Traditionally, manufacturers didn’t sell directly to consumers. However, it’s becoming increasingly common with the rise of e-commerce. Here are some examples:
- Dollar Shave Club (US): This company started by disrupting the traditional razor market by selling high-quality blades directly to consumers through a subscription model.
- Harry’s (US): Harry’s offers premium shaving products like razors, blades, and shaving cream at competitive prices.
- King C. Gillette (US): While not directly selling to consumers themselves, King C. Gillette is the manufacturer behind the iconic Gillette brand of razors and blades. They supply major retailers and wholesalers worldwide, making their products readily available to consumers indirectly.
- Pinduoduo (China): This platform leans more towards social commerce, where manufacturers can open storefronts and sell directly to consumers at competitive prices. Pinduoduo is known for its group buying feature, allowing customers to get discounts for buying in bulk.
- Temu (International): This platform is a recent venture by Pinduoduo targeting international markets like the US. While currently focused on connecting Chinese manufacturers with overseas retailers, there’s a chance manufacturers might eventually sell directly to consumers on Temu as well.