FAQ's

About Us

Consumers & General Public

What is Direct Selling?
I want to start my own direct selling organisation?
I am thinking about joining a direct selling organisation. How do I know they are credible and reputable?
I want to become an independent salesperson?
I’m having a problem. Where can I go for help?
What if I am not satisfied with my purchase?
Is direct selling different to direct marketing?
I am receiving catalogues and/or brochures that I don’t want. What can I do about this?
How much income can I expect to earn?
Where can I find industry statistics?
Is there any difference between direct selling and multi-level marketing?
What is the difference between network marketing and multilevel marketing?
What is the difference between single level, multi-level & binary compensation plans?
What is pyramid selling and how is it different to direct selling?
What if I feel a DSAA Member or distributor has breached the Code of Practice?
What products are distributed by direct selling?
Are there different ways to shop through direct selling?

Independent Sales People (Consultant, Distributor, Agent, Associates,Representative)

I'm having a problem. Where can I go for advice?
I want to become an independent sales person.
What if I feel a DSAA Member or distributor has breached the Code of Practice?
What is pyramid selling and how is it different to direct selling?
Are there any advantages to joining an organisation that belongs to the Direct Selling Association?

Direct Selling Organisations

I’m having a problem. Where can I go for advice?
What if I feel a DSAA Member or distributor has breached the Code of Practice?
I want to start my own direct selling organisation?

Answers:

1. What is Direct Selling?

“Direct Selling” is the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, usually in a home or workplace.

This distribution is undertaken by independent sales people, variously described as distributors, consultants, associates, agents or representatives through such methods as party plan, door to door or network marketing. View more information on Direct Selling Explained.

2. I am thinking about joining a direct selling organisation. How do I know they are credible and reputable?

Before deciding on an organisation, it is vital to have the answers to these questions:

Do the following:

3. I have a question about Business Start Up

I want to become a salesperson
I want to start my own direct selling organisation
I want to become a salesperson but as an incorporated company

4. Is direct selling different to direct marketing?

Yes. Direct selling is the marketing and selling of products, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location. This is commonly through party plan, door to door or network marketing arrangements. In direct marketing, the buyer and seller are never face to face. This includes direct mail, telemarketing, and other non personal approaches. While some of these methods can be used in promoting direct sales, it is the person to person aspect of direct selling that distinguishes it from direct marketing.

5. What is pyramid selling and how is it different to direct selling?

There is information in our Consumer Advice area on this site which may help you identify Illegal Schemes.

What is a Pyramid Scheme?
How Does Direct Selling Differ From a Pyramid Scheme?
Avoiding Pyramid Schemes
Where to Go for Help

6. I'm having a problem. Where can I go for help?

I’m a consumer or an independent salesperson.

In the first instance you should try and settle the matter with the organisation or salesperson concerned. If the problem persists and the organisation is a Member of the DSAA you should contact the Association for advice and assistance.

View more information on resolving issues.

I’m a direct selling organisation

In the first instance try and settle the matter with the other party. If either party concerned is a Member of the DSAA the Association may be able to assist.

7. Is there any difference between direct selling and multi-level marketing?

Direct selling is a distribution method. Multi-level marketing refers more specifically to a type of management and reward structure found in direct selling. A direct selling organisation that offers a multi-level compensation plan pays its distributors based not only on their own sales, but also on sales of others (“downlines”) they have brought into their business.

8. What is the difference between network marketing and multilevel marketing?

Network marketing is a system of selling where independent sales people recruit or sponsor others into the business to use the product as they do. This generates income for the sponsor and the bigger the network they sponsor or recruit the higher their earnings will be.

Multi-level marketing is not a system of marketing but a system of reward. A direct selling organisation that offers a multi-level compensation plan pays its distributors based not only on their own sales, but also on sales of others (“downlines”) they have recruited or sponsored into their business.

9. Where can I find industry statistics?

The DSAA publish statistics which can be found on our website. View more information on Statistics & Research.

Global statistics can be found on the World Federation of Direct Selling Association’s website. www.wfdsa.org

Members will find more detailed information in our Members only website.

10. I am receiving catalogues and/or brochures that I don't want. What can I do about this?

Firstly, look over the materials to see if there is an “opt out” clause. If so, complete the “opt out” clause and return the document to the organisation concerned. If there is no “opt out” clause you should contact the organisation and request that your address be added to its “Do Not Drop” register.

If the organisation continues to leave unwanted materials you should check to see whether the organisation is a Member of the DSAA and if so, report the matter to the DSAA in writing. If the organisation is not a DSAA Member, examine the material to find out whether it is a member of another industry association, for example Australian Direct Marketing Association (ADMA), and take the matter up with that Association. If there is no industry association connection, you should continue to pursue the matter with the organisation concerned or contact an appropriate regulatory body.

I want to start my own direct selling organisation.

The DSAA provides plenty of information and resources to assist new direct selling organisations in their business start up. What do you need and what do you need to do?

Find out more about starting your own direct selling organisation

I want to become an independent salesperson.

There is some information in our Business Start Up area which may help you along your way.

Identify a Company or Product that Appeals
Ask the Right Questions
Investigate and Verify All Information
Consult With Others with Experience
Take Your Time Deciding
Need Help?
Identifying Illegal Schemes

What if I am not satisfied with my purchase?

If you do have a problem and you are not satisfied with your shopping experience there is a reliable, impartial system in place for resolving issues with DSAA members. Find out more information about safe shopping and resolving issues.

How much income can I expect to earn?

The great attraction of direct selling is that it offers a flexible earnings opportunity where you are in control of the income you generate. Whilst many people work their direct sales businesses part-time, others put in full time hours and generate a substantial income. Some companies offer the opportunity to earn from selling the product and others also offer team development programmes where you can generate further income developing a team of other direct sellers.

What is the difference between single level, multi-level & binary compensation plans?

In a single level plan distributors earn only from their own sales. In multi-level plans, distributors earn income from the sales of the people they recruit or sponsor into the business and the people whom those people recruit or sponsor and so on. This is called their downline.

In a binary plan earnings are from building downlines from two recruits only, at first level.

What if I feel a DSAA Member or distributor has breached the Code of Practice?

Report it. DSAA has a range of measures to deal with breaches of its Code of Practice or broader professional standards. This includes informal mediation by DSAA, and if necessary formal determination of issues by an independent Code Administrator. Find out more information about Resolving Issues

What products are distributed by direct selling?

Many consumer products can be purchased through direct selling. The list of products supplied by DSAA members is extensive. Among the reasons people favour direct selling is the expertise of distributors, product quality, product and refund guarantees, and shopping convenience.

Are there different ways to shop through direct selling?

Direct Selling is perhaps best known for its personal, door to door, and party plan sales and these well established methods remain important for the industry today. However technologies are playing an increasing role alongside the person-to-person contact that underpins the industry's success. Find out more information about Ways to Shop

Are there any advantages to joining an organisation that belongs to the Direct Selling Association?

Yes! If it is, the organisation has pledged to abide by and uphold the DSAA Code of Practice which is designed to protect both customers and those who sell the products.