Top D2C Marketplace Platforms for Indian D2C Brands – How To Select The Right Growth Engine

The D2C ecosystem in India has matured and transitioned from brands looking to see if they want to sell online to brands looking to see where they will sell online. Consumers spend a considerable amount of time on various online shopping applications, and the selection of marketplace platforms will be pivotal to the growth of a Direct Purchase Brand.

Being visible, trusted and growing is the primary driver of success for D2C brands. Having access to a strong marketplace grants D2C brands the ability to do all of these benefits under one single shopping application. As the competition in the D2C space continues to grow, brands must partner with marketplace applications that allow them to build their brand for the long term.

This article outlines the characteristics of what constitutes the best marketplace platform for D2C brands and how D2C brands in India can choose the best marketplace to grow their business.

What is a D2C Marketplace Platform?

A D2C Marketplace Platform is a digital marketplace where brands can sell directly to consumers. A marketplace platform allows D2C brands to reach customers without middlemen and gives them access to an established customer base.

In India, the best marketplace platforms are app-first. In India, a well-designed app can determine how well brands connect to their customers and are able to turn demand into sales.

Not every marketplace platform is tailored for D2C brands. In India, the best marketplace platforms focus on four key things: 

• Brand Visibility
• Customer Trust
• Online Shopping App Traffic
• Long-Term Business Growth Support

Many D2C brands do not have the right marketplace platform. If a D2C brand does not have a marketplace platform that allows for brand visibility, customer trust, and consistent app traffic, they may struggle to be discovered, establish trust, and grow.

Important Marketplace Features for D2C Companies

1. An online shopping app which is mobile orientated.

India is a mobile-first marketplace, and the leading marketplaces grew out of this mobile-first thought process and not desktop- or laptop-based systems. When customers have the best possible online shopping app experience, it drives more engagement, conversion, and repeat usage.

The shopping app in India, which is built for D2C brands to use, should be fast, simple and EASY to use. The fast, simple and EASY shopping experience is a key factor in D2C success.

2. Brand-Friendly Structure of the Marketplace

The best marketplace systems for D2C brands allow brands to have their own story to tell on the marketplace and do not force D2C brands into a generic marketplace listing. The best D2C marketplaces allow for creative differentiation and branding in the marketplace by allowing for the creation and embedding of their own unique and branded content into the shopping app.

This branding-first approach creates loyalty and long-term growth.

3. Trust is built into the shopping apps

People trust shopping apps they know. When a D2C brand is placed on a trustworthy shopping app in India, they automatically appear credible.

Being credible is one of the largest advantages of selling through established shopping apps rather than through a stand-alone e-commerce website.

4. Maintaining marketplace visibility over time through the use of a shopping app

The best marketplace systems will ensure that the brands they host will maintain their visibility with the customers after the customer makes a purchase. Shopping apps will continue to make D2C brands fresh to the customer's mind and continue to demand customers return to the shopping app to buy.

Maintaining constant exposure over time can be extremely difficult using only independent channels.

Marketplace Platforms and D2C Growth

The marketplace model is a key driver of growth for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, allowing them to concentrate on product development and branding while a third-party platform generates awareness and facilitates sales through the use of mobile applications.

D2C brand growth through a marketplace offers several advantages:

• More rapid customer acquisition
• Reduction in discovery friction
• Increased consumer trust via third-party mobile shopping applications
• Ability to scale quickly across regions

An established mobile shopping application in India supports growth without needing a retail footprint.

Marketplace vs Building an In-House Solution

Many D2C businesses utilise their e-commerce website in the beginning. Although having a web presence provides brand control, it has limited traffic capabilities compared to an online marketplace. A D2C brand's marketplace in India will fulfil both brand awareness and marketplace functionality.

