Direct Selling – A Way To Overcome A Sluggish Economy

Direct Selling Has Been a Benefit For People In The Recession
by Judy Standifer (secaucusnewjersey.org)

Direct selling has become a way that some people have survived financially in a faltering economy. For some people, direct selling has allowed them to keep their homes and continue earning income. As the nation’s unemployment has risen to 9.1 percent, some unemployed people and some seniors who have lost retirement income have turned to direct sales as a way to provide for themselves and their families. Mary & Sterling Ottesen from Utah shared, "With the world economy as it is today, having a home-based business is absolutely essential. Where health issues are a concern and job security is scare, being able to build a business and provide stability is a rare gift. With USANA, it is possible to become the CEO of your own lives."



Direct Selling Is Recession-Proof

Neil Offen, president of the Direct Selling Association says of the direct sales industry, “We’re recession-resistant in the sense that more people come to us during economic hard times for supplemental income or replacement of a lost job.” The prolonged recession has acted as a tool that direct sellers have used for recruitment purposes. Large direct sales companies like the makeup and clothing giant, Avon, and Silpada Designs, a jewelry manufacturer, are encouraging their sales consultants to inform people that direct selling is a tool they can use to keep producing income even when the economy is performing poorly.

Companies Offer Direct Selling As An Opportunity

According to Geralyn Breig, Senior Vice President of Avon, “…our direct selling opportunity is really the No. 1 product that we have to sell.” Elizabeth Leyba agrees. In 2008, she had her hours cut at her job and wanted to find a way to provide additional income to make up for the lost wages. Now 41 years old and living in Munster, Indiana, she told USA Today that she has a desire to work her Avon business full-time at some point in the future, stating that, “Even though there’s a recession, even though the economy is bad, my business has continued to grow.” Direct selling has worked well for her.

Direct Selling Continues To Grow In Popularity

In today’s article, you learned that direct selling is a way that people can overcome the sluggish economy. People do not have to rely on a traditional job any longer. They can choose to work for themselves in direct selling and create additional income. Self employment through direct selling is legitimate work that people can do to earn part-time or full-time income. According to the Direct Sellers Association, there were approximately 15 million direct sellers in 2007, and there are approximately 16.1 million in 2011. The industry is continuing to grow, even in difficult economic times. Some people respond to economic trouble by being proactive and becoming direct sellers.

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