In 2021, almost 60 percent of American adults purchased from a DTC brand. Also known as Direct to Consumer, DTC companies fulfill orders and ship them straight to the customer. With an increasing number of shopping channels cropping up online, clients have more choices than ever, and staying innovative is crucial to drawing sales away from the competition. Keep reading to learn more about how technology is making DTC explode and find out how your brand can benefit from the trend.Â
Understanding DTC
ShipHero has built a strong foundation by partnering with DTC eCommerce brands. Thanks to the use of cloud computing and enhanced technologies in the warehousing and 3PL space, companies can cut down on wait times while providing more satisfying Client Support.Â
A number of companies benefited from this eCommerce growth trend before the pandemic and then saw even greater success during the initial throes of COVID-19 . For example, sneaker supplier Allbirds won acclaim and financial success by selling products over the internet rather than through established outlets. Companies like Warby Parker and Casper are also leading the pack when it comes to online vs in store sales. There are dozens of brands, many ShipHero clients that also saw huge success.
eCommerce Sales Trends to Build Your Brand
New technological advances are enabling DTC to grow in exciting and lucrative ways. Not only can companies create websites with highly targeted content, but social media enables brands to build communities online, interacting directly with current and potential clients. Additionally, companies like ShipHero provide state-of-the-art warehouse management system software to enable end-to-end automation and allow your brand to integrate seamlessly with other eCommerce sites. The end result is faster growth for your business. Here are some of the ways in which eCommerce growth trends are helping businesses succeed.
Data Gathering
Acquiring data is key when it comes to building a successful DTC brand, and technology is making that process easier than ever. After all, growing your business means analyzing data regarding conversions, retention, and product returns and making more informed decisions going forward. Additionally brands can use forecasting services to minimize missed sales due to sold out items and ensure purchase orders don’t slip through the cracks.Â
Personalizing the Shopping Experience
Just because you’ve opted to focus on online vs in store sales doesn’t mean you can afford to let client relationships suffer. Regardless of where they choose to purchase goods and services, today’s clients are seeking a more personal connection with brands. Without a brick-and-mortar store, businesses need to get creative, offering digital interactions and perks that take the place of physical encounters. Customers want brands to present them with shopping suggestions specifically tailored to their past purchases. Along with product recommendations, savvy businesses may provide price comparison info and even personalized interfaces for customers to try before they buy. As a bonus, helping clients make the right choices will help minimize the hassle and expense of dealing with returns.Â
Selling Across Different Marketplaces
When it comes to retail sales by channel, today’s companies don’t have to settle for one marketplace alone. And while Amazon and Etsy have opened up new opportunities, brands can’t lose sight of the need for effective, efficient marketplace fulfillment. With multiple systems providing disparate data and orders coming in from all over, adopting an integrated fulfillment system is of vital importance. Fortunately, the latest warehouse management systems make it easy to interface with multiple marketplaces. You can manage inventory, pick and pack orders, and handle reverse logistics. The end result is happy customers who keep coming back for more.Â
If you’re asking yourself, is eCommerce worth it in 2022, the answer should be a resounding yes. By staying abreast of the latest trends in DTC, you can take advantage of the opportunities to grow your brand while ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
Talk to our software experts today and learn more about how our warehouse software is built for eCommerce brands to execute their DTC strategies more effectively.Â
Aaron Rubin, Founder & CEO
ShipHeroÂ
About the author: Aaron Rubin is the Founder & CEO of ShipHero. He is responsible for planning and executing the overall vision and strategy of the organization. Rubin’s greatest strengths are leadership, change management, strategic planning and a passion for progression. He is known for having his finger on the pulse of ShipHero’s major initiatives, his entrepreneurial spirit, and keen business acumen. His leadership of ShipHero is grounded in providing excellent customer service that drives improved business operations. His passion for ShipHero comes from the culture and his ability to have an impact on the lives of employees, customers, partners, and investors.