For many mums throughout the UK direct selling offers an attractive way to supplement income and work flexibly around other commitments like childcare.

 

In fact, direct selling is the UK’s largest provider of part time, independent earning opportunities –with over 400,000 people involved in direct selling in the UK. The industry contributes £2 billion annually to the UK economy, and continues to grow despite the recent tough economic climate.

Direct selling is where good are sold direct to consumers outside of a fixed retail environment. It can include parties and there are a huge variety of direct selling companies in the UK from cosmetics and cook wear, to food and fashion.

If you are considering direct selling, how can you make sure you are working with a reputable company, and avoid any potential downfalls?

Choose a member of the DSA

The DSA was established in 1965 and is the recognised trade body for direct selling companies in the UK. It aims to protect, serve and promote its members and direct selling as a whole, and ensure high level of business ethics and customer service.

When considering a direct selling company to work with, it’s important to make sure they are a reputable and responsible firm. By choosing a DSA member company, direct sellers and their customers can be safe in the knowledge that they are working with a reliable firm. For more information on direct selling visit the Direct Selling Association website www.dsa.org.uk

Work with people you trust

Direct selling is all about building a network of customers that you trust, and who trust you to deliver excellent customer service and products.  One of the reasons that the industry continues to thrive is the very personable, high level of customer care that buyers receive via direct selling.

One of the best ways to succeed in the industry is through being a people person and seeing every opportunity as a chance to develop your network. While initially you may want to focus on close friends and family, as your business grows see this as an opportunity to expand where you are selling – for example on the school run or at the park.

Use common sense

Just like any other business where you are interacting with new people, use common sense and trust your judgement. Likewise if a direct selling opportunity seems too good to be true – it probably is. Check for the DSA logo as Member companies will be offering a genuine opportunity – direct selling is about hard work and dedication, and you will ultimately get back what you put in.

Don’t pay more than £200 for a starter kit

It is easy and cheap to start your own direct selling business – on average £100 for a business kit and sample products. The law prevents the initial outlay to be over £200, and a DSA member will never ask you for more in the first seven days. Starter kits often contain products to a much higher value and many companies even charge nothing for this.

By Lynda Mills, Director of the Direct Selling Association