What is the D2C Marketplace?

The digital marketplace for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands has exploded in popularity in India due to many factors, including an increase in online spending by consumers, a decrease in retail real estate, increased competition among retailers, advancements in technology, and changing consumer behaviours toward how and where they buy things. In India today there are many online marketplaces, ranging from large players like Amazon and Flipkart down to smaller niche sites.

Online marketplaces provide a huge opportunity for D2C brands to quickly build an online presence, reach new customers through an established platform and retain control of their retail pricing through low-cost, fast shipping and easy-to-use return options.
This article discusses how to identify the ideal online marketplace to grow your D2C brand and provides tips on selecting a marketplace for your D2C business in India.

What is an online marketplace for DTC brands?

An online marketplace through which DTC brands sell directly to consumers without intermediaries, typically accessible via a mobile app or a shopping site, has allowed many brands to connect with customers who prefer MOBILE shopping.

Unlike DTC-specific marketplaces where brands maintain pricing, brand messaging, and customer engagement for the entire 3300VE, DTC-focused marketplaces provide brands greater control of the brand experience by centralising all shopping in one place.

DTC brands prefer the right online marketplace because many online marketplaces are not set-up to support DTC success. The ideal online marketplace in India for DTC brands allows for the creation of a compelling brand story and builds trust with customers as well as supports sustainable business growth.

Some reasons why DTC brands prefer a well-established online marketplace include:

• Direct access via the online shop app.
• Quickly attract new customers online.
• More consistent brand awareness via trusted store apps.
• Reduced reliance on offline distribution.

An established shopping app in India acts as an extension of the brand itself.

Best Online Marketplaces for D2C Brands in India:

1. Mobile-First Shopping App Experience

India is a mobile-first market, and thus, good online marketplaces are focused on mobile shopping applications rather than desktop computers for users. The impact of an easy-to-use mobile-shopping app experience on conversion rates and repeat purchases is immediate.

2. Brand-Friendly Marketplace Structure

The best online marketplaces allow D2C brands to retain the identity of their own brand. Instead of being forced into generic listings and being unable to differentiate their Brand from others, the strongest marketplaces enable D2C brands to differentiate within their shopping applications.

Shopping applications will perform best for D2C brands that allow consumers to identify with the brand and provide consumer trust.

3. Need for High Trust Among Online Shoppers

Trust is a vital component of digital commerce; consumers are more likely to purchase from a D2C brand if they discover the brand through a reliable shopping app. A trusted shopping application in India automatically transfers the corporate credibility of that shopping application to D2C brands that are selling through the platform.

4. Need for Consistent Visibility Through Online Shopping Applications

The best online marketplaces provide brands with the opportunity to maintain a visible presence through an online shopping application without a heavy reliance on paid advertising. Consistent presence on popular online shopping applications ensures repeat exposure when a user regularly browses those applications.

The Rise of Online Shopping Apps – An avenue for D2C Brands to Grow

Many Indian consumers today use online shopping apps as their one-stop shopping option. Consumers no longer have to visit several websites; instead, they can use a limited number of trusted online shopping apps.

For D2C brands, this change in consumer shopping behaviour presents a tremendous opportunity. Being present on the correct online shopping app can provide the following for a D2C brand: – Daily brand awareness – Increased consumer engagement – Rapid consumer trust building An effective online shopping app within India can serve as an effective growth catalyst for a D2C brand.

D2C Brand: Selling Through Brand Websites vs Online Marketplaces

Many D2C brands wonder if they should only focus on their brand website. While a brand website offers the ability to control content, an online marketplace will offer an opportunity for an audience to discover your products.

An online marketplace can complement a D2C brand's website by providing the following: – New customers (i.e., consumers who had never heard of the brand before) – Increased brand visibility – Facilitated customer acquisition via online shopping applications.

The most effective D2C brands today are strategic when employing both online marketplaces and brand websites to drive customer acquisition.

How Shopping Applications Affect Consumer Purchasing Decisions

Customers tend to feel more at ease when purchasing products through well-known shopping applications. Using a reputable online shopping application in India lowers hesitation levels and increases conversions for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands.

This is why D2C brands that have listings on trusted online marketplaces tend to experience greater user engagement than those that rely solely on their own proprietary websites.

What to Look for in an Online Marketplace for D2C Brands

When searching for a suitable online marketplace for D2C brands in India, brands should consider:

- How user-friendly the shopping application is

- How much trust consumers place in that particular online marketplace

- The level of brand visibility available to brands selling through that shopping application

- How well the shopping application aligns with the brand's long-term growth objectives

The ideal online marketplace should help D2C brands grow without negatively affecting their brand value.

India's Growing Potential for D2C Online Marketplaces.

India has an increasingly robust and rapidly growing digital economy. With millions of consumers adopting online shopping applications and an ever-increasing demand for curated and brand-friendly online marketplaces, there will continue to be an increase in opportunities for D2C brands to utilize modern online shopping applications and connect with consumers across geographic regions and demographics.

The Future of D2C Online Marketplaces

Going forward, the marketplace trend will focus more on the experience rather than just volume. The best online marketplaces for D2C brands in India will place an emphasis on:

Visibility of the brand.

Trust of the customer.

Seamless performance of the shopping application.

As shopping applications continue to develop, D2C brands will choose platforms that enable them to conduct long-term builds.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Marketplace to Achieve Sustainable Growth

D2C is all about relationships, not merely sales. A trustworthy marketplace gives the brands the ability to connect repeatedly with customers through trusted shopping applications.

This continued connection distinguishes fast-growing D2C brands from short-lived fads.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best online marketplace will be a significant factor in building a successful D2C business in India. As people are spending ever-increasing amounts of time on shopping applications and online shopping, it is vital for D2C brands to partner with trustworthy, visible, scalable platforms to increase revenue.

An excellent shopping application in India, when partnered with a marketplace that aligns with the brand's mission, creates the ultimate ecosystem for D2C brands to build on, interact with customers, and develop sustainable success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where is the best online marketplace for D2C brands in India?

The best online marketplace for D2C brands offers online shopping apps that provide strong customer visibility and trust, as well as provide a seamless shopping app experience for end users.

Why are shopping apps important for D2C brands?

Shopping apps give D2C brands the opportunity to acquire new customers through repeat visits, higher engagement levels and easier discovery than traditional offline platforms.

Can D2C brands sell exclusively via their own website?

D2C brands can sell via their own website; however, having access to an online shopping marketplace can help a D2C brand quickly acquire new customers.

How do shopping apps establish consumer trust in D2C brands?

Consumers trust shopping apps that they are already familiar with. Shopping apps help D2C brands convert customers more effectively when the consumer uses a trusted shopping app in India.

Are Online Marketplaces a Good Option for New D2C Brands?

Online marketplaces are an excellent option for new D2C brands, as they have built-in traffic and consumer trust.