Discover The Most Pressing Issues and Opportunities Identified by DTC Brands

As planning for peak season 2021 began, we at the Direct To Consumer Consortium wanted to know what our clients and partners were most concerned about and focusing on. In July 2021, we sent out an online survey to members of our recently-created DTC Consortium, a group made up of DTC brand owners and ecommerce enablement companies such as systems and software providers, as well as the broader industry. Here are some of the key takeaways:

Huge DTC Brand Growth

We discovered that 96% of brands surveyed experienced growth in 2020 over 2019, with results being evenly split:

*32% of brands experienced 1-50% growth

*32% of brands experienced 50-100% growth

*32% of brands experienced extraordinary growth of 100% or more

Top 2021 Concerns: A Clearly Defined Focus on Supply Chain and Shipping

When surveyed, 100% of respondents listed supply chain and on-time shipping as either “very or somewhat” top of mind. This undoubtedly reflects their experience with 2020 disrupted supply chains and international shipping delays. Responses indicate that these concerns have not yet been alleviated. The ability to keep up with spikes in volume was also cited by 100% of respondents, though less top of mind. Meanwhile, 84% of respondents were “very or somewhat” concerned about a resurgence in the pandemic.

Brand Opportunities: Growth and Improvement

When asked what opportunities they forsee for peak season 2021, several respondents were optimistic about strong growth expectations, while others saw opportunities to improve their logistics and shipping operations.

Ecommerce Enablement Companies: Expansion and Hiring are Top of Mind

Brand owners may find it reassuring that, based on responses, DTC enablement companies spent the year expanding, automating, streamlining, and “pandemic proofing” their services and capabilities to meet the growing needs of DTC brands. 100% of enablement companies surveyed list customer service as “very or somewhat” top of mind. Staffing and employee retention also ranks highly for 94% of these companies.

The takeaway: both DTC brands and enablement companies learned a great deal from 2020 and, despite concerns, they are optimistic about continued growth in 2021. Visit the DTC Consortium website and watch for upcoming events, webinars, and thought leadership articles in the future.

About the DTC Consortium

The DTC Consortium, a Ruby Has Thought Leadership enterprise, is a group of executives from leading direct-to-consumer brands and DTC ecommerce enablement companies convening to further our shared industry and address its opportunities and challenges. We welcome you to apply to become a member of this meaningful initiative. There is no cost and the benefits are many.

***Survey results are intended for informal use only and should not be considered statistically conclusive.