Those working in direct sales must be confident and personable and have the ability to make customers trust them. Some may arrange face-to-face meetings or parties in order to give demonstrations that could potentially lead to a sale, while others will be employed to sell products door-to-door
The job relies on the individual seller’s personality and selling skills to reach a satisfactory level of success. As much of the selling takes place in group settings, direct salespeople also need to have charisma and good oral communication skills to keep the attention of their audience.
Earnings are often a direct reflection on the amount of product sold, with many direct sales people working on commission. Those considering direct sales as a job may therefore be prepared to work without the security of a set contractual salary and may also be required to take a financial risk, especially in the initial stages of their career.
Work may be found with established multi-level marketing companies such as Avon Products and Kleeneze, or it is possible to set up an independent business with the right skills and products. Average earnings may be between £16,000 and £22,000 per annum, though this can increase greatly for particularly gifted sales people working on commission.