Direct Selling Explained

Our Industry

Direct selling occurs when an independent sales person sells you goods and services in your home, work or other meeting place, instead of in a retail store. The sale will frequently be made through party plan or other personal contact arrangements to enable you to receive personal explanations and demonstrations.

Direct selling has been popular since the days of travelling salesmen, when merchants would travel from place to place with goods for sale. In the 1940's the party plan method of selling was made popular by companies such as Tupperware. Now, with its long and proven record of success, the number of companies choosing to sell their products directly to the public continues to grow and there are many companies offering quality products and services along with a fun and flexible way to earn extra money.

Direct selling is now firmly established as a recognised channel of retail distribution around the world, with many multinational companies operating in over 170 international markets. Currently, the two largest direct selling markets are the United States and Japan. Worldwide, direct sales are now more than US$100 billion a year and provide earnings opportunities to over 55 million direct sellers.

In Australia, almost 500,000 people are involved in the industry. It is a vibrant, growing industry and salespeople are making Â an estimated two million home and other visits each month to shoppers.

Today, shoppers have access to just about any product or service through direct selling somewhere in the world. Many people think of cosmetics, cleaning products and systems, nutritional products and homewares as products that are available through direct selling, but there are many other products such as kitchen items, cookware, jewellery, clothing, spa products, scrapbooking supplies and many more. Find out more about the products available from DSAA members.

There are lots of benefits when you choose to shop with a direct seller:

You can try and test the products you are interested in before buying them
Your consultation can be tailored to your exact requirements
Consultations take place in a relaxed, friendly environment and the timing is flexible
The products are delivered to your home
You have the right to cancel the order within a given period
You have direct personal contact with the seller
Your purchases are guaranteed
You have access to personal after sales service

Quicklinks

What Can You Buy?
Ways to Sell
Ways to Shop
Things to Remember