How to get into direct selling
The direct selling industry is booming in
the UK as more and more people embrace the benefits that running their
own direct selling business can bring. With over 400,000 direct sellers
in the UK, this thriving industry is worth in excess of £2 billion to
the UK economy.
Direct selling is any form of selling outside a fixed retail environment. Very simply it works like this – you choose a direct selling company (think Avon, Pampered Chef or Barefoot Books), sign up and can begin selling their products to your friends, family, colleagues or neighbours. You then get paid a percentage of the value of the sales you make.
For many mums direct selling offers the perfect way to balance work and family life. It is incredibly flexible and you can work as many hours, when and where you choose, to fit around your own life and commitments. Starting your own business is simple and cheap – usually no more than £100 for a starter kit. When you start direct selling you are effectively running your own business, so it’s very much a case of what you put in you get back out, as well as giving you a level of flexibility that standard 9 – 5 jobs often just can't offer.
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) was established in 1965 and is the recognised trade body for direct selling companies in the UK. So, what are you waiting for? Read the DSA’s top tips for getting into direct selling and experience the flexible, friendly and fun world of direct selling for yourself.
Top tips for getting into direct selling:
- Pick a product that you will enjoy selling - there are products to suit every working mum. Your passion will shine through if you love a product and will make it much easier to sell.
- One of the main attractions of direct selling is the flexibility it provides, 82% of sellers work part time, but it is entirely up to you. Your working pattern can be just a few hours a week or, for some, a full time occupation. Choose the hours that suit you and your lifestyle.
- All DSA members sign its code of conduct which ensures members are ethical, so if you are thinking of getting started in direct selling always look for a member company. The DSA website has a full list so is a good place to get started: www.dsa.org.uk.
*Lynda Mills is Director of the Direct Selling Association.
Direct selling is any form of selling outside a fixed retail environment. Very simply it works like this – you choose a direct selling company (think Avon, Pampered Chef or Barefoot Books), sign up and can begin selling their products to your friends, family, colleagues or neighbours. You then get paid a percentage of the value of the sales you make.
For many mums direct selling offers the perfect way to balance work and family life. It is incredibly flexible and you can work as many hours, when and where you choose, to fit around your own life and commitments. Starting your own business is simple and cheap – usually no more than £100 for a starter kit. When you start direct selling you are effectively running your own business, so it’s very much a case of what you put in you get back out, as well as giving you a level of flexibility that standard 9 – 5 jobs often just can't offer.
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) was established in 1965 and is the recognised trade body for direct selling companies in the UK. So, what are you waiting for? Read the DSA’s top tips for getting into direct selling and experience the flexible, friendly and fun world of direct selling for yourself.
Top tips for getting into direct selling:
- Pick a product that you will enjoy selling - there are products to suit every working mum. Your passion will shine through if you love a product and will make it much easier to sell.
- One of the main attractions of direct selling is the flexibility it provides, 82% of sellers work part time, but it is entirely up to you. Your working pattern can be just a few hours a week or, for some, a full time occupation. Choose the hours that suit you and your lifestyle.
- All DSA members sign its code of conduct which ensures members are ethical, so if you are thinking of getting started in direct selling always look for a member company. The DSA website has a full list so is a good place to get started: www.dsa.org.uk.
*Lynda Mills is Director of the Direct Selling Association.
