5 Steps to Choosing the Right Party-Plan Direct Sales Business

A direct sales consultant makes money by selling a company’s products and earning a commission. Traditionally the products are sold at home parties. However, online parties and web sales have become popular ways to generate profits.

It’s an ideal business opportunity if you want to be your own boss without a huge financial risk. Generally, direct sales companies are devoted to helping new sales representatives get started and provide a number of resources to help you succeed.

Because the direct sales business model is so successful, there are a large variety of companies to choose from. There are the easily recognizable ones like Tupperware, Discovery Toys, Silpada Jewelry, PatryLite and Pampered Chef. However, there are also many wonderful smaller direct sales companies. The key is to find a company and a product that you feel excited to sell and that will help you meet your personal and business goals.

Here’s how to find the right direct sales opportunity.

Step #1 What are your interests? What do you like to do? What products do you enjoy shopping for? What are your hobbies? Make a list of your passions and interests. Don’t worry too much at this point if there is a direct sales opportunity that matches your interests. That’s the next step.

Step #2 Visit a directory of direct sales opportunities. You can find them online or you can visit the direct sales association, dsa.org. Take a look at the various companies and jot down any that match your interests or sound exciting.

Step #3 Visit the website of each direct sales company you’re interested in. Take a look at and compare:

* How the company is growing
* How they support their consultants
* What marketing materials they provide – do they provide a website?
* How much their start up package costs
* How they pay
* If you’re compensated for recruiting new consultants – a tiered compensation system
* How many products they offer and how frequently they introduce new products
* If they’re growing
* How long they’ve been in business

Step #4 Narrow down your list to your top two or three opportunities. If possible, attend direct sales parties for these companies. This is a great way for you to see a direct sales party and sales representative in action. And it’ll give you the opportunity to talk to direct sales consultants to see if it’s the right opportunity for you. Consider hosting a party as well so you can get a feel for how the company operates.

Step #5 Signup and start selling. Start selling! Congratulations! You’re on your way to owning a business you can be proud of. One that meets your needs and helps you live the life you want to live.

Many people are able to build successful direct sales businesses. They make a good living and enjoy the autonomy of being their own boss and selling products they enjoy and are proud of.

On the downside, you may not have the time & energy to be co-hosting parties all the time. Be sure to be realistic about your desire to run a party-plan-based business before you jump in. There are other options for homebased businesses that do not require parties, or even collecting money or delivering products to customers. Ensure you spend enough time with yourself to identify exactly what your goals are and to fully understand whether the business model is a good fit before you jump in or you may be disappointed!

To your success!