Finding the right company
The first step is to identify a company and product or service that appeals to you. There’s no right or wrong answer, because the choice is different for every person. But, a good place to start is choosing a product or service that you use yourself. For example from within DSE Member Companies, you can choose from cosmetics, home appliances, jewellery, kitchen appliances, home decoration
Most established direct selling companies have web sites that you can visit. DSE certifies the quality and sincerity of its member companies as well as those companies that are members of the DSE direct selling association members.
If you know anyone who works (or has worked) as a direct sales representative for the company, talk to them about his or her experiences in direct selling. If possible, try to talk with someone who has similar goals and objectives, so experiences and lessons will be comparable.
Be sure to ask as many questions as you need to get a good feel for the company, its products and its policies and procedures. If the person recruiting you can’t answer all of your questions call the company directly. All reputable DSE member companies will be happy and available to talk with you.
You might also want to check out what others have to say about the company. You’re sure to find a great deal of negative information about many companies online. Be sure to consider this information in the context of your research, but be careful about being swayed by biased information from unreputable sources. At the same time that the Internet has become a resource for gathering information, it also tends to be a breeding ground for negativity and information taken out of context.
Questions You Should Ask
Before you sign up, be sure to ask questions about the following:
- Start up costs. The start up costs in direct selling companies are generally modest - usually the cost of a sales kit – and are often less than €100. Legitimate companies want to make it easy and inexpensive for you to start. On the contrary, pyramid schemes make their money through fees paid by new recruits or by loading inventory and/or training aids on them. High entry fees should be a warning sign.
- Unsold inventory. Be sure to ask how much inventory (if any) you will be required to purchase and what the terms of return are if you decide to leave the business. Beware of opportunities that encourage buying large inventories of unreturnable products to reach achievement levels or receive a “special” or larger “discounted” price.
- Compensation. Is the money you’ll earn based on the sale of products or services? The answer should be “absolutely.” This is a key element of a legitimate business. Direct selling, like other methods of retailing, depends on selling to customers who use and/or consume the product. This requires quality products and services sold at competitive prices in quantities that can reasonably be used and/or resold. Beware of any business that claims you can get rich by solely using their products or by recruiting new people into the business.
Here at DSE you will find all the information you need to work with the most reputable and respected companies in the direct selling business where many opportunities await your dedication and enthusiasm.