DTC — Direct to Consumer

Definition: Brand sells directly to customers with no middleman. DTC needs strong CAC/LTV math.

Example

In board meetings, you'll often hear something like: "Let's pull the latest DTC numbers before we make a call" — shorthand for direct to consumer.

When you'll hear it

DTC shows up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. When someone uses it, they're usually referring to direct to consumer — and they expect the room to already know what that means.

FAQs

What does DTC stand for?

DTC stands for Direct to Consumer.

What does DTC mean in business and finance?

Brand sells directly to customers with no middleman. DTC needs strong CAC/LTV math.

Where will I hear DTC used at work?

DTC comes up most often in board meetings, quarterly business reviews, and strategy off-sites. It's used as shorthand for direct to consumer, so people assume you already know the term.