Superior Global Sales

Posts Tagged ‘Direct’

Direct sales is a method of selling a consumer product or a service, person-to-person and away from a fixed retail location. These consumer products are sold through in-home product demonstrations, “home parties” and one-on-one selling by salespeople. Such products or services are usually marketed to customers by independent salespeople or teams of salespeople. Depending on the sales company structure, the salespeople may be called consultants, distributors, representatives, or a number of other different titles. Direct selling can be a part time job or a full time business, depending on the needs and wants of the salesperson. Direct sales is one of the oldest sales methods still going strong today.

Industry representative, the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), reported that its 59 regional member associations had accounted for over US4 Billion in retail sales in 2007, through the activities of over 62 million independent sales representatives.

According to the WFDSA, consumers and customers benefit from direct selling and sales because of the high quality of service, convenience, delivery method, and the satisfaction gaurantees provided. A major benefit to an individual that wants to begin a career in the independent direct selling business is the usually low startup costs. Most companies require little or no required inventory or other cash commitments to begin. If a company you are interested in joining does require high costs for inventory and startups, be very careful. These companies may actually be pyramid schemes, not direct selling or sales companies.

Research by the United States Direct Selling Association (DSA) reported that in the year 2000, 55% of adult Americans had at some time purchased items or services from a direct sales consultant and 20% reported that they were currently(6%) or had been in the past(14%) a direct sales consultant.

There has been a major increase of individual direct sale representatives over the past couple of decades. The reason for this increase is because people are looking for ways to avoid a traditional 9 to 5 job and want to control their own income. Direct sales is a way to avoid dealing with a boss or a set schedule, and a way to work from home and even love what you do!

With this increase of individual direct sales representatives on the loose, selling has become more competitive. The good news is that there has always been a huge market for direct sale agents. The convenience and quality of using the direct sales method to purchase products or services has created this market. Techniques that worked well for direct sales two decades ago still work today, but the popularity of the internet and other information delivery vehicles have given direct sales representatives new ways to accomplish their sales goals.

Mail marketing, print ads, and bulletin boards can still do wonders for your direct sales business, but there is competition out there and it is increasing. It is imparative that you stay creative in your marketing and try new ways to get yourself into the public with your products or services. Sure, you can just use the old techniques you have always used, but you may notice your sales go down, and the sales of your team go down slowly. Creativity can be what puts you above the rest in your area and creates the success you are striving for. The internet has become the best way to market your team and recruit a solid group of direct salespeople under you. With some work and creativity, you can build a team across the world that is making you money.

When entering the Direct sales field, you should always do lots of research on the company you are going to promote. Check the direct sales company’s reputation, check the BBB background on the company, talk with other direct sales representatives, and find out everything you can. You want to make sure that this direct sales company is the right one for you and that you are the right one for them.

Research the startup costs and costs that will incur for you to maintain your direct sales business through them. Most direct sales companies will have minimal startup costs. The reason for low startup costs is because the company wants to make it easy for you to get started with them, they are not trying to make a profit off of your startup. A direct sales company that tries to profit from you signing up is not what you want. These companies are usually just pyramid schemes that don’t last very long.

Make sure your direct sales company does everything they can to help with your success. This does not mean they will hold your hand through the process, but it does mean that they have policies in place that will allow the salespeople to be the way that they make money. A good direct sales company will not allow retail sales of their products or services, they won’t allow the direct selling of their products online through ebay or craigslist or other online services. If they do allow these types of sales, your selling will be limited because there will always be someone selling through ebay and craigslist and undercutting you. Look for a direct sales company that provides a solid performance compensation for you and people that join under you.

Working as a direct sales consultant, direct sales rep, or whatever else direct sales companies call their salespeople, is not for everyone. Direct sales does take commitment, dedication, and time. Then why would someone want to take a position in direct sales? What is the direct sales opportunity?

The opportunity that direct sales position brings to the table is the flexibility of time, schedules, income, and management. As a direct sales consultant, you have the flexibility to set your own hours, work on your own schedule, and not have an official boss to answer to. On the other hand, this flexibility can be what hurts your success as a direct sales representative. If you have a hard time with commitment, working when someone isn’t watching you, or just motivation in general, then this flexibility could be detrimental to your direct sales career.

In order to have success in direct sales, and create a business that provides you with a full time income and beyond, you must have some drive and motivation that will keep you working even when you don’t have anyone to answer to. Actually, you do have someone to answer to: yourself. If you can stay on track, and work when needed and be an outgoing and personable direct sales rep, you will have success in direct sales.

Let’s look at the benefits of flexibility when it comes to direct sales. You set your own schedule and hours. If you need time for an appointment, a day off for a short vacation, time to yourself… you can take this time and not have to request it off or schedule it around what your boss will allow. Also, if you want to work more hours and make more income each month, you can do this as well.