What Is Direct Selling?
Direct selling is a unique distribution model where intermediaries in the supply chain are bypassed, and goods are directly offered to customers. It involves personal selling, either online or in physical stores, with vendors engaging directly with buyers.
Direct selling sets itself apart from traditional retail by providing not only quality goods and services but also an opportunity for individuals, including the common man, to establish their own businesses with low start-up costs.
At QNET, we take pride in our diverse product offerings, spanning categories such as wellness and nutrition, personal care, home and living, watches and jewellery, education, and much more. By embracing the direct selling model and leveraging QNET’s exceptional product range, aspiring entrepreneurs can tap into the immense potential of this industry and embark on a rewarding journey towards financial success and personal growth. Whether you’re passionate about health and wellness, beauty, or lifestyle, QNET offers a wide array of products to cater to various customer needs. Join us on this exciting adventure as we explore the world of direct selling and the boundless possibilities it holds for entrepreneurs.
Overview
India’s direct selling industry has experienced remarkable growth and resilience, reaching new heights despite challenging economic and social circumstances. According to the Annual Survey 2021-22 on Direct Selling in India, released by the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA), the industry achieved a significant milestone, surpassing the annual sales peak of Rs 19,000 crore and recording a year-on-year growth of 5.3%.
The direct selling industry in India has demonstrated a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%, expanding from Rs 11,650 crore in 2017-18 to Rs 19,020 crore in 2021-22. IDSA member companies have played a pivotal role, accounting for 55% of the total sales in the direct selling sector. Notably, the wellness and nutraceutical category contributed the largest share of sales, amounting to 59%, followed by the cosmetics and personal care category at 22%.
Despite the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to business restrictions and a decrease in consumer spending, the direct selling industry in India exhibited resilience. The financial year 2021-22 witnessed the dominance of the Delta variant wave, resulting in economic challenges across various sectors, including FMCG and retail. However, the direct selling industry showcased its strength and adaptability during these trying times.
The number of active direct sellers in India also experienced growth, with approximately 84 lakh individuals engaged in direct selling, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The industry composition reflects a gender distribution of 56% male and 44% female active direct sellers, demonstrating a shift towards higher male participation compared to the previous year.
QNET, as a prominent player in shaping the future of direct selling in India, has been at the forefront of this growth story. With a strong presence and a diverse range of high-quality products, QNET has contributed significantly to the industry’s success. As the industry continues to evolve, QNET remains committed to empowering individuals, providing sustainable self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to millions of Indians.
In the following article, we will explore the future trends and prospects that will come to define the direct selling industry in India. Let’s take a look at the transformative potential that lies ahead and the role QNET envisions playing in shaping the landscape.
10 Future Direct Selling Trends
As a leading direct selling platform, QNET will no doubt play a monumental role in shaping the future of direct selling in India. Direct selling trends are driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a focus on personalised experiences. QNET is at the forefront of this evolution, constantly adapting to meet the needs of its customers and distributors. Being privy to this first-hand experience gives QNET a unique insight, making it possible to predict and embrace future trends that are set to shape the future of direct selling in India.
Let’s take a closer look at these 10 future direct selling trends:
1. E-commerce Integration: By 2025, the direct selling industry is expected to witness a greater integration of e-commerce platforms. QNET recognises the importance of online channels in reaching a wider audience and providing a seamless buying experience. Through our platform, distributors can leverage the power of e-commerce to showcase products, streamline transactions, and connect with customers beyond geographical boundaries.
2. Personalised Product Experiences: As consumer expectations continue to evolve, personalised product experiences will play a vital role in the future of direct selling. QNET understands the value of tailoring products and services to individual needs. Leveraging advanced technologies such as data analytics and AI, we empower distributors to offer personalised recommendations, creating a more engaging and satisfying shopping experience for customers.
Read more: How Personalization Will Transform Customer Experience
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Network Marketing: AI is revolutionising various industries, and network marketing is no exception. QNET understands the transformative power of AI and its potential to enhance the network marketing experience. From intelligent lead generation to personalised customer experiences, enhanced sales analytics, and automated network communication, AI is set to revolutionise the way distributors and businesses operate in the direct selling industry.
4. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: As consumers become increasingly conscious of their environmental and social impact, sustainability and social responsibility have become crucial considerations for businesses. QNET recognises the importance of incorporating sustainability into our products and operations, contributing to a greener and more responsible future. By aligning with global sustainability standards, we aim to create a positive impact on the planet and society.
5. Hybrid Events and Virtual Engagement: The shift towards hybrid events and virtual engagement has gained momentum, especially in the wake of the global pandemic. QNET embraces the power of technology to host engaging virtual events, connecting our distributors from around the world. These events provide opportunities for networking, training, and recognition, fostering a sense of community and driving business growth.
6. Social Selling and Influencer Marketing: Social selling and influencer marketing have proven to be effective strategies in building networks and promoting products. QNET recognises the power of social media platforms and influencers in expanding reach and driving sales. Through our training programs, we equip distributors with the skills to leverage social selling and tap into the vast potential of influencer marketing to amplify brand visibility and connect with a broader audience.
7. Health and Wellness Focus: The growing emphasis on health and wellness presents immense opportunities in the direct selling industry. QNET is at the forefront of this trend, offering a diverse range of wellness products that cater to the evolving lifestyle choices of consumers. From nutritional supplements to organic skincare and consumer durables, our QNET product portfolio aligns with the increasing demand for holistic well-being.
8. Technology-Driven Support Systems: To empower distributors and ensure their success, QNET invests in robust training and support systems. We leverage advanced learning platforms, mentorship programs, and skill development initiatives to equip our distributors with the necessary knowledge, sales techniques, and leadership skills. QNET enables distributors to navigate the competitive landscape and achieve their full potential by embracing technology-driven support systems.
9. Embracing Gen Z Entrepreneurs: As Gen Z enters the workforce, QNET recognises the importance of attracting and empowering this tech-savvy generation. We offer flexible entrepreneurial opportunities and leverage influencer marketing to engage with Gen Z entrepreneurs. By providing them with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need, QNET nurtures the potential of this dynamic generation, driving innovation and growth.
10. Continuous Adaptation and Learning: The direct selling industry is constantly evolving, and adaptability is key to success. QNET embraces a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, staying ahead of industry trends and evolving consumer demands. By fostering a growth mindset among our distributors and embracing emerging technologies, QNET ensures that they are well-equipped to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of direct selling.
Conclusion
Direct selling in India is on the cusp of a remarkable growth trajectory, poised to unlock its immense potential as a gold mine of opportunities. A surge in entrepreneurship has paved the way for direct selling to emerge as a promising career option for this dynamic demographic.
Looking ahead, India is set to become the world’s third largest consumer market by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum. This remarkable growth, coupled with the steady rise in population, positions the direct selling business as the premier career opportunity in the country. It is projected that the total market value will exceed 1 lakh crore by 2025, presenting a lucrative landscape for direct selling entrepreneurs, both current and aspiring.
The future of direct selling in India stands as a beacon of opportunity. As direct selling companies evolve their strategies to adapt to the changing landscape and leverage technology-driven approaches, they can tap into the immense potential, transforming lives, empowering individuals, and fostering a prosperous future for direct selling in India. QNET believes that the direct selling industry is well on its way to becoming a key driver of India’s economic growth and plays a pivotal role in enabling individuals to achieve their dreams of financial independence.
