Ahead of upcoming unemployment statistics (due to be published 15th February 2012), Paul Southworth, Director General of the Direct Selling Association commented that there needs to be a change in people’s thinking towards alternative types of work.
“Recent trends show that the traditional jobs market is struggling to sustain UK employment. There needs to be a radical change in people’s thinking and more willingness to consider other earning avenues. Entrepreneurialism remains high on the government’s agenda and is a good option for the large numbers of people who have a wealth of experience and skills and are motivated to work but just cannot get back into employment in the way they have been used to.
“Direct selling provides self-employment opportunities for over 400,000 people in the UK, and recent trends are showing a broader demographic working in the industry alongside the majority of working mums. Our member companies are reporting that on average men now make up nearly a quarter (24%) of their direct sales force, a 26% increase in the average number of men in the industry compared to 2010 levels.
“Alongside this is a trend for older people choosing to supplement retirement income through direct selling (the DSA recorded a 29% increase in over 50 year old direct sellers between July 2010 and July 2011.”
For further details, please visit www.dsa.org.uk
Do you agree with this? Do you think we should encourage more unemployed people to consider self-employment?
Work Your Way is a magazine for working mums, providing expert advice on alternative ways of working, such as freelancing, franchising, direct selling and starting-up. Please click here to subscribe for your personal copy.
Do you have a passion for fashion?
If you do, then you’ll love Captain Tortue. It is a unique French fashion company that sells beautifully designed women’s and children’s clothes direct to customers in the comfort of their home. Created by Lillian and Philippe Jacquelinet in Aix en Provence in 2003, this family owned company has grown to become the most successful direct sales fashion company in Europe.
The three collections of women’s and children’s clothes are refreshingly different from the high street. Incredibly stylish with unique designer detail, the clothes are sold by trained fashion consultants from home. These consultants are women of all ages who love fashion, socialising and working from home.
For mums with young children, it’s the perfect opportunity to fit in earning extra money with family commitments. Inviting mums round for a coffee or showing the collection at a friend’s house in the evening is the personal and social way Captain Tortue help their customers to find the right outfits for themselves and their children.
Customers rave about the fun and fabulous shopping experience.
“Giving personal attention and helping women create their own style with pieces they wear again and again means that we enjoy a very special relationship with our customers, “ says Alice Wood, Manager for Captain Tortue in London.
Consultants sell throughout the UK and Ireland so full local training is provided by your Manager. There is so much support from the company, including sales literature, samples and advice; everything you need from day one. Training is free, and a great perk is getting a fabulous wardrobe of clothes for you and your children at half price – as well as the monthly commission! The initial investment is low and refundable. It’s possible to earn a full or part-time income; whichever suits you.
There are three brands: Captain Tortue children’s clothes (age 6 months to 14 years), Miss Captain (size 6 to 20) and Lady Captain (size 10 to 24). The Spring/ Summer 2012 collection is coming soon and consultant registration is now open.
Captain Tortue is looking for women now to sell the new Spring/Summer 2012 collection. No previous sales or fashion experience is necessary – just a passion for fashion and a desire to help women, and their kids, look their best!
To find out more, please call 01403 754040 or visit www.captaintortuegroup.com
Have you always wanted to be your own boss, to be able to work the hours you want and around your family life?
Are you a fun loving person, who loves to get out and about and meet new people?
Do you love having a bathroom full of gorgeous products – products which are ethical, from a company that really cares about the environment and the planet?
If this sounds like you, then we’d love you to join us as an NYR Organics Consultant. NYR Organics is the Home Selling arm of the global organic beauty brand, Neals Yard Organics, and when you become one of our Consultants, you have a leading brand with vision behind you every step of the way.
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If you want to generate an income, work flexible hours and manage your own business with low start-up costs, direct selling could be the perfect opportunity for you. Direct selling is the largest provider of part-time, independent earning opportunities in the UK, with over 400,000 people involved in direct sales, and it makes a significant £2billion contribution to the UK economy each year.
It is an appealing option to many people who want to run their own businesses with low start-up costs – those entering the industry can expect to pay an average of £100 for a business kit and sample products and the legislation prevents the initial outlay in the first seven days to be over £200. Considering the average start-up cost for a small UK working-from-home business is around £5,000, direct selling really does offer a minimal outlay option.
Almost anyone can be a direct seller, as the industry allows individuals to pick their own hours, which can be fitted around other commitments like family or child care. Sometimes people believe direct selling isn’t for them because they are not a salesperson. However, direct selling is first and foremost a people business, and many people enjoy the social side of the industry, and the opportunity to network and generate and income at the same time.
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the recognised trade body for the direct selling industry, and it works to represent the interests of direct selling business in the UK. In total the DSA has 62 member companies, covering beauty, appliances, books, clothes, gifts, greetings cards, health, home-ware, jewellery and toys.
This vast variety in the product ranges on offer from direct selling companies means direct sellers can pick and choose a company that sells products they are interested in and can relate to. This enthusiasm will then come across when you are selling; so if you are passionate about healthcare and nutrition there are companies like Neways International, if you like books and reading, there are companies like Usborne Books at Home, or for cookery enthusiasts, companies like The Pampered Chef. The Direct Selling Association website has a list of all DSA approved member companies so is a good first step to finding the right company for you.
When considering a direct selling company to work with, it’s important to be aware of the following:
- Make sure they are a reputable and responsible firm (and not a pyramid scam)
- All members of the Direct Selling Association (DSA) have to commit to follow a strict Code of Practice which is approved by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
- Among other things, the Code of Practice demands fair selling methods, a 14 day cooling off period for customer orders, and an independent Code Administrator whose judgments are binding on all members.
By choosing a DSA member company, direct sellers and their customers can be safe in the knowledge that they are working with a reliable firms who work in line with this code, so look out for the DSA logo when you choose which company to work with.
For more information on the Direct Selling Association, please visit their website at www.dsa.org.uk
