Careers and Opportunities

Not only does Direct Selling provide many exciting career opportunities within a corporate environment, Direct Selling has enjoyed outstanding success across the globe offering a flexible income generating opportunity to millions of people.

The cost for an individual (direct seller) to start a direct selling business-within-a-business (with a DSA member company) is typically very low. Usually, a modestly priced sales kit is all that is required for one to get started, and there is little or no required inventory or other cash commitments to begin. This stands in sharp contrast to franchise and other business investment opportunities, which may require substantial expenditure and expose the investor to a significant risk of loss.

Men and women across all age groups have achieved significant success. From those starting in their teenage years to those beyond “official” retirement, people can enjoy the benefits of financial reward and personal development throughout their lives. There are no barriers to entry: the requirement for higher education such as a degree or diploma is not a pre-requisite, nor is previous experience. The direct selling company provides all the training to get started, and to grow in the business. Direct selling allows you to choose when and where you work, providing great flexibility.

Looking at global statistics, a high percentage of direct sellers are women, and most work in their direct selling businesses on a part-time basis. However, global trends show that the industry is attracting more full-time sales people, more men and couples, and more retirees as distributors (direct sellers).

Direct sellers are not employed by the company whose products they sell/distribute – they are independent business people operating their own businesses.

Products sold globally by direct sellers are as diverse as the people themselves and include: cosmetics and skin care products; home care and personal care items; household specialties; household cleaning products; food and nutrition products; toys, books and educational products; financial products, and jewellery and fashion accessories; just to mention a few.

How to get started

Whether you’re considering purchasing products or services, or considering a direct selling career for yourself, you can be assured that all DSA member companies agree to:

• Provide you with open and honest information
• Refrain from any deceptive, unlawful or unethical recruiting practice
• Base all earnings claims on documented facts
• Explain the repurchase option in writing

To start your search for a direct selling company go to DSA Member Companies for a list of companies and website links. Then:

• List the companies and products/services that interest you
• Contact the companies and arrange to attend a group business opportunity meeting/product demonstration, or ask for a representative to come and speak to you individually
• Ask questions: about the company, its leadership, the products/services, sales kits/start up fees, realistic costs of doing business, average earnings of direct sellers, product returns policies, etc
• Ask for copies of all the company literature - and read it!
• Request a list of names of current direct sellers and contact them to see how they feel about the company, the products and the compensation/earnings plan
• Decide on your company of choice, and join

Don’t forget:

• It’s important that your personality and style fits the culture of the direct selling company of your choice
• Even more important is that you really like the products and/or services being sold, that you believe the products and/or services offer value for money, and that you feel excited and motivated to refer the products and/or services to customers

Most direct sellers have achieved their success because they are passionate about the products and the business opportunity they have to offer, and that enthusiasm is shared with others, resulting in sales and business building.

Rewards

• An income generating opportunity that has few limits other than the amount of time, effort and dedication you are prepared to invest
• Entrepreneurial opportunity that enables you to start a business-within-a-business
• Personal growth – the companies empower you through the provision of product, business and life skills training, mentorship, and recognition
• Developing others – the opportunity to provide others with the same opportunities and benefits you have enjoyed
• Merchandise incentives based on product sales turnover
• Opportunity for international travel 
• Building a residual income stream