Rise of direct selling among those age under 25

The number of under 25 year olds working as direct sellers has increased by 16% since 2013, according to figures released by the Direct Selling Association (DSA).

The report – which surveyed the DSA’s member companies – found that the age group now makes up 22% of the industry, equating to 88,000 of 400,000 direct sellers in Britain.

It was also revealed that there has been a 30% increase in the proportion of individuals whose income is generated solely by direct selling, with 104,000 counting it as their only job.

With recent data from The Social Entrepreneurs Foundation claiming that 47% of young people would like to start their own business, the DSA’s figures are thought to reflect the growing popularity of entrepreneurship in an increasingly competitive jobs market.

Direct selling includes products delivered to or demonstrated at the customers’ home, such as cosmetics (such as Avon and the like) and kitchen equipment – as well as products bought at craft fairs or fitness clubs.

Lynda Mills, director general of the DSA, said: “Direct selling is becoming more mainstream and offering a whole range of people a real alternative to traditional employment. The industry has been growing in popularity over the last few years and we’ve now reached the stage where younger people see it as an appealing career option.”