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.
