS said NO
  • 38.1% of users still determine why to lean toward DTC legacy brands. 33.3% go for better profit margins. 16.7% go for direct customer relationships. And 11.9% over the BETTER control on inventory. 
  • 76.2% would love a BRAND to sell as DTC retail and traditional online stores. 19% said they do not care whether BRAND sells as an online or DTC retail store. And 4.8% said NO! 
  • A DTC trend is quite important. And D2C brands respond to it. 69% of users agreed with this fact. 23.8% needed clarification. And 7.1% said no! 
7

Marketing and branding is the key. For example, you start a DTC brand. And start inviting specific loyal customers. Since you are giving IMPORTANCE, they will indeed move to your business. 

And there will be only one thing— NON-STOP sales. The same concept applies to all the D2C brands. 

Peek the detailed customer data. 

  • Successful DTC eCommerce brands’ stories are sometimes very IMPORTANT. 47.6% of the consumers gave a NEUTRAL response. 28.6% said it is crucial for DTC sales. And 23.8% said it is SOMEWHAT important. 
  • Sometimes, DTC retail advertises personally for you. As per data, 66.7% of the users agreed with this fact. And 33.3% gave a CONTRADICTORY response
  • The customer journey is not all about DTC sales. Instead, it is the engagement and then the purchase. And data shows brand mission videos, testimonials, and demos are their FAVORITE. 31% of the users RESPONDED to testimonials. Only 4.8% loved BTS scenes of the products. 
  • Discounts are an excellent CHOICE to attract new customers. 66.7% of the users love to PARTICIPATE in discount offers. 28.6% said they may or may not participate. 4.8% of the users give a NO! 
8

Fast shipping services ensure an excellent CUSTOMER journey. Reduced product returns. And better customer relationships. 

Do you want to get it all? 

First, know what your TARGET AUDIENCE would love to do.  

Complete customer data will disclose it. 

  • 28.6% of the new customers said they hadn’t faced any delivery delays. Never one time! 23.8% said they do not make DTC sales. 23.8% said they occasionally face delivery delays. And only 23.8% voted for the USUAL delivery delays for their orders. 
  • Fast shipping is essential but not for all customers. 40.5% said it is VERY CRITICAL for them. 26.2% said it is somewhat crucial. 19% didn’t show any interest in it. And 9.5% said it is not very critical. And 4.8% voted it is not necessary for them at all. 
  • A free return policy is vital for 59.5% of consumers. 28.6% of consumers said it is somewhat essential. And 11.9% showed a neutral response. 
  • International shipping is VITAL. 47.6% of the consumers don’t buy from a D2C brand without International shipping. 33.3% buy from it. And 19% said it depends on the situation. 
9

Do you love technology? AI has dominated RECENTLY. And made purchases easier. Customer experience is the PREMIUM thing for a consumer. And even the brands have to THINK about it. 

Technology such as Chatbots has RESOLVED customer service issues greatly. More direct customer FEEDBACK is vital at this point to improve it. 

How customer data has helped in DTC strategy is in detail. 

  • 61.1% of the consumers online are UNSURE of the technology by DTC strategy. 30.6% said the direct-to-consumer model had reached customer expectations. And 8.3% responded in NO!
  • 55.6% of consumers believe customer experience on MOBILE is critical. 25% don’t have any consumer data. And 11.1% think it is somewhat essential. 
  • 44.4% of customers think about AI technology implementation in a direct-to-customer model. 27.8% don’t care about technology. And 27.8% are also not sure about it. 
10

Where do you buy? Local brands or International? It depends mainly on the PERSONAL choices. 

 Our Customer data says this. 

  • 44.4% of consumers don’t have any PREFERENCE criteria. 36.1% of consumers love to buy from international brands. And 19.4% consider local BRANDS as their top choice. 
  • Cultural content? Do you love it? 44.4% of users think local BRANDS offer more culture-relevant products. 38.9% are not sure. And 16.7% don’t think so. 
  • Buyers are willing to wait for LONG delivery times from International brands. 41.7% of the users said YES. 38.9% said MAYBE. And 19.4% said NO! 
  • Trust levels of an international online RETAIL DTC business differ from local ones. 41.7% of the consumers have EQUAL trust. 27.8% are not SURE. 16.7% have less confidence in International brands. And 13.9% of the users have MORE belief. 
11

Can you take a WILD guess of the future of D2C brands? Are they going to be more successful than traditional retailers? 

Customer feedback says about such brands following! 

  • 47.2% of the consumers are unaware whether they will buy from D2C brands. 41.7% said their MOST purchases will be from the DTC brands. And 11.11% think they will not buy from the DTC brands anymore. 
  • Is D2C more eco-friendly and sustainable? 50% of the consumers have a NEUTRAL response. They do not know whether it is TRUE or not. 44.4% think it is true that D2C brands are more eco-friendly than traditional retailers. Only 5.6% responded NO for the sustainable products from D2C brands. 
  • 36.1% of the consumers said they may or may not a DTC brand implement the latest technology solutions. 44.4% recommend the DRONE technology for d2C brands. 19.4% didn’t go for the technology implementation. 
  • 36.1% of the CONSUMERS said DTC brands should replace online retailers. 33.3% talked about partial replacement. 19.4% said about the complete replacement. And 8.3% said they should barely replace the RETAILERS. 

Have you gone through the data? It is imperative to know the DTC brand’s dominance. In the upcoming years, more than 50% of buyers will Buy from DTC brands. 

Reason? Affordable prices. Quality inventory. No overhead costs. 
Want to know more stats like that? Go through our website.

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Sharline

Article by:

Sharline Shaw

Hey I'm Sharline, the founder of Leeline Sourcing. With 10 years of experience in the field of sourcing in China, we help 2000+ clients import from China,Alibaba,1688 to Amazon FBA or shopify. If you have any questions about sourcing , pls feel free to contact us.