13 Best Direct Sales Companies To Join and Make Extra Money

If you’ve got strong sales skills, you could make a living working for a direct sales company. Here’s a list of direct sales companies perfect for stay-at-home moms.

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I remember a time when direct sales companies were all the rage. In fact, it was one of the first ways I made money for myself. It was a wonderful money-making opportunity, especially if you’re great at selling and your products are in great demand and are profitable. Direct selling is an interesting money-making opportunity for stay-at-home moms with more flexibility. Direct sellers do not need to work a fixed schedule, making it a wonderful way for stay-at-home moms to earn extra cash while tending to their families. 

Being a direct sales consultant taught me many things about direct sales companies. In this article, I will share with you what a direct sales company is, what makes this business model fantastic, and a list of direct sales companies worth joining this year. 

What is a direct sales company?

You’ve probably already heard about many direct sales companies, such as Avon, Tupperware, Amway, and Mary Kay. But what is a direct sales company in the first place?

A direct sales company follows a direct sales model. It means you’ll sell products directly to customers through direct sales consultants and representatives instead of traditional channels. You can sell directly face-to-face by hosting sales parties and product demonstrations. You could also utilize online platforms, such as live selling on Facebook or TikTok, or through your blog and website.

Another common feature in direct sales businesses is incentives. From cash rewards and free trips to other rewards, these perks motivate representatives and direct sales consultants to recruit more people and increase sales. You’ll make more money in direct selling by recruiting more people to work under you and encouraging your team to sell more products. 

One of the best tips I can give is when working as an independent consultant for a direct selling business get to know and use their products. Most direct sales companies provide a starter kit for you to use or sell to others. Believing in the products you are selling is essential to effectively promote and establish trust with customers. Treating it as your own business is the best way to do so.

Pros and Cons of Direct Sales Companies

If you’re unsure whether or not direct selling is for you, consider the pros and cons of working with a direct sales business below.

Pros of Direct Sales Business

• Freedom and flexibility: Consider this business model if you don’t want to be involved in the rat race working a 9 to 5 job. Direct sales companies typically allow their independent consultants to schedule their own work time. You can hold sales parties and demonstrations on weekends or at night and do the rest of the administrative work during the day (or any spare time). 
• Little startup and overhead costs: You don’t need much money to start a direct selling business compared to starting your own full-pledged company. Many direct sales companies will initially require you to spend a minimal amount to purchase the starter kit. Also, you don’t need much to keep the business running. You don’t need to own a shop, manage inventory, or hire staff (at least not initially) for your direct sales business.
• Fantastic perks and rewards: Direct sales companies reward hardworking team members with many rewards, from sales commissions to free trips, awards and recognition, and so much more.

Cons of Direct Sales Business

• It involves a lot of selling: You must be great at sales to make money from direct sales companies. Consider another job or business if selling products does not appeal to you.
• Variable income: This business does not provide you with a fixed income. Your income depends on your sales and the number of people you recruit. You need to continually generate sales to make good income.
• Bad rep: Some people associate direct sales companies with multi-level marketing companies (MLMs), and others with pyramid schemes. While direct selling is a legit business model, some MLMs are illegal, and being involved with pyramid schemes is never a good idea. This can be a challenge when building trust with potential customers.

As with any business, you must invest time and effort to build a profitable direct-selling business. On the upside, you don’t need to spend much money to start selling products. On the downside, it can be hard to predict your income month-to-month. Direct selling is an excellent opportunity for people with strong sales skills, so joining the best direct sales companies is wise if you’re great at connecting with customers and selling.

Top Direct Sales Companies To Join

Are you looking for the best direct sales company? I’ve rounded up this direct sales companies list to help you narrow your options of the best direct-selling companies to join.

1. Young Living

Young Living is a direct sales company that sells essential oils and wellness products. Its flagship products are essential oils that promote alternative medicine for various health concerns. The company was established in 1994 and is now one of the best and most popular direct sales companies to work for. Members can join the company and sell essential oils by purchasing a starter kit. As with other direct sales companies, you make money by selling products and recruiting others to join your team.

2. It Works! 

If you want to establish a business in the health and wellness space, consider joining It Works! This health and wellness company sells products promoting gut health, weight loss, lifestyle, and beauty. You can purchase starter kits starting at $99, which you can use or sell to others at retail price. You’ll initially be assigned a distributor who will act as your mentor and support you as you learn more about the business.

3. Pampered Chef

 For people who are passionate about cooking, Pampered Chef is the right direct sales company to join. As one of the best food-related direct sales companies, Pampered Chef distributes high-quality kitchen tools, cookware and bakeware, pantry essentials, and small kitchen appliances. As an independent consultant for Pampered Chef, you are eligible for 20-50 percent off on products, earn cash rewards apart from commissions, and enjoy other perks like monthly rewards and travel experiences.

