An Independent Home Sales Consultant (VDI) is a brand ambassador out in the field. Their role is to distribute the products or services of a company with whom they have a written distribution contract, to clients for whom they organize private sales events.
Independent consultants carry out direct product sales to clients, following specific regulations. The products and services they offer range from fashion to gastronomy, including cosmetics and jewelry.
What is the VDI status? How does it work?
A VDI (Independent Home Sales Consultant) is a sales professional who works in direct sales, usually at home or during private gatherings. This status allows them to work independently, without being subordinate to a company, while benefiting from a contract with the company and a specific legal framework.
The VDI status offers great flexibility and can be combined with another professional activity.
There are two types of VDI, both operating as self-employed (micro-enterprise status):
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VDI agent contract: This first type of Independent Home Sales Consultant acts on behalf of a company; they earn a commission on sales made but do not have to build up or manage their own stock, which minimizes the initial investment and any potential risk.
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VDI buyer-reseller contract: This second type of Independent Home Sales Consultant buys products from the company they represent, then resells them to their clients at a margin; they are, in a way, a "buyer-reseller," which requires a good sense of business... and solid finances from the start.
Is the VDI truly independent?
It’s not always easy to find your way, with so much information out there. It’s important to understand that a VDI is not an employee of the company they represent. The VDI is an independent worker, who benefits from standard coverage with Social Security. Their income depends directly on the sales they make, in the form of commissions. The contract for this type of activity is therefore not governed by the Labor Code.
The VDI’s activity is fully secure from a legal standpoint, as it is regulated by both the Commercial Code and the Consumer Code. The most suitable system is the micro-enterprise regime (self-employed registered with the Trade Register).
Becoming self-employed means benefiting from a simplified system where the VDI pays reduced contributions and only needs to make a simple turnover declaration to the relevant organizations, including URSSAF. They are also not subject to VAT, up to a certain turnover threshold.
All these advantages are designed to lighten the load and simplify the process for self-employed workers, which explains the huge success of the micro-enterprise system in France.
Can you combine VDI status with salaried employment?
The status of Independent Home Sales Consultant (VDI) is not considered a full-fledged "profession," but rather a legal status that allows you to carry out commercial activity independently, within the framework of a contract with the brand you represent. A VDI can sell products or services on behalf of a company without being an employee, while benefiting from a specific tax and social security system.
The VDI can combine this activity with another status, such as salaried employment, retirement, or another independent activity.
So, being a VDI is a commercial activity that can be done occasionally or full-time, depending on your goals and level of involvement. Some VDIs make it their main source of income, while others do it as a side activity.
Why do companies look for VDIs?
Companies value working with Independent Home Sales Consultants (VDI) for several strategic reasons:
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Flexibility and low cost: The VDI status allows companies to grow their sales network without hiring employees, reducing social and administrative costs, while benefiting from independent, flexible, and motivated salespeople.
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Access to a wider market: VDIs reach consumers directly, often through home demonstrations or social networks, allowing companies to connect with clients they might not otherwise reach.
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Autonomy and performance: VDIs are independent and paid on commission, which motivates them to find and retain clients, maximize their sales, and be proactive in their professional approach.
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Rapid development: This model allows companies to easily recruit new salespeople and adapt their sales force to demand.
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Proximity image: VDIs build trust-based relationships with their clients, which strengthens brand image and loyalty.
Companies are increasingly looking to expand into new sales channels that offer a different experience. Clients love new, friendly, and personalized shopping systems where they feel both safe and confident.
This is why legal rules, supported by the Direct Selling Federation (FVD), give the VDI status its two pillars: flexibility and security. Home sales are the third largest distribution channel in France. It’s a dynamic, on-trend sector that will continue to grow in the coming years.
The 7 advantages of being a VDI
Becoming an Independent Home Sales Consultant (VDI) offers several advantages:
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Flexibility: You choose your own hours and work pace, making it easy to balance your professional and personal life.
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Work from home: No need for an office or daily commute—you can manage your professional life from your own home.
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Independence: You are your own boss and manage your activity as you wish.
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Low investment: As long as you have signed an agent contract (and not a buyer-reseller contract), getting started requires very little expense, often just a simple product presentation kit. Good to know: to boost your start alongside the brand, Elora offers it to you!
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Scalable income: Your earnings depend on your sales and can grow with your commitment to the company you represent.
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Possibility to combine: The VDI status can be held alongside a job or another activity.
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Training and support: The CFE offers specific support to self-employed workers when they start out and at the beginning of their activity. In addition, many companies offer training to help VDIs develop their skills.
An activity that adapts to your life
The Independent Home Sales Consultant can truly find a balance between private and professional life. Working independently, from home or close to home, is a real advantage.
At Elora, in the thriving ready-to-wear fashion sector, VDIs are not like other salespeople, as our Fashion Consultants receive free training to become personal shoppers. Completely free to organize their own schedules, our VDIs adapt their professional activity to their personal needs and, if they wish, to their salaried work as well.
A supplementary income
The VDI activity can be done full-time or as a supplement to salaried work. You can combine this income with your salary or other earnings. No worries at the end of the year, either for your tax return or with Social Security: everything is automatically recorded with URSSAF when you become self-employed.
The opportunity to become your own boss
This activity allows you to be entrepreneurial and independent. However, keep in mind that being your own boss isn’t always easy. You need energy, especially at the start... and it requires a lot of autonomy. The key to success as a VDI is being someone who is organized, self-motivated, and brings warmth and human connection.
Earnings that reflect your commitment
As a VDI, your income is directly linked to the energy and time you invest in this work. If you see this activity as a simple side income, you’ll earn enough to round out your monthly budget. Full-time, and after building a strong network, your earnings can be much higher than those of a salaried salesperson.
No diploma or experience required
Elora makes the VDI profession accessible to everyone, with no age, diploma, experience, or background requirements. The status offers anyone with a passion for sales the opportunity to work in fashion sales, with an attractive contract. All you need is a love for ready-to-wear and for connecting with people. Plus, multiple training opportunities are offered to VDIs to help them become more professional.
With Elora, starting your activity is simple and fast
To become a VDI, the process is quick and the administrative requirements are minimal. All you need—or almost—is to share your motivation and provide your social security number to the company to get coaching and start your new activity!
