From Skin Care To Jewelry, Women Sold On Selling At Home

timesleader.com:

Women historically have turned to direct sales to temporarily boost the family income or to bridge the gap between full-time jobs. But as the economy deteriorates, many are finding these jobs lucrative and worth keeping.

Direct sales — home-based selling suggesting the Avon lady or candle parties — is entrepreneurial in nature, with earnings that depend on one’s drive, personality and sales savvy.

“Women will come and go in this business,” said Sheila Richards, a Butler, N.J.-based zone manager for jewelry designer lia sophia in Wood Dale, Ill., “and some women see the big picture and will build it big.”

Women do about 90 percent of the selling within the $30.8 billion direct-sales market, hawking clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and skin care. Direct-sale companies say the tough economic times are increasing their sales force and their revenue as more women with professional backgrounds seek extra income.

Casuals Etcetera Inc. in New York City, direct-sales designer of the upscale Etcetera clothing line sold out of the homes of its sales consultants, has seen “huge increases” in sales force and sales, said President Mary Alice Heape.

“We have more women leaving professional careers,” Heape said, “corporate careers (such as bankers, lawyers and physicians) that are very structured. They want more control over life and time.”

Logo from ETCETERA

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