Top-performing D2C brands utilise an integrated approach:

1. Supplying web presence for brand ownership
2. Utilizing a marketplace for both marketplace exposure and community trust
3. Combined, they provide a healthy growth model for D2C brands.
4. Shopping Applications' Role in Purchasing Decisions

Consumers will have a higher confidence level when shopping from a shopping application that is perceived as reputable by their peers. Shopping applications provide the customer with a safe and secure shopping experience while facilitating high conversion rates and high frequency of purchases.

The behavioral benefits of using mobile shopping applications make them an effective channel for D2C brands that require building trust rapidly.

The Advantages of India's D2C Marketplace Platforms

India's ability for digital innovation and acceptance has created the ideal situation for online marketplaces because of the availability of low-cost smartphones, better access to the internet, and changes in how consumers shop.

A D2C brand's modern shopping app has the ability to connect customers to D2C brands anywhere in urban or semi-urban cities across India. With access to all parts of the country, D2C brands are able to reach customers in a much broader geographical area than they could if they only had one physical store.

Things D2C Brands Must Consider When Selecting a Marketplace Platform

To help D2C brands find the best marketplace platform in India, brands should evaluate:

• Shopping Application Usability.
• Customer Confidence in an Online Marketplace.
• Brand Awareness and Positioning.
• Long-term Alignment with Future Growth Objectives.

The correct platform will help create a brand and not inhibit the growth of that brand.

Value of Long-term Marketplace Platform.

It is important for D2C brands to generate immediate sales through online marketplaces, but the true value of a long-term relationship between a D2C brand and an online marketplace is what will provide the D2C brand with long-term sustainable revenue.

A D2C brand can achieve consistency, visibility, and reliability through a trusted online marketplace, establishing itself in the marketplace. These are the factors that distinguish a strong D2C brand from a fad.

The Future for D2C Brands in India is a Marketplace Focused on Experience & Relationship Building with their Customers

Brands that prioritise the consumer experience and relationship building will be the marketplace of the future. The ideal platform for D2C Brands in India (direct to consumer) will deliver:

Brand-Focused Design

A simple and intuitive user experience when using their online shopping application.

Reliable customer engagement.

Due to the heightened competition within the D2C Marketplace, D2C Brands will look for marketplace platforms that provide them with the support of a growth partner.

The Right Marketplace Platform will Lead to D2C Brand Success

In today's extremely competitive market, the platform you partner with is just as vital to your D2C brand's success as the type of product you offer. A quality shopping application in conjunction with a D2C-Friendly Marketplace provides the foundation for D2C brands to confidently grow.

The right marketplace platform enables the D2C brand to convert their visibility to customer loyalty and sales to long-term brand equity.

Choosing the Right Marketplace Platform for D2C Brands in India is One of the Most Crucial Decisions a D2C Brand Can Make. D2C Brands must focus on the right marketplace platform that meets their growth and scalability needs. As consumers spend more time on the shopping applications and online store, it is imperative that the D2C brand partner with a platform that provides the right combination of customer trust, customer reach and growth potential.

D2C Brands that partner with a reputable online marketplace with a robust network of shopping applications are able to quickly grow their business, reach a larger audience, and build the foundation for success in India's digital economy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which marketplace platform is ideal for D2C brands in India?

A marketplace that gives high visibility to the brand, provides high trust levels with customers, and provides the easiest shopping experience with an online shopping app.

Why do D2C brands utilise online marketplaces?

Online marketplaces provide discovery, trust, and scale to DTC brands by leveraging established shopping apps.

Are shopping applications a significant factor in the DTC brand growth?

Yes, shopping applications deliver repeat use, increase user engagement, and are significantly easier to acquire new customers than stand-alone platforms.

Can a DTC brand successfully operate via its own website?

While websites are essential, shopping apps and online marketplaces can capture new customers more quickly and allow brands to build credibility.

What should a DTC brand look for when considering joining an online shopping app in India?

A brand should assess the usability, customer trust, visibility, and long-term growth potential of the app or shopping app in India.