Direct sales (also called network marketing) is a side hustle that allows you to set your own schedule and be your own boss. The amount of money you make will depend on how much time and effort you put into it.

Not every direct sales company is created equally and there are some things you should consider before investing money on something that turns out to be nothing more than a scam.

Things to Think About Before Joining a Direct Sales Company

Let’s discuss a few things you should consider prior to signing your name on the dotted line for any direct sales company.

Try Before You Buy

If you’ve tried the product you’ll be selling and like it,  you’re off to a good start. If not, why you are even thinking about selling them? Make sure someone is not trying to coerce you into signing up just so they can make money themselves. Never join just to help a friend or family member out if that’s your only reason for doing so.

Is Your Recruiter Actually Successful?

If your up line is successful and can prove it, the better your chances of profiting yourself. Always look more than just one level up. Even if the person recruiting you isn’t making great money yet, there could be a reason, so don’t be afraid to ask the person who signed them up for information too.

Research the Company Itself

You want to know as much as possible about the company you’ll be representing. How long has it been in existence?  New companies can be successful, but with direct sales companies constantly opening and closing, you want to be sure you’re with a company that can withstand any hardships that come with being the new kid on the block. Learn as much as you can about the company, the owners and the sales reps before making your decision.

Show Me the Product

There are many direct sales companies who claim to sell products, but they are actuality only selling a concept to make money owning your own business. Some of these companies do sell a service, but the service itself is not worth selling, is simply a cover to hide the fact they are actually just making money from the down lines, and honestly are just looking to make money from those who don’t know any better.

Don’t be person who is not paying attention.

Not every direct sales opportunity is right for everyone. You have to make sure you are joining the right direct sales opportunity for your needs.

It’s also important to make certain you aren’t being swindled by some clever scheme where you’ll never make the money they promise. 

Planning and Researching are Important before Starting Your Own Direct Sales Business

As with any other business, direct sales businesses require a lot of planning and forethought before jumping on the bandwagon. Anyone interested in starting their own direct sales business should never take the decision lightly and do as much research as possible before making the decision to join a certain company.

Think about the following before starting a direct sales business of your own.

Initial Start Up Costs

Do you have to purchase a starter pack? If so, is it worth the money, what does the kit include? If you’re spending a large amount of money to get your business up and running, you’ll want to definitely look at all the options available to you and compare them. Do you get any extras that will actually save you time or help you better run your business if you purchase the top kit? A tip: A good company will give you items you can use yourself or give as samples to give to your first few customers.

Working with Your Team Leaders

You don’t want someone heading your team who doesn’t motivate you, doesn’t hold meetings regularly or who is not available to team members. Do they possess good leadership qualities and will they be someone you can get along with? You’ll also want to determine your own personality at this point. You’ll want to join a team you can feel comfortable working with for a long time to come.

Product’s Selling Potential

Do some research about the product itself. Will it actually sell? Is it something people  want or need? What kind of value does it offer for it’s price? You’ll also want to research any competition you may have should you choose to sell it. For instance, if there are 5 representatives for the same company in your town and you live in a small town, you may want to reconsider or choose a different area to market your business.

Your Hard Work Pays Off

There are some companies who offer their top sales people and team leaders big incentives. Think Mary Kay and the pink Cadillac. What do you have to do to reach that level? Can you receive other prizes along the way? How will you prove that you’re a leader in your business to those you are trying to recruit? You’ll want to take this into consideration as it will make setting and reaching goals a lot more fun! Things like these smaller motivations are a great way to help you achieve your ultimate goals.

Always take into consideration the pros and cons of any direct sales business you are thinking to join. Think about costs, value, the product itself, your market and the person recruiting you. Ask any and all questions you have before you sign up to avoid making the wrong decision and regretting it later. Your gut feeling about a company has a lot to say about it too. If you find the company looks great on paper and everywhere else, but you just don’t have a positive feeling about it, maybe you should look elsewhere for another direct sales opportunity or a different team within the same company.

7 Questions Before You Become a Direct Sales Representative

The number of direct sales opportunities you can find online grows more and more everyday. If you choose the right business, the possibilities for success are very good.

You can make a very good living as a direct sales company rep, but only if you choose the perfect one for your situation. How do you know which company to choose? Ask yourself and the person trying to recruit you, the following questions before making your choice.

Questions to Ask Your Direct Sales Representative:

1. How successful are you at this? – Are you making real money and do you have a way to prove it? Of course you don’t want to get too personal by expecting them to show you their tax returns, but if they have reached or exceeded goals within the company, they should have something to show for it.
 2. How about your up line? – Ask your recruiter to discuss their team and how they work. Do they hold meetings, are they goal oriented and do they meet those milestones? How long has the team leader been with the company?
3. Can you tell me about the company I’ll be working for? – Ask as many questions as possible to help you determine the longevity and success of the direct sales company. You’ll want to know things like how long the company has been in business. Don’t shy away just because a company is new, but absolutely put a lot of thought into the product and whether or not it is something that will sell well for you if it is.the company, 4. Can I find information at a company website? Will I be able to market my business online with a site set up just for me? If you want to expand your business beyond just local clients, be sure you know how their website works as well as how you can do business online. Find out if your customers can place their order online and you still receive the commission for the sale.

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Is this company’s product something I actually have faith in? You need to be able to stand behind the product you’ll be selling. If you don’t believe in what you are asking others to buy, it will show in your presentations and your sales will suffer. People can see through the “sales” side of you and if you don’t have something to back up your thoughts when they ask questions like, “Why should I buy this?” you’ll never succeed.

2. Does this fit well with my life? – For instance, if you have a family will you be able to work around their schedules? Will you still have time to yourself and can your business work around your life instead of your life revolving around your business?

3. What kind of start up costs do I need? – The costs associated with getting things started vary from company to company. Make sure you’re getting your money’s worth whether you’re required to purchase a starter kit or carry a certain amount of inventory. It helps if some marketing material is included as well. If you are required to make a big up-front payment seriously consider how long it will take to make that money back. Be aware that some require a fee but don’t give you any product to actually sell and you are not required buy those separately. You’ll want a company that gives you actual products to sell in your start up kit.

If, after asking these questions and any others you can think of, you get the answers you want it will make your choice of which company to work for an easier one. No matter which company you choose, realize you’ll have to put in hard work and be dedicated in order to become successful.

As with any business opportunity, if it sounds too good to be real, be wary and admit to yourself that it probably isn’t what you are looking for. Move on to another company that fits your wants, needs and lifestyle – there’s one out there but you just might have to look through a few to find it.

For More Information:

Direct Selling Association