Work from home jobs – more on direct selling

Ideas to work from home

Recently Jan Olive told us about how she set up her work from home business with Usborne Books. Today she advises on what you should look out for if you would like to investigate this work from home opportunity:

What is direct selling, Jan?
The Wikipedia definition of direct selling is ‘the marketing and selling of products directly to consumers away from a fixed retail location usually in their homes or place of work.  Modern direct selling includes sales made through the party plan, one-on-one demonstrations, and other personal contact arrangements as well as internet sales’.
To me it’s an opportunity to work from home and run my own business. But with the support of a well-recognised and regarded company and other direct sellers who have blazed a trail before me.  By the same token it is my business and I run it my way. If I need to scale back to accommodate family commitments, I can.  When I need more income, I increase my activity and am directly rewarded for my efforts.  Working with Usborne is extremely flexible and I fit it around family life and a part-time job.  I have even managed to complete a year-long Art & Design course since working with them.

What should people look for when thinking of joining a direct selling company?

• Check the Company is a member of the Direct Selling Association before you sign up.  Each business complies with their code of practice.
• Direct selling companies are required by law to remind potential reps, “Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved”.  Be wary of any company promising high earnings.
• Read the company’s contract carefully before signing. Ensure you understand fully your obligations and also your cancellation rights, commission terms and ongoing fees.
• Find a local manager who will be able to answer your questions and give you support if you decide to proceed.  They are likely to be incentivised to recruit you so it is worth meeting them beforehand. Get to know them to ensure they can offer you the help you will need.
• Will you have a restricted territory in which to sell?  Usborne Books at Home has no territorial limits for recruiting or selling in the UK or EU, but other companies may limit the area their reps cover or have a limited number in an area.
• Think about the product you will be selling – does it have a broad market or is it restricted to a particular age range or a one-off purchase?  If restricted you will need to keep find new customers.  Most importantly find a product that you believe in and feel passionate about – enthusiasm will be your key sales aid.

Find out more about Jan and Usborne Books at her website mojobooks.co.uk