A Few Interesting Stats

It’s true that each person defines his or her own success. The potential is unlimited as long as one is realistic about setting and achieving goals. The following statistics are presented to give you a broad picture of the direct selling landscape. You will find that most sellers have modest goals and, accordingly, have achieve a modest income.

• 57% of direct sellers were customers of their company before they started selling
• 33% of direct sellers were recruited by someone they only know as a representative of the company
• 36% of sellers started in direct selling primarily to make extra income
• 29% of sellers joined to get products at a discount
• 70% of direct sellers rate their experience as “very good” or “excellent”
• 84% of direct sellers indicate their experience in direct selling has met or exceeded their expectations
• 82% of sellers indicate they are extremely/very likely to continue with their direct selling business
• 47% of direct sellers have been with their company for five or more years
• The median (50% more; 50% less) length of time with a company in 3.6 years
• 40% of direct sellers spend less than 5 hours per week on their direct selling businesses; about 10 percent spend 30 or more hours per week on their business
• The average seller breaks down their time commitment as follows:
  • Selling the product/service: 44%
  • Administration/paperwork: 19%
  • Recruiting: 15%
  • Training (receiving and providing): 10%
  • Other related activities: 9%
• In the last 12 months, the following percentage of sellers have:
  • Purchased products for personal of household use: 93%
  • Sold a product or service to a customer: 92%
  • Received a bonus or override: 64%
  • Sponsored or recruited a new consultant: 56%
• The median (50% more; 50% less) gross annual income for a direct seller is $2,420.
• The median (50% more; 50% less) gross income for a direct seller working less than 5 hours per week is $420.
• The median (50% more, 50% less) gross annual income for a direct seller working 40+ hours per week is $34,130
• 49% of direct sellers earn about what they expected in direct selling; 18 percent earn more than they expected
• 35% of direct sellers earn money solely on their personal sales volume
• The median cost for a startup kit is $70; the median amount of additional expenses related to startup is $47