With the Cincinnati area economy mired in a recession and unemployment still on the rise, many Tri State women are turning to the hottest new home based business.
They are selling products from home, or "direct selling," to boost their bottom line.
Mom Becomes her own CompanyWhen mom Shannon Bambara was laid off...instead of applying to dozens of companies for work, she decided to become her own company.
Shannon became a direct seller with Silpada Designs, a jewelry manufacturer. She peddles the company's products at house parties...then takes a cut of the proceeds.
Shannon says"an average Silpada party retails about $950, which means I take home 30% of that, which would be around $285. And typically that's only in a two hour period."
Now shannon says she's "sold" on direct selling. And she's not alone.
More Women Turning to Direct SellingWhile there are no statistics for this recession, history shows that during bad economic times, more women turn to home parties as a way to help fill the income void.
And according to the Direct Selling Association, these days it's more than just jewelry and makeup.
Amy Robinson, of the Direct Selling Association, says"some of the things that are sold through direct selling that you might not initially think of include pet supplies, scrapbooking supplies, organic gardening."
How Much can you Earn?The average seller works part time and earns about 200 dollars a month.
But for those who choose to sell full time, Amy says there's the potential to earn up to six figures.
Plus, she says, it's fun. "As for the non-financial motivations, you have people who are interested just in the social aspect of it."
At Mary Kay Cosmetics, Rhonda Shasteen says her sales reps love being able to help put some gloss on these tough economic times.
Rhonda Shasteen of Mary Kay says "a woman may not be able to go out and spend $100 on a new dress or a new leather handbag, but she can certainly afford-- and will spend-- $13 or $14 on a lipstick that will help brighten her day."
Some CautionsBut before you sign on, experts say investigate the company thoroughly.
You want to make sure the company:
- Is not a pyramid scheme
- Is not in trouble with the Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General
- Does not have hundreds of complaints posted online
- Does not charge a huge start-up fe
Amy says call and ask questions, such as "what does it cost to get started? Is there a buy back policy if you decide the business isn't for you?"
Interested in direct selling? Check the Direct Selling Association's website, by clicking the link above, and don't waste your money. I'm John Matarese.
