Direct Sales Definition

The direct sales definition is "the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location." This definition comes from the Direct Selling Association which is the trade group of 200 companies whose mission is "To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of product and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers."

Under this definition, person-to-person selling has been around for thousands of years. Peddlers, traders, hawkers, merchants and caravans were all part of the early direct selling business. Direct selling satisfied the need to trade goods and communicate with others, and grew and became more sophisticated with the advance of technology.

Almost all countries and cultures have a history of direct selling. Gypsies coming to America brought with them their talents of peddling and horse trading. Direct selling thrived here into the 1900's.

Home parties in the 1950's gave direct selling a new twist as customers gathered at homes to see product demonstrations and meet with friends. Today people still enjoy the this convenient and personal approach to buying products.

The internet has afforded a huge opportunity for growth in direct selling. Now there are no geographical barriers and the entire world has become a customer base. We see many successful "traders" making very good livings with direct selling on the web.

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