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DSN created the Global 100 list to acknowledge the achievements of direct selling companies and to provide a clear picture of the magnitude of the industry. Just as every credible industry ranks its players—through Inc. 500, FORTUNE 500, and Forbes’ lists—DSN wanted to show the public what a viable and credible industry direct selling is.

The DSN Global 100 list offers a unique perspective on the global impact the industry has on economic and social levels. It provides a scope of learning not only for industry members, but also for researchers, investors and those seeking opportunities within the industry. When DSN began the ranking in 2010, it was committed to creating a fair ranking that would showcase a transparent industry, thus providing credibility and consumer confidence as well as research support for those desiring information on direct selling companies.

The identification of the companies to include in the DSN Global 100 list is the culmination of months of research and the cooperation of many individuals throughout the world. Wherever possible, the DSN team seeks out public records and documents for publicly traded companies. Additionally, the team reaches out to the private companies that may qualify for the ranking. Research begins in December and continues through to the publication of the Global 100 list. To fully reflect the global reach of direct selling, each year, DSN has been able to extend the boundaries of research by working with research partners, including China-based World Direct Selling Research Institute, to obtain information on international companies.

Nearly four-fifths of the DSN Global 100 data is derived from privately held companies. Most of this data comes from the companies themselves, which submit a revenue number validated by the CEO and certified by a qualified agent, and when they submit they enhance the value of the industry’s strategic objective to showcase a much more transparent business model. These companies could have chosen not to participate; however, their cooperative spirit, which so exemplifies this unique industry, makes the Global 100 ranking possible.

To participate in the DSN Global 100, a company need only submit a net revenue number validated by the CEO and certified by a qualified agent. DSN does not request confidential financial documents. DSN respects the financial privacy of all direct selling companies, asking that a company only reveal the annual revenue number that will allow it to be placed in the ranking.

In an effort to further ensure the integrity of the Global 100 list, DSN instituted the Revenue Certification Form, or RCF. The RCF requires all private companies to have their revenue number validated by the CEO and certified by a qualified agent (either at the applicant company or an outside independent source). DSNbelieves any company performing in a manner warranting identification and recognition as one of the Global 100 companies would proudly share its revenue number in a manner deemed fair to all. 

The ranking criteria is net sales revenue from direct selling operations before commissions and without value-added tax. The VAT, from DSN’s perspective, is certainly an integral part of the salesperson’s life; however, it is not a part of the corporate revenue as we track it.