In the last few years, direct selling in India has picked up a lot of speed. On the one hand, business leaders are benefiting from sales growth and, on the other hand, consumers are gaining access to affordable and innovative products.
This is why, according to the World Federation of Direct Sellers Association (WFDSA) statistics, the retail sales from direct selling in India grew by 5.4% to stand at Rs. 25,387 crore in 2022. However, the direct selling industry in India was not so vibrant in the beginning.
History of Direct Selling in India
The history of direct selling in India gets very fascinating when you know that it first came to the country in the 1980s. But because people preferred the traditional approach to sales, it didn’t really pick up initially. However, with more awareness, the next decade saw an increase in direct sellers.
To help with this, the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) was established. Although IDSA is not a governing body, it acts as a go-between for a direct company in India and the government. Unfortunately, there’s still no overarching governing body for direct selling, but the industry is growing really fast. It was only in 1998 when QNET was introduced worldwide that the industry began to grow with millions of people signing up for opportunities.
In 2016, the government created the Direct Selling Guidelines to protect customers and prevent fraud. Later, the government passed the Direct Selling Rules of 2021, which makes sure that legitimate companies can continue without any issues from sceptics and fake businesses.
But, you may ask, what exactly is direct selling?
What Is Direct Selling?
Did you know that direct selling is a really popular way for companies to sell their stuff? It is through direct selling that companies sell literally everything from jewellery and cookware to nutritionals, cosmetics, housewares, energy, and insurance. But what sets apart direct selling is that it is not just for companies but also for people who want to start their own business.
If you are a direct selling distributor, you get to work for yourself but still have the support of a bigger company like QNET India which encourages individuals to become business leaders. You get to build your own relationships with your customers by showing them the products you are selling in person. And with social media, direct selling is becoming even more popular than regular old advertising.
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Many people love direct selling because they can buy products they love at a discount. Some even decide to become direct selling distributors to make some extra money by selling products to their friends and family. If they are really good at it, they might even build a network of other people who sell the products too.
Current Scenario of Direct Selling
Despite the initial slow beginning, today direct selling in India is a vibrant business community, helping millions of individuals not just earn a living but also match step-by-step with leading entrepreneurs.
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Did you know that there are more than 12 million direct sellers in India? And, India is considered one of the top 20 global markets in the direct selling industry!
The best part is, that buying products has become so convenient for buyers now. They have the power to choose the products they want, at the price they want, and whenever they want. What is more amazing is that consumers are now able to afford high-quality products and aim for a more luxurious lifestyle.
Also, the direct selling industry in India is creating huge employment opportunities, especially with India’s economic growth. With the increasing digital penetration among consumers, India has become one of the top countries in terms of online presence, online buying, and growth.
So, if you are looking to become an entrepreneur, this is the perfect time to make a mark in the direct selling market in India. You cannot imagine the kind of impact that direct selling is having on the youth.
Impact of Direct Selling
Did you know that India’s direct selling industry is pretty popular among the youth? It is a great way for them to develop their talents and skills and grow their business. In fact, the youth have been using direct selling to break the cycle of unemployment.
As such, according to WFDSA, more than 60% of these sellers are young people under 35 years of age.
Direct selling has become a fantastic platform for young entrepreneurs to hone their skills. They are learning the art of persuasion, effective communication, and customer relationship management, which are all essential in any business venture or career. In addition, they are gaining leadership experience by leading and building teams, which will refine their leadership and team-building abilities. Direct selling is also teaching them financial literacy, such as financial planning and income management.
In fact, the current scenario of direct selling is so good that the future looks even more promising.
Promising Future of Direct Selling
Such is the promising future of direct selling in India that by 2025, the number of direct sellers is expected to grow to 18 million, according to WFDSA.
Direct selling will continue to be more lucrative than ever in future. For example, by 2025, the size of the direct selling industry in India is expected to reach a record $173.3 billion. With the Government of India backing the industry by allowing 100% FDI policy, direct selling is going to be one of the most lucrative avenues for generating income, especially among the young population.
Moreover, companies like QNET India are providing a healthy platform for the youth to fulfil their entrepreneurial dreams. The QNET business plan has been generating encouraging success stories of people who have made it big in the world of direct selling.
Direct selling future in India is tied closely with QNET India which has been a torchbearer of success for young entrepreneurs. At QNET India, aspiring entrepreneurs are learning and will continue to learn networking and relationship-building skills, which are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Come explore the numerous possibilities of success in the direct selling industry in India with QNET India.
