Please, find here interesting questions and answers about:                .

About DSE 

How can my association / company join Direct Selling Europe?

Direct Selling Europe (DSE) membership is composed of:
1. national direct selling associations from European countries
2. direct selling companies whose headquarters are based in Europe. 

If you fit one of these two categories and adhere to high ethical standards in direct selling, you are welcome to join Direct Selling Europe.

More information:

• on how to join DSE
• about DSE
• DSE member directory

What are the benefits of joining Direct Selling Europe?

Direct Selling Europe (DSE) represents more than half of the EU direct selling industry in the European Union. It aims to ensure the representation of the direct selling sector in the EU, as well as to set up and maintain high ethical standards for fair practices in selling methods and the treatment of consumers and direct sellers.

DSE only represents members in the European direct selling industry with the highest ethical standards and which put high value on their sales staff by offering them an optimal sales environment.

More information:

• on DSE membership benefits
• on how to join DSE

My association / company is a member of Direct Selling Europe (DSE). How can I get more involved in DSE work and activities?

We are always looking for passionate direct selling professionals willing to contribute to our working groups.

You can also participate in debates on the future of direct selling in Europe or even take decisions on the EU positioning of the direct selling industry by attending our General Assembly. Contact us to discover all our exciting involvement opportunities.

More information:
on DSE’s organisational structure

How can I subscribe to the DSE Newsletter?

Our Newsletter is currently only for members. If you are a member, you can subscribe to our newsletter. In the future, we plan to develop a newsletter for a more general public. Check out our website regularly to learn more about our future DSE newsletter.

Can I get a list of direct selling companies in Europe?

Contact us and we will be pleased to help you in any way we can. 

How do I purchase a product from one of DSE’s member companies?

Check out each DSE member’s website on our Member companies page or contact DSE Headquarters to obtain the necessary information to purchase any product from the DSE members.   

Why are there two European Direct Selling Associations active in Brussels?

Even though there are two associations, the interests they represent are immensely different.

DSE members decided to create DSE in 2007 in order to distance themselves from any illegal or criticized form of direct selling and to build an association that would better protect and represent their reputations and the interests of sustainable and ethical direct selling companies.

DSE was created to „make sure that the nucleus of the European sustainable and customer oriented direct selling industry has a strong say in the relevant legislative process in Brussels“ (extract from constituent meeting January 2007).

Today, DSE is recognized as a trusted partner for consumer organisations, European Institutions and in general as a partner for constructive cooperation.

 
What does the DSE logo depict?

The logo symbolizes a person reaching out to another, to hand over a product or to shake hands. At the same time, it alludes to a smile conducive to positive feelings created by the joy of purchasing a new product that the customer has been expecting with great anticipation.

The DSE logo conveys to stakeholders that direct selling is a vibrant, modern and people driven business, a personal contact business, made up of human interaction. It is this aspect that makes it a unique sales channel.

The colors have been selected to convey positive energy and prosperity. The “e” is in a different color to ensure the reference to Europe and the European Institutions. 

About Direct Selling

 What is direct selling?

Direct selling refers to the selling of a product or service directly to consumers, away from a fixed retail location. These products or services are marketed by independent salespeople who, depending on the company, may be called representatives, consultants, distributors, etc.

Direct selling is interesting for consumers because of the convenience and service it provides, which includes personal demonstration and explanation of products, home delivery, and satisfaction guarantees.

Direct selling is also an interesting deal for individuals looking to start a business because the cost of starting an independent direct selling business is typically very low compared to franchising for example.

More information:

• on the definition of direct selling
• on the benefits of direct selling

What is the difference between direct selling, distance selling and direct marketing?

Direct selling should not be confused with terms such as direct marketing or distance selling which may be described as an interactive system of marketing that uses one or more advertising media to generate a measurable response and/or transaction at any location, with this activity stored in a database. Some commonly known types of direct marketing and distance selling techniques are telemarketing, direct mail, and direct response.

What is the difference between direct selling and multilevel marketing?

Direct selling refers to a distribution method, whereas multilevel marketing refers more specifically to a type of compensation plan found in direct selling.
A direct selling company that offers a multilevel compensation plan pays its representatives/distributors based not only on one's own product sales, but on the product sales of the people a representative/distributor has brought into the business, and so on.

More information:

• on the benefits of multilevel marketing

What products and services are marketed through direct selling?

Direct selling suits the sale of almost every category of products that can be found in traditional retail locations and in department stores. It is also very convenient for the sales of services such as telecoms, gas and electricity supplies.
Cosmetic and personal care products, household items and wellness are the strongest sectors in direct selling. Other products categories include food and beverages, nutritional products, jewellery and clothes, books, toys and games, home improvement products, etc.

How can I become a direct seller?

DSE members offer numerous opportunities to start your individual direct selling business.
The first thing to do is identify the company you wish to work for or product/service you would like to market. You should then ask yourself a few questions, including:

• What is the start-up cost of this business?
• What happens with the unsold inventory?
• How do I get appropriate training?
• What are the forms of compensation offered?

More information:

• on how to become a direct seller
• on how to avoid illegitimate schemes
• on direct selling opportunities with DSE members

Other Direct Selling FAQs

You will find more frequently asked questions about direct selling on the FAQ page of the following organisations:

• World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA)
• Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF)

If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to contact us as we would be more than happy to assist you.