Guide To Starting A Direct Sales Company
A direct sale business enterprise has lower overhead than a retail establishment. To increase sales and revenue, direct sales businesses rely on the enthusiasm of their customers. Mary Kay, a leading direct sales company, is one of the most recognizable. This line of beauty products has been a primary venture that allows mothers and housewives to build their careers on their terms.
Social media has increased the popularity and success rate of direct sales businesses. You can either buy into an existing program, or start a brand new company for people to purchase into.
Pick Your Direct Sales Product
Many companies have established themselves in direct sales, selling beauty products, skin care products and personal safety products.
The Direct Selling Association website has a list listing the top direct selling businesses. A well-respected brand is a cost-effective way to make a profit and is a proven track record.A brand new brand is created through product development, distribution investments and manufacturing. It takes a lot more investment to make a brand new and profitable. If you are looking to enter a market already saturated with cosmetics and skincare, spend some time developing your unique offering proposition.
Create a Business Entity
You need to establish a business entity to manage a brand you already know or start your own. Each sales representative in direct sales is a commercially independent business owner. Part-time mom working for a well-known brand could simply register a "doing company as" or DBA with a county clerk. Her liability is limited, not a brand with product liability. A corporation created through the secretary-of-state's workplace is a better choice.
Consult a tax advisor to make sure you select the right entity for your needs. You can get a tax identification number (Irs) and a seller's license (point out tax board).
Tell Your Story and Solve a Need
Mary Kay's story is simple: Let girls run small businesses that are profitable without having to leave their families.
Sales associates are motivated to tell the story and build the company every day when they have the right motivations to be part of the direct selling model.
Advertising and Produce Systems
Your sales team should not decide how to market your products. Your representatives can easily use your social media plan. Create a product sales platform that is easy to replicate if all parties are involved.
You can have a "girlfriends trunk-and-wine party" to show your support for the latest clothing line.
Send the scripts for emails and follow-ups, confirmations, and social media invites. Solutions not only make it easier for people who aren’t traditional sales reps to succeed, but they also create continuity within the manufacturer.
Do not try to invent the wheel if you're buying a well-respected brand. Use the marketing tools that the company has already established. You can set the posts on social media, network with friends, and offer assistance to anyone who is serious about learning the system. Selling is just as important as recruiting.
Reward and Enjoy
Direct sales companies that are most successful allow it to become a cultural part of their brand. This is not only achieved through product sales excitement. People who want to be at the top of their game among peers can enjoy conferences, tiered gifts and reward trips. Recognition is a powerful driving force and a great investment in your team.
Know the benefits and requirements for marketing your current brand. Your goals should be realistic. Some moms who work part-time may need to start a business to be able to transition to full-time status. Then, they can focus on the top-level prizes.
Consider how the product/service will satisfy the channel. Direct selling is a big part of the direct selling process. Think about your product or service. Are you able to experience the product in person?
Tupperware is a good example. Initially, buyers couldn't see its value on a shelf but then they saw its wonderful pop in a demonstration and decided to buy it.
You should be solving a problem. Solution-based products and services are a good choice in this market. It is important to have a story and a reason to be there. Perhaps you are helping mothers make lots of money, or perhaps just fulfilling a desire for a product.
It is important to remember that you don't have to focus on just one product. You need to ensure your business can be redeemed by a specific market.
Instead of focusing on your product, focus on people. Consider the independent consultants who will help you market your product.
You have two main constituents: your representatives, and the customer. Make sure you sell to the right people with every decision.
To help recruit consultants, designate someone at the top of your company.