Direct Selling: From Door to Door to Network Marketing

Direct Selling examines all the key criteria in running a successful and profitable direct selling business and the opportunities that exist for those with an urge to have a business of their own. Berry explains party plan selling and the reasons for the most recent growth in network marketing. Throughout the world, direct selling is a fast growing channel of retail distribution. In Britain the direct selling of consumer goods now exceeds £1 billion a year - rivalling that of direct marketing. The recent success of direct selling businesses is based on the competitive edge it offers to manufacturers and the opportunities it presents to those with an urge to have a small business of their own.At the same time, this distribution channel has remained widely misunderstood and, sometimes, justly criticised for the hyped-up earnings claims of some of those involved as direct sellers.Richard Berry puts this industry in perspective in relation to retail distribution as a whole. He explains what products can be direct sold, and what cannot, and how to select the most appropriate methods of organising, training and motivating a sales force. The book is illustrated with many case studies involving both successful and unsuccessful direct selling businesses and marketing techniques.In this extensively researched book, the author also deals comprehensively with both the legal and consumer protection aspects of running a direct selling business. Covers all types of direct selling organization and direct selling methodsWritten by someone with past experience of running a direct selling business who is currently Director of the Direct Selling AssociationCovers, in detail, every aspect of the direct selling of consumer goods