Direct selling, which is also called network marketing, is a form of sales where a product or service is sold face to face. Companies that participate in direct selling hire people that are given the title of independent contractor, representative, distributor, consultant or other similar terms. People that are very outgoing and social make the best direct sellers. Many times, direct selling occurs in the home by hosting parties where an independent sales representative performs a product demonstration.
Sales is one of the world’s oldest professions. There has always been a basic need to exchange goods and prior to today’s conveniences, direct selling was practiced by merchants that traveled along caravan routes and many other cultures throughout history. Merchants, peddlers, gypsies and others have all benefited from selling their products to consumers without a middle man. Today, direct sellers have multiple vehicles to sell their products or services. Most direct sellers depend on home shows or product demonstrations, while others prefer to only work online.
Today’s direct selling is heavily influenced by the invention of the home party which happened in the 1950’s. Home parties or home shows are not exclusive to women; however, more often than not the types of direct sales companies that sell their products through the aid of a home show are products geared towards women. Therefore, it is primarily women who are holding parties in their home. There are direct selling companies for make-up, skin care, spa products, home décor, children’s books and a variety of other things.
Direct selling has become more popular over the years because of the benefits that are received by those who participate. Not only is direct selling a great way to meet new people, but the schedule is extremely flexible. Additionally, direct sellers can benefit from owning their own business and earn extra income in proportion to the amount of effort they put into their enterprise. The benefits of direct selling have been especially popular with stay-at-home moms because of the potential for extra income and flexibility.
Most direct sales companies participate in some kind of multi-level marketing. The term multilevel marketing is indicative of the compensation that an independent sales representative receives from a country. In addition to being compensated commission for product sales, representatives are awarded commissions or bonuses on the sales of their downline people. Direct sales representative are also compensated for recruiting new representatives and bringing them into the business.