New data released by the UK Direct Selling Association (DSA) has outlined a significant (36.4%) increase in the number of people joining direct selling brands in the first quarter of the year.
An estimated 500,000 people in the UK work as independent salespeople in the direct selling sector, with the majority (64%) doing so as a side hustle alongside another job and working less than ten hours per week (42%), mostly in the evening (37%).
The average amount earned through direct selling is £481 per month, with most (64%) reporting that they scale their side hustle up or down to suit how much they want to earn each month, or to work around other commitments.
The increase in the first quarter of 2023 is being attributed to people needing to offset the rising cost-of-living and looking for ways to earn additional household income without the need to commute or pay for additional childcare. 38% of consultants reported that one of the main drivers for taking up this type of side hustle was to be able to work from home.
Susannah Schofield OBE, Director General of the UK DSA, said, “Direct selling is a retail channel that traditionally performs well in challenging economic times – not least because people look for flexible ways to boost household income without incurring additional costs, such as commuting or childcare. This, combined with people choosing to treat themselves to lower cost luxuries during times of financial uncertainty – the Lipstick Effect – is expected to drive sales in the sector in 2023.”
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