Making ends meet more easily, having a project of your own, working at your own pace from home: these are the most common reasons people look at direct selling. It's a real possibility, as long as you know what to expect. Here's what I tell everyone who contacts me, before we even talk about getting started.
A side income, not a miracle
Let's start with the essentials: direct selling lets you earn a side income on a flexible schedule. The income depends on product sales, yours and those of the group you train. So it depends entirely on your work, your consistency and the time you put in. Nobody can guarantee you an amount, and be wary of anyone who does.
How much time should you set aside?
There's no set minimum, but let's be honest: a few hours a week, every week, are worth more than a big burst of energy followed by nothing. What makes things move forward is consistency: keeping in touch with your customers, learning, sharing what you use, and giving time to the people you support.
What skills do you need?
You don't need to be a “salesperson”. The most useful qualities are listening, curiosity about the products, a willingness to learn and perseverance. The rest can be learned: talking about the products, organising your time, using online tools, supporting a team. A good sponsor trains you and stays available.
What start-up budget?
In a serious direct selling company, you're not asked to buy a large stock to get started. Find out exactly how much it costs to join in your country, what's included, and whether there's a minimum purchase to stay active. Start by using the products yourself: you talk best about what you know.
What about legal status?
Every country has its own rules for independent sellers: status, registration, taxes. Before you start, take the time to find out what applies where you live. It's one of the first things I check with every new person, country by country.
What you gain beyond money
Many of the people I support talk about something else first: self-confidence, meeting people, a team they can count on, products they love to share, and the pleasure of learning new things at any age.
The best way to find out if it's for you
Watch a short video, ask all your questions during a call, and take time to think it over. With no commitment and no pressure.
Rudy Langlet, in direct selling since 2003. Video call or WhatsApp, in French or English, with no commitment.
See my business cardOpens on my Verateam cardAll income originates from sales activity, including sellers' purchases for personal use; thus the seller's income varies according to the selling price of the products and/or the number of their sales and/or the sales made by the group of sellers they have recruited, trained and led.