Research shows some of the most popular reasons people choose direct selling are:

• Direct selling is a good way to meet and socialize with people.
• Direct selling offers flexible work schedules.
• Direct selling is a good way to earn extra income.
• Direct selling is a good way to own a business.
• Earnings are in proportion to efforts.

Anyone can do it.
There are no required levels of education, experience, financial resources or physical condition.
People of all ages and from all backgrounds have succeeded in direct selling.

Direct sellers are independent contractors. You’re your own boss, which means you can:

• Work part-time or full-time – you choose when and how much you want to work.
• Set your own goals and determine yourself how to reach them.
• Earn in proportion to your own efforts. The level of success you can achieve is limited only by your willingness to work hard.
• Own a business of your own with very little or no capital investment.
• Receive training and support from an established company.

People like to shop through direct selling.
According to recent surveys, 74 percent of Americans have purchased goods or services through direct sales. That’s more than the number who have purchased through television shopping and on-line computer services combined. People value the products available through direct selling and 45 percent of Americans want to buy from direct sellers.

Direct selling is a growing industry.
Sales in the U.S. have more than doubled in the last decade to more than $30 billion and are now more than $100 billion worldwide.

People from literally all walks of life, of all ages, are successful in direct sales. About 75 percent of those working in direct sales are women, 10 percent are African American, six percent are Latino and three percent are Asian, Native American or other. Many people start part-time, and later leave their other careers when direct selling becomes more lucrative.

- found on www.dsa.org

Here’s how to identify legitimate direct selling opportunities:

Start up costs should be minimal. The start up fees in direct selling companies are generally modest – usually the cost of a sales kit. Companies want to make it easy and inexpensive for you to start. Pyramid schemes make their money through fees paid by new recruits or by loading inventory or training aids on them. High entry fees should be a warning sign.

You should be able to return unsold inventory. Companies belonging to the Direct Selling Association “buy back” unsold marketable products purchased within the prior 12 months if you decide to quit the business, for 90 percent of the price you paid for them. The DSA Code of Ethics requires that member companies do this. Beware of opportunities that encourage “front end loading,” or buying large inventories of unreturnable products to reach achievement levels or receive a “special” or larger “discounted” price.

Is the money you’ll earn based on the sale of products or services? The answer should be “absolutely.” This is a key element of a legitimate business. Direct selling, like other methods of retailing, depends on selling to customers who use and/or consume the product. This requires quality products and services sold at competitive prices. Beware of any business that claims you can get rich by solely using their products or by recruiting new people into the business. You should also believe in the products or services you’ll be selling.

Ask yourself, “Would I buy this product if I weren’t in the sales organization?” If the answer to that is no, think twice about the opportunity.

How to Get Started:

1. Identify a company and product that appeal to you.
   Check our list of member companies or look in your local phonebook.
2. Take your time deciding.
   Does “getting in on the ground floor” mean that everyone joining after you will be less satisfied or happy? A legitimate opportunity won’t disappear overnight. Think long-term.
3. Ask questions.
   About the company, its leadership, the products or services, start-up fees, realistic costs of doing business, average earnings of distributors, return policies, and anything else you’re concerned about.
4. Get copies of all company literature.
   And read it!
5. Consult with others who have had experiences with the company and its products.
   Check to see if the products or services are actually being sold to consumers.
6. Investigate and verify all information.
   Do not assume that “official looking” documents are accurate or complete or even produced by the company, as opposed to the person trying to recruit you.
7. Need help evaluating a company?
   Check to see if the company in which you’re interested is a member of the Direct Selling Association. If it is, you can be assured the company has pledged to abide by and uphold the DSA Code of Ethics. In addition, you might want to call your local Better Business Bureau, state attorney general or consumer protection office.

- Information found at www.dsa.org.

The direct selling industry has touched a majority of adult Americans.
• The direct selling industry has touched a majority of adult Americans: In 2000, 55 percent of American adults reported having, at some time, purchased goods or services from a direct selling representative. This represents a slight increase over the Wirthlin figures.
• In the 2000 survey, one in five American adults (20%) reported they are now (6%) or have been (14%) a direct selling representative.
• Among direct selling customers, three out of four (77%) have attended an in-home demonstration or party.

The market potential for direct selling.
• Thirty-eight percent of adult Americans surveyed in 2000 have some interest in purchasing a product or service in the future via direct selling, but only 27 percent had actually made a direct selling purchase in the past year. Both figures are about the same as in the earlier survey (Wirthlin Worldwide, 1997).
• With public interest in purchasing through direct selling (38%) exceeding those who have purchased (27%), these recent figures suggest there is an opportunity for growth!

