New data from the UK Direct Selling Association (DSA) highlights a significant increase in the number of people joining direct selling brands during the first quarter of 2023. During this time, there was a 36.4% boost, which the association attributes primarily to the pressures of inflation, the rising cost of living and the need for people to find flexible ways to increase their household income.
The UK DSA estimates that 500,000 people in the UK work within the direct selling industry as independent salespeople, with almost two-thirds (64%) turning to the opportunity as a side hustle. On average, direct sellers in the UK earn $605 a month.
“Direct selling is a retail channel that traditionally performs well in challenging economic times–not least because people look for flexible ways to boost household income without incurring additional costs, such as commuting or childcare,” said Susannah Schofield OBE, Direct Selling Association Director General. “This, combined with people choosing to treat themselves to lower cost luxuries during times of financial uncertainty–the Lipstick Effect–is expected to drive sales in the sector in 2023.”
