Everything you need to know about the VDI status of Elora Fashion Consultants

An Independent Home Seller (VDI) is a brand ambassador in the field. Their activity consists of distributing the products or services of a company with which they have signed a written distribution contract, to the clients for whom they organize private sales.

Independent sellers make direct sales of products to customers, in compliance with 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 Seller) is a sales professional who carries out 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 VDI contract with it, as well as a specific legal framework.

The VDI status offers great flexibility and can be carried out alongside another professional activity

There are two types of VDIs, performing their profession as a salesperson as a self-employed entrepreneur (micro-enterprise regime):

Mandate VDI Contract

This first type of Independent Home Seller acts on behalf of a company; they receive a commission on sales made but do not have to build up or manage their own stock, which minimizes the initial investment and potential risk.

Buyer-Reseller VDI Contract

This second type of Independent Home Seller buys products from the company they represent, then resells them to their clients with a margin; in a way, they are a "buyer-reseller," which requires having a good sense of business... and being financially solid from the start.

Is the VDI truly independent?

It's not always easy to find your way through the multitude 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 Social Security coverage. Their income depends directly on sales made, 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 carried out in complete legal security, as its scope is governed by both the Commercial Code and the Consumer Code. The most suitable system is that of the micro-enterprise (self-employed entrepreneur registered with the Trade Register).

Becoming self-employed worker, means benefiting from a simplified system where the VDI pays reduced contributions and only needs to make a simple sales declaration to the relevant authorities, including URSSAF. They are also not subject to VAT, up to a certain sales threshold.

All these advantages aim to reduce costs and procedures of the self-employed worker, which explains the phenomenal success of micro-enterprises in France.

Can you combine VDI status with salaried employment?

The status of Independent Home Seller (VDI) is not considered a "profession" in itself, but rather a legal status that allows you to carry out a commercial activity independently, within the framework of the contract binding you to 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 carried out occasionally or full-time, depending on the person's goals and level of involvement. Some VDI make it their main source of income, while others do it as a supplement.

Why do companies seek VDI?

Whyfor several strategic reasons:

• Flexibility and low cost: The VDI status allows companies to develop their sales network without hiring employees, thus reducing social and administrative costs, while benefiting from independent, flexible, and motivated salespeople.

• Access to a broader market: VDI reach out directly to consumers, often through home demonstrations or social networks, allowing them companies to reach a clientele that they would not have reached otherwise.

• Autonomy and performance: VDI are independent and paid on commission, which encourages them to find and retain clients, maximize their sales, and be proactive in their professional approach.

• Rapid development: This model allows organizations to easily recruit new salespeople and adapt their sales force according to demand.

• Local image: VDIs build a relationship of trust with their clients, which strengthens brand image and loyalty.

The companies increasingly want to develop on new sales channels that offer a different experience. Customers are keen on new, friendly, and personalized shopping systems where they feel both safe and confident.

That’s why legal rules, supported by the Fédération de la Vente Directe (FVD), give the VDI status its two pillars: flexibility and security. The direct sales is the 3rd 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 consult the list of direct sales companies.

The 7 advantages of being a VDI?

Becoming an Independent Home Sales Consultant (VDI) offers several advantages :

• Flexibility: You choose your hours and work pace, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life.

• Work from home: No need for an office or daily commuting, you can run your professional life from home.

• Independence: You are your own boss and manage your business as you wish.

• Low investment: Provided you have signed a representative contract (and not a buyer-reseller contract), starting out requires little expense, often just a simple product presentation kit. Note: to boost your start with the brand, Elora offers it to you! 

• Evolving income: Your earnings depend on your sales and can increase with your commitment to the company you represent.

• Possibility to combine: The VDI status can be held alongside a job or another activity.

• Training and support: The CFE offers specific assistance to the self-employed worker, when starting 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.

An activity that adapts to your life

The Independent Home Sales Representative can truly find a real balance between private and professional life. The ability to work independently, from home or close to home, is a major advantage.

At Elora, within the thriving ready-to-wear fashion sector, VDIs are not like other salespeople, because our fashion consultants receive free training that allows them to become personal shoppers. Completely free to organize their time, our VDIs therefore adapt their professional activity to their personal needs as well as to their main job, if they choose to do both.

An additional source of income

The VDI activity can be done full-time or as a complement to a salaried job. It’s possible to combine this income with your salary or other earnings, or to combine VDI and Pôle Emploi. No worries at the end of the year, whether it’s for your tax return 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, be aware that being your own boss isn’t always easy. You need to be dynamic, especially at the start... and it requires a lot of autonomy. The key to success as a VDI is to be someone who is organized, self-motivated, and warm.

Earnings proportional to your commitment

As a VDI, your income is directly linked to the energy and time you dedicate to this job. If you see this activity as just an income supplement, you’ll earn an amount that can help supplement your income at the end of the month. Working full-time, and after building a strong network, your earnings can far exceed those of a salaried salesperson.

No degree or experience required

Elora makes the role of Independent Sales Representative (VDI) accessible to everyone, with no age, education, experience, or personal situation requirements. This status offers anyone with a passion for sales the opportunity to work in fashion sales, with an attractive contract. The only prerequisite is a strong interest in ready-to-wear fashion and a flair for customer relations. In addition, multiple training sessions are offered to VDIs to help them become true professionals.

With Elora, starting your activity is simple and fast

To become Fashion Consultant, the process is quick and administrative requirements are minimal. All you need... or almost... is to share your motivation and provide the company with your social security number to get coached and start your activity!