The Direct Selling industry is one of the fastest-growing ones, especially in challenging times mired by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is providing a livelihood to many families impacted by the pandemic. Apart from that, it is providing an alternative career to millions aspiring to be entrepreneurs. Direct Selling small businesses are also driving the economic turnaround in the country that is also facing an employment crisis. It has also helped drive economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Role of Direct Selling Industry in the Development of the Country
The Direct Selling Industry has been and continues to contribute significantly towards generating self-employment. Unlike brick-and-mortar stores, Direct Selling is a home-based business that includes situations like door-to-door sales, appointments, referrals, and brand parties. Information is shared via catalogues or the Internet. The Direct Selling Industry is one of the oldest modes of sales that relies more on the selling skills of its salesforce and not advertising.
Direct Selling – Facilitating Government’s Vision of Women Empowerment
Direct Selling incorporates the Multilevel Marketing (MLM) business format as part of its marketing strategy, creates job opportunities, and boosts entrepreneurship in India. Keeping in line with the Government’s vision of Women Empowerment, Direct Selling provides women who find it working away from home a difficult task and earning opportunities from the comforts of their homes.
Direct Selling – Providing Income Opportunities & Contributing to Government Revenues
The Direct Selling Industry was prominently instrumental in generating employment during the severe economic crisis during the pandemic and stood out among all industries – it generated employment for nearly 122 million Indians who lost their jobs, thereby taking off some burden from the Government. In the process, it also contributed substantially to the Government’s revenues, thus extending its hand in the country’s development.
Direct Selling – A Boost for Local Manufacturers
The Direct Selling Industry that has boosted local manufacturing has also established ownership and determination amongst aspiring entrepreneurs. The industry has provided additional income opportunities to many long with promoting micro-entrepreneurship. In FY 2018-19, there were 5.7 million direct sellers. These numbers are projected to grow exponentially to 18.1 million by 2025.
Indian Direct Selling Industry – Growing Steadily
Government initiatives like Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) have boosted the local manufacturers. It encourages people to explore options of buying and selling locally made products using the Direct Selling Industry that involves low investments and higher returns.
According to industry estimates, the Direct Selling industry in India is poised to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 4.8 percent and likely to reach INR 15,930 crore by the end of the year. The Indian Direct Selling Industry is currently ranked number 15 globally, has many potentials, and is flourishing at an impressive annual growth rate of 12.1 percent.
Direct Selling Industry – A Platform to Showcase Innovativeness
Direct Selling maintains gender parity and has been instrumental in empowering women and providing an alternative career option for those who wish to supplement their household income. Unlike traditional retail stores, the Direct Selling Industry is a great platform for entrepreneurs who cannot compete with big advertisers but have different and innovative products to showcase and sell that are not readily available in the market. Apart from enhancing the retail distribution infrastructure, the industry has served tech-savvy consumers conveniently by offering them quality products right at their doorsteps.
Step into the World of Direct Selling with Confidence
The Indian Government has taken several steps to boost the Network Marketing companies with initiatives like Skill India, Make in India, Women Empowerment, and Vocal for Local. The Indian Government has realized the potential of the industry. To refrain companies from committing frauds and duping innocent people, have stepped in. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has issued guidelines. The Government of India has drafted regulations that safeguard the interests of those joining these companies as Sales Representatives or Independent Representatives. All this will go a long way in the confidence-building process for the Direct Selling Companies and the people who join these companies as Independent Representatives. So, step in with confidence and explore the entrepreneur in you.
