Mary Jacobs via The Seattle Times:
“…the direct-sales business now includes product lines ranging from scrapbook supplies (Creative Memories), cooking products (Pampered Chef), in-home photo portraits (Cooksey Keepsakes) and even golf supplies.
Expanding the direct-sales spectrum, established businesses in other retail channels are adding product lines sold only through direct sales.
Southern Living magazine now offers Southern Living at Home — home accessories sold through home parties. Binney & Smith, manufacturer of Crayola crayons, added its Big Yellow Box business, a direct-marketed line of activity kits for families.
Mail-order giant Lillian Vernon has a direct-selling arm, as does the Body Shop, a retailer of bath and body products.
“Direct sales represents about 1 percent of all sales in the U.S.,” Robinson said. “That’s a small percentage, but it’s still a very large market, and many large companies want to tap into that.”
All this means that prospective direct salespeople can find opportunities in almost any area of interest.”
Christine Ahrendt on February 10th, 2006 at 1:25 am
It is amazing how many types of products out there have some form of direct sales. Gone are the days where one can only sell makeup or storage containers. It would be interesting to see if there are any trends with many of these new companies and how sustainable they are. I’ve seen quite a few that seemed to be far reaching with their concept but must have something going for them as there are an awful lot of reps out there. I guess some of it might depend on how they’re marketed and what people’s needs are.
the shef on June 27th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Most people fail to remember that this country was founded on the premise of direct sales and entrepreneurialism. It is the lifeblood for the the American economy.
dr.manoj kumar sahoo on July 26th, 2006 at 3:49 am
i am a big dremer.i want to fulfil my all dream with mlm businwss. plz guide me how can i success.
Andrew Murray on January 5th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Direct sales is a great business. It demands creativity, contant innovation, and exciting challenges.
One of the the things I respect most about it is that it is a driving force behind the economy.
Andrew Murray
http://www.andrewmurray.ca