What to look for when choosing a Direct Sales company...

When you're looking at the prospect of working from home or finding a way to supplement your income, Direct sales is often the go to. However, with a world of possibilities when it comes to what product and which company,  it can become overwhelming quickly.
Below are my top 6 things to look for when choosing a Direct Sales company:

1. Are they a member of the DSA? 
    The DSA (or Direct Sales Association) is a group that seeks "To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers." (from DSA.org)
   Choosing a company who is a part of the DSA, let's you know that the company is being held to a strict code of ethics that is meant to protect both the customer and consultant. It also protects you from companies who run a 'pyramid scheme' as they are not allowed admittance into the DSA organization. In a nutshell, choosing a company in the DSA protects you from the crazies. :) To see if the company you're considering is a member, use this link to do a search... DSA MEMBERS

2. Is a product you could be or are passionate about?
     Passion is everything! It doesn't make sense to become a consultant for a product you wouldn't use yourself or recommend to family or friends. If you wouldn't recommend it, how can you sell it? When you are excited about the product, talking about it becomes second nature and that means success in your new business. Never join a company to 'help a friend' even if it's not something you love. It won't do either of you any good.

3. What will your initial investment be?
     Ask what the cost of the start up kit will be and if there is any other required purchases you will have to make to begin. Also know ahead of time if there will be any monthly or yearly fees you will have to pay. You don't want things like this to sneak up on you when it's too late. Knowing before hand will let you know if it's something you can handle as your  business grows. Every company will have small costs like catalogs, order forms etc., but beyond that, what is needed? Also, while you have to spend money to make money, you shouldn't have to go into immense debt to do it. A company that offers a credit card to purchase their kit would be one I would personally shy away from. Also know whether the company requires you to carry inventory and whether it is something you'd be comfortable or have the space to do.

4. What kind of support is available to you?
  Do they have training calls or a place for resources to be readily available to you? What about regional meetings or a convention? Will you have direct support from your sponsor or be able to be in contact with other consultants for ideas and encouragement? No one wants to be left stranded trying to figure these things out on their own. We all need guidance and having it will give you the best start possible and help you maintain longevity in your new business. Ask your potential sponsor what they offer in the way of training and support and make sure it is enough that would give you the confidence to do well.

 5.  When you've found something you're interested in, ask questions!
   Whether it's through the company directly or a consultant you know, ask the questions that are most important to you. What is their compensation plan like? Will you pay the hostess reward fees? What will having a website cost? What are the monthly minimums etc.? Knowing the answers will help guide you in making a decision that will be best for where you're at and what you'd like to get from your new business. Be sure you're asking someone who is trustworthy and you feel is providing you with honest information.

6. Do your morals line up with theirs?
  Simple as that. If your heart can't connect with that of the companies mission statement or desire purpose, it probably isn't the Direct Sales company for you.



 I'd all but given up on the hopes of working from home when Scentsy came my way. I made the decision to join after learning by trial and error what to look for. I had decided then that it would be the LAST attempt at direct sales. If I failed, that was it. Thankfully, it has thrived beyond our expectations and so it will indeed be my last, but only because I plan on staying forever. :)

Previous to Scentsy, I was a consultant for 2 other Direct Sales companies and my time spent with both was very short, less than 6 months. What I thought were going to be great ways for me to make money for my family, ended up not working out. Had I followed this list, I would have saved my time and money until I found the perfect fit in my current roll as a consultant with the Scentsy Family.

 If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Scentsy Family consultant, I'd love to chat! If you have any additional tips, please feel free to share in our comment section below.

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