Welcome to the world of direct sales! Working as an independent contractor is exciting, but it can also be intimidating. As you begin your new career, you most likely have more questions than you do answers. You’re certainly not alone. Millions of people who make the transition to direct sales have felt the same way and have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs.

Before setting up your new business, let’s answer some of the most pressing questions you and others like you have asked before making the leap into direct sales.

What is direct sales?

Direct sales simply means selling products directly to customers rather than through traditional stores and online shops. The products a direct sales consultant sells to customers come directly from the manufacturer to the direct sales company you’re associated with, then to you, so you can then deliver to the customer.

There are three types of ways you can take advantage of direct selling  to consumers:

Single-level direct sales – Typically the easiest way to make money is by selling your products one-on-one, meaning just selling to one person at a time. You can do this by trying to sell to coworkers with your catalog. You can also set up in-person presentations or sell online through a website.

Host a party – Done in a group setting, this method is done through hosting a party at your own home, a friend’s home, or at a public space. There, you’ll do a presentation on the products you’re selling, sometimes with a demonstration. Then you network with attendees and sell, sell, sell, directing potential customers to your website and catalog.

Multi-level Marketing (MLM) – This method is similar to the method above except your income is earned through sales you and other business partners you’ve recruited make. So, your job is two-fold: sell products, and recruit others to sell with you.