The profession of Independent Home Salesperson (VDI) covers a wide range of sectors in France. Here are the most promising ones, according to the feedback from sales professionals, listed by category:
- Fashion and accessories: Clothing, jewelry, leather goods.
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Cosmetics and beauty: Skincare products, makeup and cosmetics, perfumes.
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Well-being and health: Dietary supplements, essential oils.
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Cooking and gastronomy: Utensils, gourmet foods, wines, coffee...
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Home decor and furnishings: Furniture, home linens, decorative items.
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Natural and eco-friendly products: Cleaning products, hygiene, zero waste.
If you choose to become an independent home salesperson (VDI), several companies in France offer this opportunity. Here are a few steps to help you find the one that suits you:
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Check VDI company listings: Platforms like the Fédération de la Vente Directe (or FVD) list reputable companies in France, with information on business sectors, entry requirements, contract signing, and sales commissions. On Geekflare, you’ll find a guide presenting VDI solutions for independents, although this platform is more focused on virtual office work. These platforms will help you compare different companies and choose the one whose category and type of activity best match your interests.
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Choose a sector that interests you: Among companies specializing in cosmetics, fashion, decor, natural products, cooking, etc., pick the one that excites you most and where you feel comfortable. For example, if you love shopping trips with friends and know how to put together original looks, fashion will allow you to thrive. If you’re inspired by sustainability and organic products, go for natural products. And so on!
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Check entry requirements: Some companies require an initial investment, others offer free training. The so-called "mandataire" status is often the most attractive for getting started, as it doesn’t require you to build up your own product stock.
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Find out about pay and benefits: Each company has its own training model, commission rates, and rewards.
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Read reviews and testimonials: This can help you better understand the experience of other VDIs and the quality of work within the network you’re considering.
If you want to learn more about the administrative steps to become a VDI, you can check the dedicated sections on reliable sites, such as Service Public or the Fédération de la Vente Directe (FVD).
ADVANTAGES OF VDI IN THE "FASHION" CATEGORY
The Fashion and accessories sector is an excellent choice for VDIs! It allows independents to work with trendy products and develop a flexible business, while earning significant income.
It’s important to remember that VDI earnings are based on a percentage of sales revenue. In other words, the higher the average order value, the higher the salespeople’s income. In practice, it’s no harder to sell jeans than cosmetics, kitchen utensils, or coffee... but in the end, the total value of products sold is often much more attractive in fashion!
It seems easy to find a list of distributor companies online. For example, the ObjectifVDI website lists women’s ready-to-wear brands in direct sales. However, we strongly recommend referring to the list of companies that are members of the Fédération de la Vente Directe (FVD). These companies commit to applying protective rules that reinforce existing legislation.
Here are a few key points before you get started. If you love fashion, styling, and friendly sales events, this sector is made for you!
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Passion and creativity: You love fashion and, within the brand’s collection, you know how to select clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry for each client that will delight them.
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Flexibility and quality of life: Unlike a salaried job, you’re independent and manage your own schedule, from preparing private sales to recruiting clients and organizing meetings.
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Low investment: The starter kit often costs less than €300, which can be recouped with your first sales. At Elora, the starter kit is free, which is a major advantage and will save you a lot of stress at the beginning!
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Ongoing training: Webinars, style coaching, and sales techniques. Elora opens up exciting opportunities by seeing you not just as a sales advisor, but as a Fashion Consultant, trained in body shapes, color analysis, and more.
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Simplified status: The VDI mandataire status offers streamlined administration. The micro-business regime (that is, self-employed) is very flexible and lets you avoid setting up a traditional company. You just need to declare your income like any other activity with Urssaf VDI.
Be aware of the challenges to anticipate!
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Variable income: No fixed salary—your commissions depend on your prospecting. The more time and energy you put into your sales activity, the more your income grows, but you don’t have the security of a permanent employment contract.
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Seasonality: Sales, just like in large retail, fluctuate depending on the season (sales, holidays, back-to-school).
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Stock management: Some brands require you to purchase stock, which can lead to unsold items. So if you’re just starting out, choose a company that trusts you and gives you the means to succeed without investment, with a free starter kit.
WHAT DOES SIGNING A VDI CONTRACT INVOLVE? WHAT ARE THE SELLER’S OBLIGATIONS TO THE COMPANY?
The brand commits to providing technical and practical support to the new salesperson. This necessarily includes a detailed presentation of their status and rights, as part of the contract between their micro-business and the company managing the network.
Initial training and coaching may also be offered, before or after signing the VDI contract, to give a more detailed overview of the company’s products or services and its organization.
For their part, the independent home salesperson must comply with the rules set by the company to protect the quality of its image, as well as that of its products or services, and to ensure smooth operations.
You also contribute to your retirement as a VDI.
WHAT IS THE FVD? AND WHAT DOES BELONGING TO AN FVD NETWORK GUARANTEE?
Founded in 1966 as a Professional Association by the leading direct sales companies of the time, the Fédération de la Vente Directe is the only representative body for companies that sell directly to consumers, through a network of individual or group sales professionals.
FVD member companies commit to applying rules that reinforce existing legislation. They unreservedly accept two distinct codes:
- The code of conduct for direct sales companies, which governs relationships between salespeople and companies
- and the ethical code of Direct Sales, intended for consumers.
Referring to the list of FVD member companies will help you avoid falling into the trap of certain “pyramid schemes,” whose only goal is to take your money by promising easy earnings or the distribution of a miracle product.
In short, if you have doubts about the seriousness and stability of a company, make sure to contact the Fédération de Vente Directe.
Become an auto-entrepreneur and VDI with Elora.