Are America’s shopping patterns changing?
• As reported in 2000, the 55 percent of American adults who have ever purchased by direct selling is exceeded only by the percentage of those who have ever purchased via retail stores (96%) or through mail order catalogs (83%).
• The percentage of American adults who are somewhat, very or extremely interested in using the Internet as a method of purchasing products and services in the future has increased from the 30 percent of American adults reported in the 1997 survey to the 50 percent reported in 2000.

- Information found at www.dsa.org

1. How much does it cost to get started?

There is no cash investment.  Hold a Starter Show of $350 or more in sales, have 6 Shows booked and the Starter Kit is yours! And, when your Starter Show has higher sales, PartyLite gives you extra Retail Credit. So not only do you earn your Kit for free, you can add additional products of your choice.

2. How many Shows do I need to hold each week?

The best way to get off to a good start is to book and hold six or more Shows in your first month.. After that, you decide how many Shows you want to hold to meet your specific income goals.

3. What kind of support will I receive?

You’ll receive free monthly training by attending meetings and by receiving a free monthly magazine and a complete, step-by-step Consultant Guide. We encourage you to observe Shows at the beginning of your business, and more whenever you want some new ideas. And your Leader is always there to help answer questions.

4. How often and how do I receive income?

Each week you receive a Profit Check from PartyLite representing 25% Profit on the Show sales submitted the previous week. When your sales exceed $2,000 in a calendar month, you receive an additional 7% Bonus. If you do three Shows a week averaging $350 a Show, with a time investment of about two to three hours per Show, you can earn $1,344 monthly, including your Bonus.

5. How quickly can I make a higher income?

You choose when you want to lead a team and make more money. You can become a Unit Leader in a few months.  In 2004, the top Unit Leader in PartyLite earned $63,247 and the top level of Senior Regional Vice President earned $813,306.

6. Do I make deliveries or carry inventory?

No, PartyLite delivers directly to your Hostess, saving you the time and expense of storing inventory.

7. How do I book my Shows?

Make a list of everyone you know – use your address book, your holiday card list, a wedding guest list – whatever works! Share with them the exciting news that you’re starting your new business. They’ll receive products at no cost when they help you, and you’ll be meeting new people who will want to book Shows or become Consultants. Your Leader will have more proven ideas and techniques to help you book and hold Shows.

8. What if I relocate to another part of the country?

You can work your PartyLite business anywhere in the United States. Because we have no assigned territories, you can take your business with you wherever you go.

9. What’s special and unique about PartyLite?

You have no investment and an unlimited income opportunity so everyone has an equal chance at success.  The Hostess Program is very attractive to potential Hostesses.  You will also be proud to offer our high quality products, and you will enjoy friends and affiliation with a well-respected company with 35 years of proven success.

10. What if I decide that a PartyLite business doesn’t fit my lifestyle?

You keep the money you earned and your Starter Kit, plus any other gifts and awards you may have received. If things change and you want to start up again, you can do that.

My Story

I’m an East Coast gal that has lived all over the country and a couple years outside the United States.  I grew up in the country and in a small town.  Then moved away to the “big city”.  I have to laugh at that cliche.  That wasn’t my intention.  I was simply going where my job took me and enjoyed the ride. 

After working and being part of the “rat race”, I am happy to say, I have finally found a full time job that is more about giving than receiving.  I’m proud to work for the organization and the role I play. 

I’m also fortunate to have a “part time” job (home based business) that I am proud to be a part of. 

I discovered PartyLite in 1994 when I was living in Sacramento, California. A co-worker asked me if I wanted to go to a candle party. I enjoy burning candles, so I gladly agreed.

After being a loyal customer for more than 14 years, I became a Consultant in February 2008 and I am now looking forward to being a Leader of a great and growing team of smart, successful women. My enthusiasm for my little candle business has done nothing but grow. I go to parties. I tell people about the best candles in the world. I have fun, eat their food, drink their wine, and get paid. I work when I want to.  I work part time from home only about 3 to 4 ours per week.  I’m looking forward to increase that to 15 to 20 hours per week as a leader. It’s one of the best thing that’s happened to me.  If you like some of the choices that I have shared with you, and think that it would make a difference to your lifestyle as well, then please contact me and we can set up a time to have a chat.  I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you.