Direct door-to-door sales: why not you?
Thinking of becoming an independent home seller? Be careful, some companies have illegal practices! Advice from Blandine Roy, lawyer at the Fédération de la vente direct.
What is direct door-to-door sales?
After the birth of a baby, it is very difficult to leave your little one to return to the office… The proof: 1,2 million women in France dream of being direct sales advisers, according to a Sofres survey in 2005. And out of 200 000 independent home sellers (VDI), 80% are women. Work on your own schedule, at home or in a meeting, while taking care of baby; that is to say, aligning his professional activity with his family life, has something to seduce! But beware, before you rush, beware of companies with attractive appearances …
Direct selling: how to spot dishonest companies?
The principle is simple: you don’t have to pay to work. The company therefore does not have the right to ask you for a entrance fee or an annual contribution to continue the activity, making a profit. Each sum paid by the VDI must necessarily correspond to a service provided by the company. As an administrative service, it can only ask you to pay the management fees related to the registration file, the monthly newsletter or the establishment of withholding tax forms. If necessary, the amount is often small. In other words, the only profits the company is entitled to make are from the final sale, that of the VDI to the customer.
To start your direct-to-home selling business, you will need a “Starter kit” (catalogs, demonstration products, etc.). If the company sells it, then the Federation’s code of ethics requires it to take it back – if you wish – when you terminate your function. However, it can refuse the return if the products are damaged or no longer in a state of resale. If the company only asks for a deposit check (mainly when it comes to a collection of clothes), it is not intended to be cashed, unless the kit is damaged.
As a VDI, you work in total independence, without an employment contract or relationship of subordination. The company therefore does not have the right to oblige you to follow and therefore to pay a training. Even if your results are weak and your persuasiveness is limited… However, she can offer it to you. It’s up to you to choose if you want to go further, learn how to convince better.