Direct selling on the rise in the UK

The UK has experienced a rise in direct selling, with 20,000 more people involved in the industry now than in 2009, according to the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

Recognised as the trade association for the direct selling channel of distribution since 1965, the DSA’s member companies account for 51% of total UK direct sales and include firms such as Avon, The Pampered Chef and Kleeneze.

The rise follows a recent surge in the number of people over the age of 50 who are choosing to direct sell, such as Clare Ingram and Toby Hickman, who began selling for children’s book firm Barefoot Books in 2012 to supplement their pension.

The report also reveals that the number of men choosing to direct sell is on the increase, with male distributers rising by 26% from 2010. Consequently, almost a quarter of the sellers for DSA member companies are now male.