Double Stroller

One of the fastest, easiest, and least expensive ways of doing that is to start your own business as a consultant for a direct sales company. Also called home party businesses, there are over 43 million direct sales representatives around the world, and about 12 million just in the United States alone. The majority of direct sales reps are women, who go into business for themselves so that they can work part time, set their own hours, and have the ability to make as much money as they want or need, based on the number of hours they're willing to put into their business.

If this sounds like something you're interested in, then here are some things you need to know:

There are as many different direct sales companies and home party businesses as there are direct sales representatives. Most sales reps recommend that new representatives choose a company based on their interests and products that they would want to buy themselves.

Being passionate about your business goes a long way towards your ultimate success as a direct sales rep, especially during the times when you're struggling to get bookings, recruit other reps, or even marketing your business.

Before starting your research, sit down somewhere where you're not going to be interrupted for at least 30 minutes, and think about what you want and need from your business.

What are your goals? How much money do you want to make a month? How many hours do you want to work? Think also about your personality - is a home party business going to be right for you? Do you like meeting and talking to new people? Do you like going out or going to parties? Are you motivated? Are you able to stay focused and on task? Do you tend to procrastinate? Although anyone can learn how to become a successful entrepreneur, it will be harder for you if you have to learn new habits at the same time you're trying to build your business.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want and need from your business, then it's time to start doing your research about the different companies that are out there.

Make sure to thoroughly check out any home party company that you're considering becoming a representative for. You'll want to make sure that they have a good reputation, that they guarantee their products, and that other reps are satisfied.

The percentage of your commissions, the cost of the initial sales kit, even the rate and schedule of pay should all be taken into consideration. Don't just go by the sales literature - you want to figure out how much money you need or want to make a month. Then look at the amount of commissions you can make per party, and how many parties and how much in total sales you'll have to make in order to reach that goal. If reaching your goal is going to require you to work longer hours or more than you're willing or able to commit to, then choose another company.

You'll want to be aware of any company that charges a really high amount for a sales kit, or requires you to pay for training. Also, your earnings should be based on the products or services you sell, and not on recruiting more people in under you. In fact, any time you're told that your largest commissions are based on the number of people you recruit or the memberships you sell, be careful. Often times these types of companies turn out to be pyramid schemes or scam companies

Also, check into the company's return policy. You should be able to return any unused or unsold merchandise with no questions asked.  If the company doesn't have a clear and open buy-back policy, make sure to get it in writing before committing or signing a contract.

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