D2C vs B2C vs marketplaces
B2C only means a business sells to consumers; it can be through shops or marketplaces. D2C is a type of B2C where the brand sells directly — usually on its own website. Selling on Amazon or Flipkart is B2C but the marketplace owns the customer.
Examples of D2C brands in India
Well-known Indian D2C brands across categories include boAt (audio), Mamaearth (personal care), Lenskart (eyewear), The Souled Store (apparel), Sugar Cosmetics (beauty), Bewakoof (apparel) and Wakefit (mattresses). Many started with a website and Instagram before expanding to marketplaces and stores.
Why sellers go D2C
- Higher margin than wholesale or marketplace commissions
- Customer emails and phone numbers for repeat sales
- Control over brand, pricing and packaging
- Data from Pixel and Analytics to run better ads
How to start a D2C brand
Pick one product line, make or source it, shoot consistent photos, open a store on Trozly (trozly.com/start), connect payments and shipping, then drive traffic with Instagram and Meta ads. Read our guide on starting a clothing brand for a worked example.
Questions
What is the full form of D2C?
Direct-to-consumer.
Is D2C better than selling on Amazon?
Most brands do both. D2C gives margin and customer data; marketplaces give reach. Starting D2C first helps you build a brand rather than compete on price.