Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Direct Sales Company
By Susie
Cortright
Direct sales can be your ticket to a profitable home-based business.
There's low risk and low overhead - and you'll find lots of conversation,
creativity, and cooperation among the company's representatives.
But how do you know which company is right for you? Here are ten
things to look for as you research your options.
1. Products. Successful direct sales consultants exude a genuine
enthusiasm for their products. Before joining a company, you'll
need to have the inner conviction that your company brings products
and an opportunity that no other company can. It's important for
you to get your hands on the products before you sign. Place an
order or, at the very least, request a catalog and product samples
before joining.
2. Passion. Does this company involve a business you are truly
passionate about? One of the nice things about a direct sales business
is that you can often find one that suits your personal passion...whether
it's cooking, home décor, beauty, or scrapbooking & cardmaking.
And when you're genuinely enthusiastic about the industry and the
product, you'll feel as though you are sharing, teaching, and helping
- not selling.
3. Initial investment. What kind of cash outlay will your start-up
require? Look closely at the company's joining fee and/or the cost
of your business starter kit, but also think realistically about
how much inventory you'll need to have on hand and what kinds of
business supplies or products you'll need to get your business started.
4. Monthly minimums. What kind of personal sales volume is required?
Are you ready to invest the time and energy that this level of business
building requires?
5. Compensation Plan. Each direct sales plan is different, and
it's important to look over the fine print. What is the commission
rate and how is it paid? How are you awarded for recruiting others?
How does the company handle breakaways?
6. Control. How much control do you have over the way you build
and promote your business? Ask to see the company "rule book" before
signing on.
7. Support. What kind of support networks are in place? How involved
in the business is your upline? (Is your upline able to answer the
questions in this article, for example?) How quickly does he/she
return phone calls and emails?
8. Advertising. What kind of advertising and promotion does the
company deem acceptable? Most companies have rules for the way their
logo and trademarks are represented, both online and off.
9. Accessibility. Does the company offer exclusive products? Also,
take a look at the level of saturation in your particular market.
A newer company that offers quality products may hold a lot of promise
in your particular industry.
10. E-commerce. Does the company have an e-commerce option? Many
direct sales companies are now offering replicated websites so each
representative can promote an individual online presence. A few
direct sales companies even have shopping carts alongside these
websites so you can make sales online, too, with the product dropshipped
from the home office.
Take your time researching your options. When you have found the
company that's right for you, you'll know it.
About the author: Susie Cortright is the creator of the award-winning
online magazine http://www.momscape.com
as well as a representative for a rapidly growing new direct sales
company. Learn about the company she chose here: http://www.momscape.com/business.htm
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susie_Cortright
Other Recommended Resources
InternetBasedMoms.com
Direct Sales Directory - Huge list of direct sales companies.
The Direct Selling
Association - A national trade association whose member companies
adhere to a code of ethics in direct selling
Direct Selling
Women's Alliance - a professional association providing education,
networking and support to direct sales women.
Step-by-Step
Guide to Direct Sales Success, by Kelly McCausey - An objective
look at the benefits of becoming a direct sales consultant.
Guide
to Starting a Business Selling a Popular Product: Jewelry
- Includes a handy fill in the blank chart to record your research
and compare opportunities.
Guide to Starting a Business in the Booming Wellness Industry
- Including a list of many wellness companies.
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