Economic slowdown has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for direct marketing firms in India. With people losing jobs amidst
rather gloomy economic outlook, direct sellers have upped the ante. They are actively promoting the business opportunity and thereby, registering a rapid increase in their sales force.
Companies such as Tupperware India, Amway, Oriflame and Mary Kay confirm a whopping 40-50% increase in their sales team headcount over the past six months.
“The downturn is the first for many families, says Asha Gupta, MD, Tupperware India, a company that sells food storage, preparation and serving items. “So people have got very cautious and are actively looking at viable alternative sources of income.â€
Such is the rush of people that the all-women sales force company claims to receive one male enquiry for every 10 enquiries by females. So it is going on an overdrive with its all-India recruitment programme, ‘Chain of Confidence’ to inspire more women-folkes to join its ranks. The company has seen enquiries primarily from three types of people – IT employees, young call centre employees and housewives looking to augment their household income.
Photo by adam*b