Direct selling
Direct selling is the marketing of consumer goods and services directly to consumers on a person-to-person basis, generally in their homes or the homes of others, at their workplace and other places away from permanent retail locations. Direct selling typically occurs through explanation or demonstration by direct sellers and is a form of non-store retailing.
Who can be involved in direct selling?
Virtually anyone may be involved in direct selling. Direct sellers come from all kinds of backgrounds, with no age, gender, or education discrimination. There are more than 40 million direct sellers worldwide, the majority of them being women. Most direct sellers work on a part-time basis, but a growing number of them work full time. Direct sellers appreciate the flexibility that direct selling offers because entering direct selling is easy, requires very little investment an no specific experience as ongoing and comprehensive training is offered by companies.
What products and services are marketed through direct selling?
Direct selling suits to a broad range of consumer products (goods & services): personal care, wellness, home environment, utilities, etc. Products sold through direct selling all benefit from demonstration by a direct seller and from trial by the consumer, provide often an after sales service, matched with an exceptional right of cancellation.
What is the difference between direct selling and other non-store retailing?
The key aspect of direct selling is the personal relationship between direct sellers and their customers.
Mail order, telephone and internet selling are forms of distance selling where contracts are concluded through the exclusive use of distance communication means without the person-to-person presence of the seller and the consumer.
Is there a difference between direct selling and multilevel marketing?
No. Direct selling is a channel of distribution. Multilevel marketing is a way of organising a direct selling business and of compensating its direct sellers.