How to make money from home-selling parties

People over 50 account for around a third of the 425,000 direct sellers in the UK, according to the Direct Selling Association (DSA). You can choose to sign up to a wide range of companies, ranging from world-famous home cosmetics brands to book publishers, among many others.

Companies shout about the chance to earn anything from £50 to £1,000 a month depending on how much you put into the business, with the bonus of flexible hours.

However, as with any business there are risks. Do your homework before paying start-up costs. Are you prepared to give the hard sell to friends and family as a starting point, and then dedicate yourself to finding a stream of buyers? 

Start-up costs and commission

Upfront fees and commission structures vary depending on the company. Start-up costs typically amount to between £100 and £200. This typically includes brochures and any training, along with some sample products. It's important to remember that even if you can't sell any of the products you have bought you're very unlikely to be able to get your money back.

The company will give the seller credits to buy some products as part of the set-up package. For every one sold, you earn commission, of between 20%-30%. You get the chance to earn more products through promotions, although this depends on the success of your business. Of course, the more you sell and bigger you get, the larger the profit.

If you want to make more money you can build up a network of sales people as a team. Alongside your personal commission, you will take commission from those you have recruited.

Check the company credentials

Ensure the company you pick is a member of the DSA. This means it agrees to abide by a code of practice, with fair and honest promotion of opportunities.

Be wary of companies that claim direct selling is a fast route to riches. Companies signed up to the DSA are legally obliged not to use any wealth statements, or ask for large start-up sums.

There is also a 14-day cooling-off period for sellers signing up, as well as customers buying any goods.

Which different companies offer home-selling opportunities?

Top brands which feature in the DSA members’ directory which you can home sell include the famous Avon beauty, health, wellness, jewellery, accessories and gifts company, Herbalife nutrition, Monat natural hair and skincare products, Mary Kay cosmetics, skincare, toiletries and fragrances, Usborne independent children's book publishers and Vorwerk kitchen appliances to name but a few.

Find out more in the DSA directory here.

Things to consider before you sign up

Consider whether you’re genuinely interested in the business, and if the product if fairly priced. It’ll be far easier to shift goods and make money if have a passion for what you’re selling.

You will need to be confident throwing a party, with around 35% of direct selling done this way. Also, are you comfortable with social media? A growing number of sellers are turning to Twitter and Facebook to rack up sales.

If someone suggests you become a direct seller for a company they work for, ask for detail on the hours, income generated and what’s involved. Be cautious, and always take exaggerated earning potential with a pinch of salt.

Finally, remember you will be self-employed. This means you’ll need to sort your own tax and national insurance, which can prove a headache if you’ve never done this before.

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