May 18, 2009 1:41 pm US/Eastern
In Tough Times, More Women Turning To Direct Sales
Home Parties Peddle Jewelry, Cosmetics And More
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Chatting with friends, dinner and some new jewelry. It may sound like a girls' night out, but for millions of women it's also work.
When Shannon Bambara was laid off earlier this year, she polished up her sales pitch and became a direct seller with
Silpada Designs. She peddles the company's products at house parties and then takes a cut of the proceeds. "An average Silpada party retails about $950, which means I take home 30% of that which would be around $285," Bambara explained.
While there are no statistics for this recession, history shows that during bad economic times, more women turn to home parties as a way to help fill the income void. The average seller who works part time earns about $200 a month. For those who work full time, there's the potential to earn up to six figures.
At
Mary Kay Cosmetics, Rhonda Shashteen says her sales representatives love being able to help put some gloss on these tough economic times. "A woman may not be able to go out and spend $100 on a new dress or a new leather handbag, but she can certainly afford and will spend $13 or $14 on a lipstick that will help brighten her day," she said.
Nicole Robinson works in the pharmaceutical industry, but she wanted to pad her family's savings. She loves the flexibility of her Mary Kay career. "I decide when I am going to hold appointments, when I'm going to make my extra money and how much I want to make," she said.
Before you sign on for a direct sales job, experts say you should investigate the company thoroughly. Call and find out how much it costs to get started and if there is a buy back policy should you decide the business isn't for you.
Shannon says her business has been profitable and enjoyable. She was recently offered her old job back on a part-time basis and her Silpada earnings will help cover her daycare costs.
Direct selling isn't just for jewelry and makeup; you can also sell pet supplies, scrapbooking materials and even clothing.
MORE DIRECT SALES OPPORTUNITIES
Creative Memories - Scrapbooking
Oxyfresh - Health & Wellness Products
Pampered Chef - Kitchen/Cooking Supplies
Arbonne - Cosmetics
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