Direct selling is a highly dynamic sector, recruiting more and more new independent direct sellers every year. Highly sought after by clients looking for quality products, direct selling is a sector that never goes out of style.
Elora provides you with all the information you need about direct selling and the VDI status (independent direct seller).
Direct selling: key figures and definition
With over 4.5 billion euros in sales generated in France in 2021, direct selling is a thriving sector. But what exactly is direct selling? Here’s the definition.
Direct selling involves selling products or services by a seller, representing the company, in a place not intended for commerce. This definition of direct selling therefore suggests sales gatherings, most often organized at the client’s home.
Business registration, income declaration, registration with a professional registry (above a certain sales threshold): the activity of direct selling is strictly regulated by the Consumer Code and the Commercial Code.
Becoming a VDI: the advantages
Independent direct sellers, to carry out their direct selling activity, sign a work contract with a company.
The VDI generally has a choice between 2 statuses:
- The VDI agent seller, who does not have to manage any stock. Their income comes from commissions earned on sales made;
- The VDI buyer-reseller, who must build up a stock of products. The margin they make on their sales constitutes their income.
Good to know: the social security scheme for the Independent Direct Seller (VDI) depends on whether or not they are registered with a professional registry (RCS: trade and companies register, or RSCA: special register of commercial agents).
Registered sellers fall under the self-employed workers scheme (TNS), otherwise, sellers are considered as employees and fall under the social security system.
Why choose direct selling? The VDI status offers many advantages, including:
- Independence: the VDI carries out their activity without any subordination to the company. They are therefore free to organize their working hours as they wish.
- Security: the VDI status allows independent sellers to benefit from a clear and secure social, fiscal, and legal framework. In fact, even if they are not employees of the company, the VDI pays contributions that entitle them to social coverage as well as retirement insurance.
- The possibility of combining activities: full-time VDI job or as a supplementary income, the activity of an independent direct seller can be combined with another job or with a retirement pension.
Getting started in direct selling: the keys to success
Are you planning to become an entrepreneur, without the risks of starting your own business? Become a VDI! Elora explains how to start a direct selling activity:
- Choosing the company: consider the products and services on offer, the work contract proposed to sales representatives, the compensation plan, the training provided for sellers…
- Training: once you’ve chosen the company, training is one of the keys to success in direct selling. It provides you with crucial information about the company, its products, and services. Training also teaches you how to use digital marketing tools and direct selling techniques;
- Organizing your first sales gathering: prepare your first event by following each step (choosing the host, the sales location, the date of the gathering, the product collection to present…) ;
- Growing your network to succeed as a fashion consultant / Fashion Consultant: your circle, word of mouth, and social networks can help you find new clients.
Would you like to join the Elora team for a second job?
Apply online now.
