The VDI status (Independent Home Seller) is often chosen by people who want to start their own business, become independent, or supplement their current income.
Choosing this status has many advantages because the administrative procedures are simple and the activity can be started quickly, once the VDI contract is signed with the company. This profession offers the opportunity to work autonomously, managing your schedule as you wish. However, before getting started, it’s important to choose the right VDI company (you can check the list of home sales companies affiliated with the FVD) and to be properly informed about the status of Independent Home Seller. VDI sales are governed by specific laws and represented by the FVD (Direct Sales Federation), of which Elora is an active member.
Status and advantages of the VDI
Definition of the VDI
The term Independent Home Seller (VDI) refers to a person whose activity consists of distributing the products or services of a company with which they have signed a written distribution contract. The seller makes direct sales of products to clients while complying with specific regulations. The products sold can be varied: food products, clothing and accessories, or even kitchen utensils.
Is being a VDI a profession?
A VDI is not an employee of the company they represent. They are an independent worker who is nevertheless recognized by the State and entitled to social security coverage. Contracts for this type of activity are therefore not subject to the Labor Code. However, the VDI is subject to legislative texts, as it is a regulated activity. Their field of activity is defined by the Commercial Code and the Consumer Code. You will also find useful information on the link between VDI and unemployment, VDI and Pôle emploi to better understand your rights and the possibilities of combining activities.
Why this VDI status?
Companies increasingly want to develop new sales channels that offer a different experience. Clients are keen on new, friendly shopping systems in which they feel more involved. That’s why the State and the Direct Sales Federation (FVD) decided to jointly create the VDI status. Home sales, the third largest distribution channel, is a dynamic sector that will continue to grow in France over the coming years.
The 6 advantages of being a VDI
An activity that adapts to your life
On the one hand, the seller is completely free to organize their working hours. They can therefore adapt their activity to their personal needs and those of their clients. The Independent Home Seller thus has the possibility to balance their private life and professional activity as they wish. For example, many stay-at-home mothers prefer to work from home.
An additional income
The VDI activity can be carried out full-time or as a supplement to a salaried job. It is possible to combine this income with your salary or with other sources of income.
The possibility to become your own boss
This activity allows you to start your own business and become independent. However, you need to be careful because being your own boss is not always easy and requires a lot of autonomy. A good VDI is someone who is organized and self-motivated.
Income proportional to your commitment
The income of a VDI depends greatly on the energy you want to invest. Those who see this activity as a simple extra income will earn an amount that helps make ends meet. Full-time, and after building a good network, your income can exceed that of a salaried employee.
No diploma or experience required
This VDI profession is accessible to everyone, regardless of age, diploma, experience, or situation. The status offers the opportunity to anyone with a commercial mindset to work in sales within a protected framework. And this, with no prerequisites in the field. In addition, there are many training courses for those who wish to become more professional later on.
Starting the activity is simple and fast
To become a VDI, the procedures are quick and the administrative constraints are minimal. You simply need to provide your social security number to the company to start the activity.
To learn more about the VDI status, feel free to consult or print our guide!
To become a Fashion Consultant / style advisor, check out our "Become a Fashion Consultant" section.