4. Advocare

This profitable direct sales company focuses on health and wellness products, particularly sports performance, weight management, and overall wellness. Advocare’s products are ideal for those who want to get into shape and improve their health and well-being. If you are a health buff, you’ll likely make an excellent Advocare distributor. You get up to 40% off the retail price of products, earn money from your own commissions and those of your team members, and enjoy other perks and incentives.

5. Melaleuca

This is one of the most popular US-based direct sales companies that sells beauty products and personal care items. The company focuses on providing environmentally friendly products made with natural ingredients. As a direct sales consultant for Melaleuca, you’ll sell products ranging from home cleaning supplies and essential oils to food and supplements. The company works with “marketing executives” to refer people to their products. These executives make money by referring others and earning commissions from their sales.

6. Herbalife

This popular health and wellness company sells products to help customers achieve balanced nutrition. Herbalife is popular for its protein shakes, nutritional supplements, and personal care products. It is one of the best direct sales companies to join, as it has established quite a good reputation since it was established in 1980. To start your own business with Herbalife, you’ll have to connect with a distributor to serve as your sponsor. Next, purchase products from Herbalife, which would serve as your starter kit, officially known as the Herbalife Member Pack, and you can start selling and making money.

7. Shaklee

This well-known direct sales company sells health and wellness products and nutritional supplements. In particular, Shaklee sells personalized vitamin packs, protein shakes, vitamins for kids and adults, body care products like moisturizers and exfoliators, and all-around household cleaners. If you are into safe and environment-friendly health and wellness products, Shaklee is one of the best direct sales companies to join.

8. Mary Kay

Mary Kay is one of the most popular companies to follow the direct sales model. Established in 1963, Mary Kay is a famous brand selling skincare products and cosmetics. To set up your own business selling Mary Kay products, you can enroll as a consultant by connecting with an existing consultant and signing the independent consultant agreement. Choose a starter kit ranging from $35 to $90, all with tons of support, resources, and free apps to help sell products. You can earn up to 50 percent commission on the products’ suggested retail price.

9. Discovery Toys

Discovery Toys is the company to join if you want to make extra money selling educational toys. This direct sales company creates and distributes award-winning educational toys, books, and other learning materials. Direct sellers for Discovery Toys have the opportunity to introduce worthwhile products to parents (and their kids) while making extra income from online sales and parties. You need to invest at least $79 for a starter kit, choose $140 worth of products and training materials, and a free website.

10. Silver Icing

If you’re into fashion, you can make money selling stylish clothing for Silver Icing. Customers can find trendy and fashionable clothes on Silver Icing from various brands. To make money from Silver Icing, sign up as a stylist and earn 10-25 percent commission from each product you sell and early dibs on product launches and product rewards. Your starting investment is only $49, which includes affiliate links, a personalized website, and a back office setup.

11. Beauty Counter

Beauty Counter is right up your alley if you’re looking for a business opportunity selling skincare products and cosmetics. The company takes pride in making “clean beauty” that is safe, sustainable, and with clinically proven results. Direct sellers or consultants are called brand advocates, who get 25-30 percent commission from direct sales to customers. You invest $50 to become a brand advocate, connect with a mentor (Beauty Counter may provide you with one, too), and enjoy limited-time savings on starter kits. You also get your own website, online training, and access to business tools and mobile apps to help you sell products effectively.

12. Amway

 Established in 1959, Amway is one of the most successful direct sales companies worldwide. It is well known for its Nutrilite brand of vitamins and sells beauty products, health supplements, and household cleaning products. You can build a business selling Amway products as an independent business owner (IBO). You make money from retail margins on products sold, performance bonuses on sales, as well as cash awards for reaching specific performance levels.

13. Paparrazi Accessories

Paparazzi sells jewelry that is trendy and fashionable, as well as affordable. Paparrazin Accessories welcomes consultants to help sell their products directly to customers. As a consultant, you can choose starter kits ranging from $99 to $499 and start with a party to showcase the products to family and friends. You’ll also need a sponsor or mentor to help you navigate the business while getting started. Commissions range from 34-45 percent.

Key Takeaways

If you want to run your own business selling products you love and trust, direct selling is a great way to do it. You can work your own hours, making it easy to take on as a side hustle or a full-fledged business. You may join several direct sales companies, many of which require a minimal to decent initial investment. Also, most of them provide support and guidance so you can give your business a solid start.

Have you experienced working for a direct-selling company? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. 

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