Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Direct Sales Company
By Susie Cortright,
http://www.momscape.com
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/scrapbooking/business.htm
