One Direct-to-Consumer Company's Secrets to Success Luxury handbag maker Dagne Dover has seen more than $1 million in direct-to-consumer sales through its online store.

In early 2012, Melissa Mash, Jessy Dover and Deepa Gandhi asked more than 1,000 people for input on designing a practical luxury handbag. The following year, during a three-month campaign on their website, the Dagne Dover founders presold nearly $40,000 worth of their high-end totes (featuring multiple enclosures to keep laptops, tablets, phones, water bottles, wallets and keys in place) and clutch wallets. Prices range from $125 to $500.

Since launching, the company has seen more than $1 million in direct-to-consumer sales through its online store. Last year the New York-based startup bagged $1.25 million from angel investors with ties to leading brands such as Coach, Warby Parker and Bonobos.

CEO Mash expects 2015 sales to increase by 250 to 300 percent over last year. "Our average order value is high, at $222," she explains, adding that 15 percent of customers are repeats, accounting for 27 percent of the company's sales.