The lean approach to launching your direct-to-consumer business
Starting your own brand in 2025 doesn't require a VC check, an agency retainer, or warehouse full of inventory.
If you've got a product that solves a real problem, a clear point of view, and the right tools – you can launch a D2C (direct-to-consumer) brand that not only works, but thrives.
Here's the no-fluff, lean and smart way to get started.
What Is a D2C Brand?
D2C (direct-to-consumer) means you sell your product straight to your audience – no middlemen, no retailers, no Amazon hijacking your margin.
You own the whole funnel: from the first click to unboxing. That means full control of your margins, your brand experience, and your customer relationships.
42.5% of Gen Z and 32% of millennials prefer buying directly from a brand's online store.
And it's not just about sales. It's about building a real connection with your customers—understanding what they like, why they buy, and how they talk about your product. D2C lets you build a brand that feels human, relatable, and scalable—on your own terms.
Step 1: Pick the Right Platform
This is where most beginners overthink. Our recommendation? Start with Shopify.
Here's why:
Pros:
- Fast to launch with ready-made templates
- Access to thousands of third-party apps
- Amazing support and resources for D2C beginners
- Scales with you as you grow
Bonus:
- Apps like Loox help you instantly build social proof with photo reviews and UGC
- Apps like Tellos let you turn videos into TikTok-style shopping moments with zero dev work
Cons? It's not the cheapest at scale, but the flexibility and growth potential make it a no-brainer over Wix or Webflow.
Shopify is an open ecosystem built for ecommerce. And the Shopify App Store is where it really shines.
Step 2: You Don't Need Full Inventory to Test
A common myth: you need 500 units in a warehouse before launching. Not true.
Start lean:
- Order small batches or use print-on-demand
- Use pre-orders or "coming soon" landing pages to test interest
- Dropship test products if quality and delivery time align with your brand
You can also run surveys, polls, and waitlists to test interest before committing to production. Validation is more important than perfection.
Step 3: Logistics? Use What Exists
You don't have to build a warehouse or negotiate with 3PLs from day one.
Use beginner-friendly solutions:
- Shopify Fulfillment Network (in the US)
- Printful, ShipBob, or other plug-and-play logistics platforms
- Even fulfilling orders from your apartment is totally fine to start
Later, when you've got consistent sales, you can optimize for cost and speed. But at the beginning, your goal is simple: prove the concept and deliver a great customer experience.
Step 4: Test the Waters on Social First
Want to launch fast and validate your idea? Try TikTok Shop.
TikTok Shop generated $4.4 billion in global sales in Q4 2023 and is projected to hit $17.5 billion in the U.S. alone by the end of 2024. (Source: Business of Apps, 2024)
It's an incredible testing ground. You can:
- Post a video
- Tag products
- Let TikTok handle the checkout and fulfillment
If the response is strong—great, you've validated demand. If not, you've learned without sinking costs into inventory or custom sites.
But remember: TikTok owns the audience. You don't. That's why your long-term strategy should always be to bring shoppers back to your own store.
That's where Shopify comes in. And just as important—that's where Tellos enters the picture. Check it out on the Shopify App Store.
With Tellos, your Shopify store becomes an extension of the social shopping experience Gen Z and millennial shoppers already love. You publish content to TikTok or Instagram—Tellos automatically turns those same videos into shoppable, personalized video feeds directly on your site.
Want to go deeper? Check out our full guide on how to make your shoppable videos more engaging.
Step 5: Build a Real Experience (Not Just a Storefront)
This is where you turn a store into a brand.
- Use storytelling to explain what your product stands for
- Highlight reviews (Loox is great for this)
- Show real people using your products
- Use email and SMS to talk to your audience like they're insiders
Modern shoppers crave authenticity. If your brand feels human – you win.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Smart
You don't need a 50-page business plan. You need:
- A product idea
- A basic storefront
- A couple tools (Shopify, Tellos, Loox)
- A willingness to learn fast and adjust quickly
Start small, move fast, and stay close to your customers.
D2C isn't just a business model. It's a chance to build something that's fully yours.
And the best time to start? Right now.
Ready to add shoppable video to your D2C strategy? Try Tellos on the Shopify App Store or contact us for a personalized demo.