Benefits & advantages of direct selling

Empowering women, encouraging entrepreneurship
82% of direct sellers are women

Direct selling is the oldest channel of distribution. It exists since ages, fulfilling men's basic need to trade and to communicate on the goods they exchange.

From the seller's point of view, the major attraction of direct selling is that it offers an equal and flexible income opportunity to men and women, across all ages, level of experience and social origins. A direct selling activity can be run from home and does not require a high investment. It can start as a part-time activity and develop into a full time job, depending on the time and commitment involved. It is a unique alternative to conventional employment. 31% of direct sellers in Europe come from unemployment or a non-professional area of work₁.

For consumers, the benefits of buying through direct selling are multiple: high quality products, opportunity to try and test them in a relaxed and friendly environment, after sales services and guarantee, right of withdrawal and return of goods. The direct selling industry offers high level standards of consumer protection whilst enhancing entrepreneurship for direct sellers.

(1) Ipsos MORI Survey on Direct Selling in Europe(2007)