In many ways, 2020 was an uninvited guest who overstayed their welcome into 2021. Three previous fiscal quarters of widespread lockdowns and hiding from COVID gave way to a year of adaptation for the global direct selling industry. Direct sellers across the globe emerged into the sunlight to face ever-changing, mid-pandemic operational environments and in some markets, post-pandemic business climates that brought fairly large swings in sales performance—some for the better and some for the worse.

The industry faced an inflection point regarding our two key issues: the salesforce’s independent contractor status and Federal Trade Commission channel oversight. The DSA team is working to build awareness among legislators and law enforcement officials about the benefits of self-regulation and the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council’s (DSSRC) success in protecting consumers.

At DSA ENGAGE, we considered the foundation of our businesses. What is our bedrock? What are our pillars? And how high in the sky might we be able to build?

Looking back at history, what would have happened if Mary Kay Ash could have worked with customers through the metaverse? Or what would have transpired if Amway’s founders had social selling platforms available to connect them with customers?

The direct selling industry experienced record high retail sales in 2021 in the United States, according to the Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) Direct Selling Growth and Outlook Survey for 2021.

And now it’s time for your road to lead back to your friends and colleagues to explore the transformation of the direct selling business model at DSA ENGAGE 2022: Conversion Immersion in Boca Raton, FL, from June 5-7, 2022.

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) that signaled the Commission is interested in a new trade regulation rule on the use of earnings claims, and also expressed interest in addressing the use of lifestyle claims—like a new luxury car or being able to quit a […]

Success is about results. And results are frequently measured by numbers. I thought it helpful to look at some of the numbers surrounding DSA’s self-regulatory program—the Direct Selling Regulatory Council (DSSRC).

Mannatech’s Mexican subsidiary, Mtex Mexico S. De R.L. de C.V., was recently approved as an active member of the Mexican Direct Selling Association A.C. (AMVD). The AMVD ensures that Mexican and foreign direct selling companies operating within the country do so with respect, transparency and healthy competition in their commercial operations.  “We are honored to […]

Celebrating our individual company achievements contributes to a stronger direct selling channel. But as we vigorously reach out to one another to share our accomplishments, the message of our values and our commitment to forging a new, modernized direct selling far too infrequently reaches beyond our channel.

The Direct Selling Association recently held virtual events featuring almost 20 women entrepreneurs from congressional districts across the country to discuss the importance of flexibility and opportunity when it comes to work, and the value that direct selling can offer women.

Together with caucus co-chairs Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), Direct Selling Association (DSA) President Joseph N. Mariano participated in a virtual briefing titled “Growth of the Micro-Entrepreneur & Legislative Update.” Highlighted in this discussion was the importance of protecting independent contractor status for all Americans, consumer protection and industry self-regulation.  There are […]