An Independent Home Sales Representative (VDI) is a brand ambassador in the field. Their role is to distribute the products or services of a company with which they have signed a written distribution contract, to clients for whom they organize private sales events.
Independent sellers 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 Representative) is a sales professional who works in direct sales, usually at home or during private gatherings. This status allows them to work autonomously, without any subordination to a company, while benefiting from a VDI contract with the company, as well as 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 Representative acts on behalf of a company; they earn a commission on sales made but do not have to create 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 Representative 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, given the abundance of information out there. It’s important to understand that a VDI is not an employee of the company they represent. The VDI is a self-employed worker, who benefits from standard coverage under 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 perspective, 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 administrative steps for the self-employed, which explains the rapid success of the micro-enterprise model in France.
Can you combine VDI status with salaried employment?
The status of Independent Home Sales Representative (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 the 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 regime.
The VDI can combine this activity with another status, such as salaried employment, retirement, or another independent activity.
Thus, 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 supplement.
Why do companies seek out VDIs?
Companies value working with Independent Home Sales Representatives (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, thus 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 sellers and adapt their sales force according to demand.
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Proximity image: VDIs build trusting 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 are eager for new, friendly, and personalized shopping systems where they feel both safe and confident.
This is why legal rules, supported by the Direct Sales Federation (FVD), give the VDI status its two pillars: flexibility and security. Home sales is the third largest distribution channel in France. It’s a dynamic, on-trend sector that will continue to grow in the coming years.
To find the sector that interests you, you can check out the list of home sales companies.
The 7 advantages of being a VDI
Becoming an Independent Home Sales Representative (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 help you get started with 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 entrepreneurs when they start out and at the beginning of their activity. In addition, many companies offer training to help VDIs develop their skills. You can also combine VDI and unemployment benefits.
An activity that adapts to your life
The Independent Home Sales Representative 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 sellers, as our Fashion Consultants receive free training to become personal shoppers. Completely free to organize their working hours, our VDIs can adapt their professional activity to their personal needs and to their salaried job, if they choose to do both.
A supplementary income
The VDI activity can be done full-time or as a supplement to a salaried job. It’s possible to combine this income with your salary or other earnings, or to combine VDI and unemployment benefits. No worries at the end of the year, whether for tax returns or 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 become independent. However, keep in mind that being your own boss isn’t always easy. It takes energy, especially at the beginning... and 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 proportional to 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 just a side income, you’ll earn enough to round out your monthly budget. Full-time, and after building a strong network, your income can far exceed that of a salaried salesperson.
No degree or experience required
Elora makes the VDI profession accessible to everyone, with no age, degree, experience, or situation 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 Fashion Consultant, 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!
