Direct sales doesn’t always have the best reputation. Maybe it’s due to that one “annoying” consultant or to wrong associations with pyramid schemes. Or maybe it’s because of a misplaced assumption that direct selling isn’t a “real” job or that somehow what’s earned isn’t deserved.
I’ll admit, I used to wrestle with this subliminal misunderstanding.
But then one day it hit me:
That Thirty-One consultant/friend whom I love and adore, whose products I use on a daily basis, who has always had my utmost respect and admiration as a legitimate and good businesswoman? Direct sales.
That Norwex consultant who drove two hours to do a show in my home, to scrub my oven while I stood watching, in order to make money for the large family she wanted to expand further through adoption? Direct sales.
That Younique presenter whose sweet personality oozed through her Facebook posts, who made me fall in love with her product through her genuine belief, and who invested herself because she cared about me? Direct sales.
These are real people, with real lives, selling products I’ve found I can’t go without.
Whatever your thoughts about direct sales, it’s pretty undeniable that these companies — and the moms and dads representing them — have supplied a lot of legitimately great products to our lives.
Here are a few of my favorite direct sales products that I use on a regular basis.
Young Living Essential Oils
I do not claim to understand how these blessed things work, but I do know they’ve seen us through some of the toughest coughs and colds, brought quick healing to (or relief from) little aches and pains, and supplied comfort to our minds and bodies.
The Pampered Chef
How long has this company been around, anyway?! I bet most of us have at least one Pampered Chef thing in our kitchens right now. A few of my favorites are the wooden spoons that I use EVERY day and the Double Burner Griddle I got for a great price by hosting a cooking show!
Thirty-One Gifts
There was a period of time when I was kind of obsessed with Thirty-One. I would pour through the catalog, envisioning ways I could organize my home with their products. And I have to say, everything I have purchased from Thirty-One has remained a functional staple in my daily life.
LuLaRoe
I was a skeptic of this line until I saw it in person. Not all of the styles, fabrics, or prints are for me—as is true in any boutique—but I have certainly found some pieces I love. The solid colored leggings are a staple for sure, and a few Irmas and Perfect Tees have found their way into my wardrobe as well.
Younique Products
Remember that Younique presenter whose product and personality I loved? Well, until “meeting” her I was among those who would never be in direct sales (Ha!). But the makeup and the opportunity were just too good, so two years ago, I joined the company as a Presenter myself. (Never say never. 😉 ) The famous Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes were my gateway drug, but I’ve since become an avid user of all of it. A few of my personal favorites include the Brow Liner and Brow Gel, the BB Flawless Complexion Enhancer, and the new Royalty skin care line.
Yes, many direct sales items are awesome! And the businesswomen and men selling them are trying to provide for their family – win-win!!
My favorite is non-toxic, American pampering products, Posh – I sell it at PerfectlyPoshInIowa.com.
I also really love KEEP’s custom jewelry – fun to personalize with a message that’s meaningful to me!
i love Norwex and Pampered Chef items too!
Thanks for the comment, Courtney, and for sharing your favorites! I, too, could have easily included several Norwex items in my must-haves–their products are literally all I use to clean my house! And their bath and hand towels have been life-changing–no more musty bathroom smell (ha!)!
Best wishes for your Posh business!
Blessings,
Angela
I can’t adult without Wildtree Freezer Meal Workshops! Getting 10 meals prepped in the freezer in 2 hours for less than $4/serving WHILE hanging out with cool cats is a win/win!
I’ve been doing a workshop every 4-6 weeks for the last year & can’t imagine life without it because it is just such a lifesaver to have healthy meals prepped for busy nights (full disclosure I just started as a rep two months ago–because I just love the stuff so much!).
That sounds like an awesome way to manage meal planning! So glad it’s working for you!
Congratulations on your new business!
Blessings,
Angela
LipSense is my new gig and I adore it!! Lip color that doesn’t smudge, budge or transfer and lasts from 4-18 hours!
Norwex and Tastefully Simple. I’ve been hosting TS Freezer Meal Workshops for the last 6 years and helping get America back to their dinner tables. Not only do we prep 6-14 meals at a workshop, we shop local, learn from each other (yes, the non-cooks know more than they think they do), we enjoy the support of other women (although I have a few guys that regularly attend), we taste test, laugh, and go home with a renewed sense of accomplishment.