Direct Selling Europe Blog

Fiction #1: Direct selling is an outdated method of buying and selling.

Fact: On the contrary, direct selling a dynamic, vibrant and fast growing sector of activity providing earning opportunities to millions of salespeople all over the world. Direct selling sales have increase 79% during the last decade and currently the direct sales industry represents well over €100 Billion worldwide[1]. With today’s consumer demands for better personal service and more human communication, direct selling is the answer. Person-to-person demonstrations of products provide an opportunity for potential consumers to try products, talk to knowledgeable consultants, and receive personal attention for an overall successful and enjoyable shopping experience. DSE’s member companies are strong examples of sustainable direct selling companies that have built up an impeccable reputation of a modern, innovative and dynamic sector in international markets based on ethical, sustainable and legitimate practices and high quality innovative products.

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Fiction #2: Most direct selling companies are pyramid schemes and entail fraud.

Fact: There is a clear difference between illegal pyramid scheme business models and sustainable direct selling: Sustainable direct selling companies seek to make money with you as they help you grow your business selling the highest quality products to end consumers. Pyramid schemes seek to take money from you by tricking you into recruiting more sales consultants rather than by focusing on selling products to end consumers. Please visit the DSE Website to learn more on distinguishing ethical and sustainable direct selling companies from illegal or fraudulent ones. Click here.

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Fiction #3: Direct selling is a quick and easy way to make money.

Fact: Remember expressions like “money doesn’t come in overnight” and “if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”. With serious and sustainable direct selling companies, getting started and earning an honest income in direct selling is an earnest opportunity for everyone, without distinction of age, gender, background or education. Just as in any other business situation, it takes time for consultants to establish their customer base and build their personal business. Direct selling is not necessarily a get-rich-easy business model. It is however, an ideal opportunity for individuals to start a business at very low costs and to earn an honest income. You can be successful if you establish personal goals and devise a strategy to reach them. Bottom line: your earnings will be in proportion to your efforts.

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Fiction#4: Direct sellers generally lose money.

Fact: In sustainable and legitimate direct selling, direct sellers cannot lose money. With DSE Member Companies and any other serious direct selling company, the only cost direct sellers are sometimes asked to pay is a small fee for their starter’s kit. Their subsequent income entirely depends on their own actions and efforts. Approximately 89% of direct sellers rate their personal experience in direct selling as excellent, very good, or good, and 84% say that their direct selling profits meet and even exceed their expectations[2]. If you are committed and hardworking, you’ll gain money and enjoy your direct selling experience. Before you sign up with a direct selling company, investigate carefully. Look on the DSE website to find sustainable direct selling companies that will provide you with earnest income opportunities. The site will also teach you how to distinguish earnest income opportunities from scams that try to take your money.

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Fiction#5: The vast majority of new consultants drop out within a year.

Fact: Nearly 78% of consultants who are in direct selling for less than a year report that they are very likely to continue as direct sellers in the future, and 70% of new consultants rate their experience as “very good” or “excellent”. For those that do drop out, it is generally because their intentions are to work only seasonally or temporarily when extra income is needed (ex: holiday seasons). When their goals are met they drop out, often temporarily, only to come back into the business the same time next year.

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Fiction#6: At direct selling parties, you are expected to buy a product.

Fact: The purpose of direct selling parties is to provide a demonstration of the product (or service). Potential consumers will gain information about the products, learn about their functioning, and even test them out all while participating in an enjoyable shopping experience. Based on the demonstration and information received the consumer is free to decide whether he or she wants to buy the product. As in any retail related situation albeit marketing, promotion or product placement in supermarkets etc, a certain level of product promotion pressure exists. This is not different in direct selling.The success of the entire industry is dependent on providing consumers with high quality products and customer service leading to overall satisfaction. Creating an environment conducive to sales will give the consumer a well-informed opinion of products and thus the freedom to decide whether or not to make a purchase.

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Fiction#7: Direct selling products are overpriced.

Fact: Direct selling depends on selling to consumers and establishing a market; as such, direct selling competes with other channels of distribution such as traditional retail shops, online e-commerce etc. This creates price elasticity for direct selling products in the market, and as a result what survives on the market is of the highest quality and priced competitively. Consumers accept the prices because they are convinced that they are getting true value for their money. For example, Tupperware products are by far the best in their category. They are made with high-quality materials to be durable, reusable, and sustainable. Tupperware stands behind the quality of its products offering a life-long warranty. The Vorwerk vacuum cleaners are built with stronger, quieter, and more lasting engines than any other product in its category on the market. Because these products are proven to be of better quality and higher performance, consumers accept the price. Moreover, consumers greatly appreciate the valued-added of the product demonstration and personal service that direct selling uniquely provides.

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[2]Direct Selling 411 Website – http://www.directselling411.com/blog/debunking-the-999-myth-again/

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