In recent years the direct selling industry has seen unprecedented levels in growth. Indeed in 2013 alone there were over 4.8 million direct sales, netting over £2bn for the UK economy.[1] As the industry has expanded so too have opportunities for direct sellers. This can be attributed to its flexibility. As goods are typically sold outside a fixed retail environment, direct sellers are able to expand their business as much or little as they want.
Traditionally seen as the domain of those seeking supplementary income, the industry actually appeals to a much wider audience. According to the Direct Selling Association (DSA) some 68,000 direct sellers (17%) now work full time hours (over 30 hours a week), up 20,000 from since 2011.[2]
Elizabeth Shannon was introduced to direct selling when she joined international craft company Stampin’ Up! UK as a demonstrator in 2009. At the time of joining, she was working as a market analyst in the telecoms industry. In November 2014, after 26 years in her role, Elizabeth decided to embark on a new adventure and pursue direct selling as a full time career.
Elizabeth comments: “In the past I was balancing direct selling with my full time job commitments, but in November 2014 I decided to embrace it on a full time basis. Leaving my old job of 26 years was a daunting experience, I knew I still had to pay the bills, but I can honestly say it has been the best decision I’ve ever made. By that stage I had already been running craft classes on a part time basis for five years so I had developed the confidence to believe I could do it full time. If you were going out and starting a business from scratch with no customers and no understanding of what the challenges and opportunities were then I think it would be a much tougher thing to do.
“I’m not a natural salesperson but having that passion for something can be contagious and makes the whole job that bit easier! Looking ahead, I aim to double my craft classes to ten per month within the next two years. I am confident I can reach this target, especially as I have recently revamped my craft studio at home, which is the bedrock of my direct selling work.”
As Elizabeth has found the flexibility that comes with direct selling means no two days are the same and what you get out of it depends on how much you’re prepared to put in. These dynamics make direct selling the exciting and vibrant industry that it is today.
Paula Gorry, UK Business Development Manager, Stampin’ Up! UK
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In recent years the direct selling industry has seen unprecedented levels in growth. Indeed in 2013 alone there were over 4.8 million direct sales, netting over £2bn for the UK economy.[1] As the industry has expanded so too have opportunities for direct sellers. This can be attributed to its flexibility. As goods are typically sold outside a fixed retail environment, direct sellers are able to expand their business as much or little as they want.
