The Hindu Business Line:
This business has the uncanny ability to bump into you in the most unlikely places. Often it is a friend or relative who has turned a distribution agent somewhere along the way, who chats you up on a range of products that you may want try out.
So, whether it is Amway’s products for the home, its brand of cosmetics and nutritional supplements or the latest range of Tupperware containers, you are soon torn between trying them out and postponing your purchase.
The Indian Direct Selling Association’s (IDSA) projection of 20 per cent growth in 2008-09 is equally surprising coming as it does at a time when organised retail is witnessing a distinct decline in sales growth. Though the actual figures will be released only after its annual survey is formally released in July, this is IDSA’s general projection with respect to industry estimates.
But direct selling, for sure, is abuzz with activity. During the last few months, the two largest direct sellers in the country, Amway and Tupperware, have held press conferences in Chennai charting out their future course.
While William S. Pinckney, Managing Director and CEO, Amway, spoke about Amway’s future plans for the domestic market, Asha Gupta, Managing Director, Tupperware, outlined her company’s strategy to increase the number of its direct selling agents.
Logo from Tupperware