Definition of Direct Selling  
 

Direct selling can be defined “as marketing and selling products, direct to consumers away from a fixed retail location. Sales are typically made through party plan, one to one demonstrations, and other personal contact arrangements.” Direct selling is known as off premise selling or door-to-door selling.

Direct selling should not be mistaken with direct marketing or distance selling, because direct selling is about individual salespeople reaching out to consumers directly. See our FAQ for more information on the differences with direct marketing and distance selling.

Most of the well established direct selling companies use a multilevel compensation plan by which the sales agent is paid not only for their own sales but also a percentage of the sales of those representatives they introduced into the organisation and got recruited.
Read more about the sales methods used in direct selling.

Two Direct Selling Europe (DSE) Members are among the top ten direct selling companies in the world in 2008 by revenue:

• Vorwerk & Co. KG, founded in 1883
  
• Tupperware Brands Corp., founded in 1951

  History of Direct Selling

Direct selling can be considered as the oldest distribution channel in history. It is part of the man’s basic need to exchange goods and to communicate.

In the Middle Age, direct sellers were called “peddlers” who contributed to the development of trade by bringing novelties from large cities to little villages. Rural areas and small towns were supplied with basic goods only through the travelling salesmen.

In the first part of the 20th century, innovative products such as vacuum cleaners or washing machines were first marketed through direct selling because these revolutionary products required a demonstration that only a direct seller could offer.

Today at the beginning of the 21st century, direct selling is a dynamic, vibrant and growing sector of activity providing earning opportunities to millions of salespeople all over the world.

Benefits of direct selling                  

There are many benefits to direct selling, whether you look at it from the point of view of the vendor or that of the consumer.

For the vendor, direct selling is

• an excellent way to meet and socialize with others
• an excellent work / life balance thanks to flexible schedules
  
• an excellent way to earn extra income or own a business.

Discover the job opportunities of our member companies and how to get started in direct selling in Europe.

For the consumer, direct selling is

• an excellent way to test products before buying
• an excellent way to get free advice on products or services
  
• an excellent way to buy at a close distance from one’s home
• a safe buy because of the generous satisfaction guarantess
• a superb customer service and after sale service.
  

Check out the list of our member companies to know where to buy their high quality products.