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How do I Become a Direct Sales Agent?

Tess C. Taylor
Tess C. Taylor

If you are considering a career as a direct sales agent or want to own your own home-based direct selling business, there are many opportunities to do so. Direct sales careers are one of the top growing occupations in many regions and offer additional perks that other careers cannot offer. Depending on your interests and experience, you can easily find a direct sales job in just about any industry.

To become a direct sales agent is often just a matter of researching the different sales incentive business opportunities available. From selling housewares, beauty products, clothing, books and jewelry to promoting insurance and legal plans, there are a wide range of direct sales jobs available. To determine the best direct sales or home party plan that’s right for you, consider what your interests are and how generous the incentive plans are for each business opportunity.

People interested in running a beauty business might start out as a direct seller of different products.
People interested in running a beauty business might start out as a direct seller of different products.

When deciding to become a direct sales agent, it’s important to review the requirements of the opportunity to choose the one that’s right for your needs. Some direct selling plans require a small financial investment to pay for samples, marketing materials and training events. Others do not require upfront costs, but rather take a small percentage out of each sale processed.

Individuals interested in becoming a direct sales representative may be required to complete a product and sales training program.
Individuals interested in becoming a direct sales representative may be required to complete a product and sales training program.

No experience is necessary to become a direct sales agent. The desire to earn commissions based on the amount of sales produced is the determining factor in whether or not you will be successful in this type of career. There is no one home party business that is right for everyone. Each person must make up his own mind as to what is the best direct sales model for a particular situation.

A direct sales agent may sale medical devices to doctors.
A direct sales agent may sale medical devices to doctors.

Direct sales has become a popular option for professionals seeking more work-life balance and higher than average earnings. Many direct sales professionals are able to balance other commitments such as raising children or caring for family members because of the flexibility of direct sales. In addition, working as a direct sales representative can be a good way to supplement a full-time job because it can be managed around a full-time work schedule.

Cosmetic companies often use direct sales agents as a way to get their products sold.
Cosmetic companies often use direct sales agents as a way to get their products sold.

To become a direct sales agent means you will be able to enjoy the pride of owning your own business and being more in control of your earnings. In addition, working as a direct sales agent can often include a flexible family-friendly schedule and work from home freedom.

Discussion Comments

surfNturf

@Cafe41 -I agree and I also wanted to add that I think that you should sign up for a company that you would normally buy products from and this will make it easy for you to put together your sales pitch because you already know what motivated you to the brand.

Also, if you have a personal testimonial regarding the brand this can also help you when you start your presentation with your prospects. Keep in mind that most direct selling companies will have someone mentor you and teach you the ropes, but you really have to like people and deal with rejection well because about 80 to 90% of the people will reject you and this is another reason was some people do not succeed in this business.

You also have to be able to speak with people that you don’t know and network with others in order to get the word out about your business. This is another thing that some people have a hard time with.

cafe41

@Beex- That is what I heard too. A friend of mine that is in the direct selling business told me that in order to really be successful you have to treat this opportunity like a business and not like a hobby.

It is really a lot of hard work but if you have realistic expectations than you could develop a lucrative business. She said that there is a lot of turnover in the direct selling field because people expect to make a lot of money right away and don’t plan the marketing aspects of their business.

I think that if you decide to go this route research a series of direct selling companies from the direct selling association which could tell you about the products and services along with the compensation plans and other perks.

beeX

If you know any direct sales agents, it might be worth asking them about their work. For many direct sales businesses, it's possible to sign up through someone else, and they will get a percentage of your business (at no extra cost to you).

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    • People interested in running a beauty business might start out as a direct seller of different products.
      By: design56
      People interested in running a beauty business might start out as a direct seller of different products.
    • Individuals interested in becoming a direct sales representative may be required to complete a product and sales training program.
      By: DragonImages
      Individuals interested in becoming a direct sales representative may be required to complete a product and sales training program.
    • A direct sales agent may sale medical devices to doctors.
      By: spotmatikphoto
      A direct sales agent may sale medical devices to doctors.
    • Cosmetic companies often use direct sales agents as a way to get their products sold.
      By: aviemil
      Cosmetic companies often use direct sales agents as a way to get their products sold.