Mission and Vision Statement

Direct Selling Europe (DSE) distinguishes itself by exclusively representing companies and Associations that have a irreproachable reputation and implement sustainable and ethical business practices towards both consumers and sales consultants alike by always providing a safe environment allowing consumers, sales consultants and companies to prosper equally and equitably.

DSE strictly distances itself from all illegal, criticised or unserious forms of direct selling.

At DSE Consumers and (Future) Sales Consultants alike are always ensured a positive experience because DSE Members provide:

For consumers:

- Transparent and fact based information - no false promises
- Extensive product testing - no surprises
- Extensive guaratees and flexible return policies

For sales consultants:

- Transparent and fact based information - no false promises 
- No or minimal start-up costs
- Commissions paid based on sales to end consumers
- Free of charge extensive training opportunities 
- The opportunity of an earnest income working in a fun and safe environment

DSE represents the nucleus of direct selling companies that:

- Have the highest reputations
- Respect and operate according to the highest code of ethics and business standards.
- Operate on a BtoC business model selling exclusively to end consumers (contrary to companies type “pyramid” sellers that sell mostly to their own structure – or BtoMicroB).
- Dominate in opinion building
- Are natural leaders.

DSE brings together the best names in direct selling in Europe and from all over the world. Below you can find the organizations Mission and Vision Statements:


DSE Mission Statement

Protect, promote and inform nucleus of direct selling industry as a sustainable and competitive sector that offers: 

- High reputation brands and companies 

- Protection for consumers as well as self employed entrepreneurs 

- Significant and sustainable income opportunities to European citizens (accompanied by training and sales & marketing support) 

- Investments in European industry, economic growth and infrastructure 

- A dynamic and reliable face-to-face contact between the consumer and the trader in a trustworthy and safe environment conducive to the satisfaction of both parties.

 

DSE Vision Statement

Direct Selling Europe (DSE) is THE representative organisation for the sustainable direct selling industry in Europe.

It supports its Members throughout the evolving market and promotes the industry interests to all stakeholders.

DSE TEN POINT COMMITMENT FOR ETHICAL DIRECT SELLING

 

Members of Direct Selling Europe (DSE) are committed to honesty, integrity and transparency in production, advertising, and relations with consumers, direct sellers and the general public.


DSE Members are highly respected and reputable companies with long histories in Europe, including Tupperware, Déesse, Vorwerk, InmediaOne] (Bertelsmann), Lux, AMC, Jafra, Wine International (WIV), Victoria-Benelux, Just, Pierre-Lang, Nutrimetics and the national direct selling associations from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Switzerland.


DSE Members provide consumers and direct sellers with protection in many countries and in many

areas that exceed legal requirements applicable to the direct selling industry, ensuring that all parties have a positive and mutually beneficial experience.

*In this document, a “direct seller” is to be understood as an individual that is active in the sales force of a direct sales company.

The Members of DSE abide by the following code of ethics:

TOWARDS CONSUMERS

1.     When contacting consumers the direct seller shall promptly state the name of the company he / she represents and the purpose of the contact.

2.     Direct sellers shall not behave intrusively or press consumers. They shall not abuse the trust of consumers or exploit their age, illness or lack of understanding or language knowledge. Direct sellers shall take into consideration the financial means of consumers and in particular they  shall refrain from doing anything which may encourage the consumer to place orders incommensurate with their circumstances.

3.     If requested by the consumer, the direct seller shall refrain from, discontinue or postpone holding a demonstration or sales presentation.

The companies and their direct sellers shall refrain from doing anything which might persuade the consumer to accept an offer simply in order to:

  • do the direct seller a personal favour
  • bring an unwelcome presentation to an end
  • gain some advantage which is not the object of the offer, or to express appreciation of any such advantage.

4.     When consumers receive a contract or other document, it shall be transparent and easy to understand.

5.     Consumers shall benefit from a right to withdraw even if the payment to be made by the consumer does not exceed a legal threshold for withdrawal rights provided under national law.

The direct seller shall inform the consumer of his withdrawal right, its scope and where applicable consequences, and how it may be exercised before the consumer is bound by any direct selling contract or any corresponding offer.


TOWARDS DIRECT SELLERS

 

6.     Any information provided on income earning potential shall be transparent and based on demonstrable average sales results for direct sellers in that company. The company's marketing plan shall be transparent, understandable and not misleading.

7.     Companies shall not make their direct sellers pay an entry fee or oblige them to make cash payments in advance to start as a direct seller. Where not prohibited by law, mandatory purchase of a starter kit is acceptable so long as the purchaser receives reasonable market value for the items and services purchased.

8.     Each DSE Member Company shall offer appropriate training to its direct sellers. The purpose of trainings is to promote professional growth of direct sellers. This shall be done at no cost to the direct seller as long as product training is concerned. For other than product training companies may provide training against appropriate remuneration as long as this does not lead to benefits for the company or any other part of the direct selling system.

9.     Companies shall not oblige direct sellers to purchase overstock.

10.  The vast majority of income of direct sellers within DSE is derived from product and services sales to consumers; direct sellers shall not receive earnings based only on them recruiting other direct sellers for the sales system. Direct sellers shall receive commissions based on sales to end consumers which they are entitled to as soon as possible and at the latest within six weeks following delivery of the product to the consumer.
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