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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nInstant gratification: why D2C start-ups are getting snapped up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have fared well during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One prime example is Grenade<\/a>. Regarded as \u2018the world\u2019s fastest-growing performance nutrition brand and one of the most exciting FMCG companies in the market\u2019, they\u2019ve seen a 34% uplift in D2C turnover<\/a> on the previous year. It\u2019s no surprise then that Mondelez wants a bite of that much-loved protein bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Likewise, pet brands<\/a> have prospered as people have spent more time at home with their beloved pets and have become more conscious of what they\u2019re feeding them (and what harness matches their personality\/fur colour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n D2C means convenience. Both for the company itself and for its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A B2B strategy, with products sitting on retailers\u2019 shelves, means manufacturers have to rely heavily on their retail partners to give them access to the info they need. Delivering orders direct to the customer means they\u2019ve got all of that insight in their own hands; they\u2019re owning the complete customer journey and so get a first-hand understanding of\u00a0how their products are performing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As 21 June approaches, the \u2018freedom day\u2019 when all lockdown restrictions are (hopefully) lifted, consumers will continue to enjoy the convenience of buying directly online. And so, the challenge for many retailers is to find new ways to fuel growth and drive their D2C segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussion around online product returns<\/a> has become one of both simplicity and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers want an easy way to return their unwanted goods, and brands want to understand the reasons for those returns so they can do something about it. Quite simply, if the\u00a0returns process<\/a>\u00a0is inadequate, it doesn\u2019t make for a happy customer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a significant commercial cost associated with a high return rate. Returns are no longer considered an afterthought, but in fact, it\u2019s the part of the eCommerce journey that permeates the whole business. After-sales, service, customer satisfaction \u2013 it affects it all. Beyond that, there are horrendous online reviews to respond to if the returns process doesn\u2019t cut the mustard.<\/p>\n\n\n\nReverse logistics: the rules of rejection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n