The world of direct sales in Lincoln

According to direct sales statistics, there are approximately 16 million people who account for the direct sales workforce in the U.S., generating more than 35 billion dollars in retails sales.

In Montana there are more than 90K direct sales consultants with an estimated $142 million dollars in retail sales throughout the state, and in Lincoln alone we have more than 13 independent consultants representing more than 20 direct sales companies.

Each person's reason for representing these companies is different, but they all still impact the local economy. So what's the appeal of direct sales? One of the most enticing things about the direct sales industry is the flexibility it offers to those involved. While some join the companies as representatives to enjoy the discounts they receive on products they like and want to promote, there are others who join for the part-time income potentials, and yet others looking for that flexibility in a full-time opportunity to sell the things they love. Direct selling offers a low-risk way to participate in a growing part of the economy and fills an important space in the continued and emerging online community.

For local, Christa Horner, who represents Thirty-one Bags and Pink Zebra, she likes the flexibility of working from home and representing companies and products she really likes. "Pink Zebra really got my attention and I love sharing the scents with others, who seem to like them as much as I do," she said. "As far as Thirty-one, I'd used their bags for a few years and really like the designs they come up. I use them almost every day and they last forever. It's easier to sell things that you love."

Joanie Templeton has been involved with direct sales for quite some time and among locals she represents the most independent sales companies, including Beachbody, Mary Kay, Scentsy, and The Body Shop. For her, each has a place in her life and provide her a place to purchase the things she needs for her and her family without having to go anywhere. "I literally only have to buy food and clothing when I shop," she said.

In each of the companies she represents, there's a specific reason for it.

"When I started with Beachbody, there was no gym in Lincoln and I was marathon training. I saw my small monthly fee as a gym membership. I also did a lot of research and their products are whole-food based and not made up of chemicals. That was really important to me and I'm happy to represent a company that stands behind their product like they do," she explained. "As far as Scentsy, I think they have the best bathroom cleaner, which is super important to me and it also gives me an opportunity to help with fundraising for kids at the school. The Body Shop has the only lotion that works for me with my psoriasis, and Mary Kay has been a part of my life for forever. My sister sold it at one time, so I knew it was good."

Direct sales companies are not a new concept and have been around in some form or another for more than 160 years. With more than 500 direct sales companies out there, and a wide array of products and services they represent, the choices are almost endless. Each one is a little different and has different rules, start-up costs and commission levels.

For those looking into direct sales opportunities, the Direct Selling Association advises doing research on the companies and encourages people to ask a lot of questions to find the one that will work best for them. They also say to pick a company with products you believe in. A large part of success in the direct sales arena depends on the enthusiasm and knowledge of the products being represented.

The DSA has direct sales broken down into six major categories for tracking and statistical purposes. These categories are wellness, services, home and family care or durables, personal care, clothing and accessories, and leisure and educational. Each category contains many companies within it.

Whether you're in the market to purchase items or begin an entrepreneurial adventure, direct sales may be the avenue to do either. The Business for Home website (www.businessforhome.org) has a list of more than 500 direct sales companies to look at and research.

If you are already involved in a direct sales business and would like to be part of an upcoming open house to promote your business, please contact Tammy at 406-633-0073.