If you're looking for a sideways hustle, you'll do a double take when you see the recent shifts in an established trading pattern. Direct selling has come a long way since your parents ordered Amway.
In fact, this new channel gives Amazon and other e-commerce platforms stiff competition. From changes in compensation structures to innovative new products, you'll be surprised what's happening in the world of this customizable business opportunity where you can choose your own adventure. Here are some highlights:
1. You run your own business without reinventing the wheel.
If a franchise is right for you for the established business model and products, but the overhead and maintenance sounds like a nightmare, the direct selling business model might be ideal. Not only do you have the opportunity to run your own business and reap the rewards of your sales, but you also often have pre-researched, guaranteed, and fan-favorite products to sell right off the bat. Can you say easy start?
2. This is social selling.
Instead of going door-to-door or relying on sales tactics, today's direct selling companies teach independent business owners how to build authentic customer relationships based on real results and honest comments. This type of social selling is similar to what our great-grandparents had at their local dry goods store:a relationship with a business owner who went out of their way to accommodate their needs.
3. Customers are kings.
Yes, you can start a business with a direct selling business supporting you, and you can teach others how to start their own business. But you can also sell your products to customers online and cash your profit checks. Many direct selling companies have refocused their compensation plans to make retail sales, not recruiting, the primary focus of business owners. It means you are building a business with a loyal group of retail customers who love your products.
4. Products are ahead of the curve.
The latest popularity of CBD products is a perfect example of how direct selling companies stay on the cutting edge of research and development. As some of the first major companies to offer a stable line of CBD products, direct selling organizations are continually finding ways to innovate new products and improve existing ones. If you're on the cutting edge of beauty, health, wellness, and lifestyle products, you'll find a direct selling company that's on top.
5. You can also sell services.
Today's direct selling companies offer services that were once the tightly guarded domain of local businesses. From electricity to trip planning, you'll find services you already use at discounted prices, and you'll get rewards for buying from your own business. Imagine being able to book your next vacation or pay your electricity bill and earn rewards for even more savings.
6. Ordering is easy and discounts abound.
If you like Amazon's subscription option that allows you to place products on auto-order each month at a discounted price, you'll be right at home with the same practice at direct selling companies. You can change your products every month or keep the same products. Either way, your auto-order will give you points for free products in the future, an advantage of Amazon and other e-commerce platforms can't match.
Today's direct selling companies are taking a social approach and redefining the channel. Don't assume that just because you researched a direct selling business a few years ago, you know what it's all about. Keep an open mind. This updated business model is changing the face of retail and small business. This might just be the side hustle you need.
