Direct Consumer Marketing

by Chuck
(MD)

What is direct consumer marketing? I define it as the process of selling goods directly to consumers. Most manufacturing companies make a product and sell it to a distributor. In return, the distributor sells it to chain of stores or independent stores, and those stores sell the product to a consumer.

Each level of the distribution chain must make a profit. So many products are marked up 300% to 500% or more from the time they are made to the time the consumer purchases it. For example, a pair of jeans that is manufactured for a couple dollars overseas often sells for $50 to $100 in the stores.

Some manufacturing companies choose to skip the normal distribution channels and sell directly to the consumer. In these cases, the manufacturer can charge a lower price (than the stores) but still make a larger profit. And the consumer can get the items for a cheaper price. It’s a win-win for both parties involved.

Just about any type of good can be sold through direct consumer marketing. This includes candles, food, clothes, health products, cosmetics, utilities and more.

Direct Consumer Marketing works in several different ways. Here are some examples:

• Multi-level Marketing Companies

• Roadside Food Stands

• Items sold through catalogs via direct mail

• Items sold through classified ads in magazines
and newspapers

• Infomercials on television

• Door to Door Sales

• And so much more!

In fact, the direct consumer marketing business is a multi-billion dollar industry here in the United States. World Wide, this industry does well over $100 billion annually. And it continues to grow each year.

As you can see, there are many different ways to get involved in direct consumer marketing. You could join a direct sales company, sell your own eBook online, sell vegetables from your garden at a farmer’s market, sell products via direct mail, and countless other ideas. The secret is to find something that excites you and get started.