Selling FAQ

Q. If I want to become a direct sales representative, how do I get started? Here are the basic steps involved in becoming a direct sales representative:

1. First, identify a company and product that appeal to you. The right ones depend entirely on your own preferences. Successful direct sales representatives strongly recommend that you choose a product or service that you use and enjoy yourself, and that you really believe in.
2. Second, set realistic goals. There’s no easy money in direct sales. Success depends on hard work.
3. Third, ask questions about your chosen company and its products or services. Make sure you learn about start-up fees, the costs of doing business, average earnings, return policies and anything else that may concern you.
4. Fourth, if possible, consult with others who have experience with the company and its products or services.
5. Finally, visit the Direct Selling Association Web site at www.dsa.org to see if the company is a DSA member, which means it abides by the DSA Code of Ethics. If the company is not a member, it may still be a legitimate opportunity, but you’ll have to do a bit more of your own research to make sure the company has policies in place to protect both you and your customers. Before taking advantage of any direct selling opportunity, you should read the information on this Web site regarding how to distinguish a pyramid scheme from a legitimate opportunity.

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Q. If I become a direct sales representative, how much money will I make? A. The earnings one can expect to make in direct selling are different for each individual based on a number of factors, including your personal goals and the amount of time you plan to dedicate to your business. The median gross income for a direct seller is about $2400 per year, or $200 a month. This figure is consistent with one of the major motivations for getting involved in direct selling – supplemental income. About 8% of direct sellers earn more than $50,000 per year.

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Q. If it doesn’t work out, will the company buy back the merchandise I paid for? A. Company buy back policies vary. Be sure to ask before you sign up as a representative. Companies that belong to the Direct Selling Association must abide by the DSA Code of Ethics, which requires members to repurchase 90% of the marketable inventory and sales aids you have purchased within the past 12 months if you decide to leave the business.

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Q. Are there any advantages to signing up as a representative for a company that belongs to the Direct Selling Association? A. Yes. As a direct sales representative for a DSA member company you know you are working for a company that has pledged to uphold the high standards of business ethics embodied in the DSA Code of Ethics. In turn, you should be proud of your company’s commitment to these standards and understand that as a representative, you need to uphold those same high standards. If you become a representative for a DSA member company, you must:

• Tell your potential customers who you are, why you’re approaching them and what products you are selling.
• Explain how to return a product or cancel an order.
• Respect the privacy of your customers by calling at a time that is convenient for them.
• Promptly end a demonstration or presentation at the request of your customers.
• Provide accurate and truthful information regarding the price, quality, quantity, performance, and availability of your product or service.
• Offer a written receipt in language your customers can understand.
• Provide your name and contact information, as well as the contact information of the company you represent.
• Offer a complete description of any warranty or guarantee.

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