The Direct Selling Increase and Outlook Survey findings for 2020 were announced today by the U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for enterprises that provide entrepreneurial possibilities to individuals who prefer to sell products and services directly to consumers. The results show double-digit growth in retail sales, direct sellers, and channel customers. DSA’s annual study, Growth & Outlook, reflects on the scale and scope of direct selling in the United States and is evaluated by Nathan Associates, an international economic consulting organization.
“America is always evolving, and this year has been no exception.
Direct sellers have shown to be flexible microentrepreneurs eager and able to service their consumers and communities in a changing environment time and time again,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president of the Direct Selling Association.
“The direct selling firms also responded rapidly to a world with changing requirements by arming their independent sellers with the resources they need to service their clients and fellow sellers – new technology, updated health and safety rules, and unrivaled business support,” Mariano stated.
During this period of uncertainty, the Direct Selling Association and its members worked hard to guarantee that both clients and salespeople could count on the highest degree of business ethics.
The numbers speak for themselves: a record-breaking year and a piece of strong evidence that direct selling is committed to serving America.”
The following statistics about the industry may be found in this year’s Growth & Outlook Study:
• Retail Sales from Direct Selling are Up: In 2020, direct selling contributed $40.1 billion in retail sales, up 13.9 percent from the previous year.
• The number of persons selling products or services through the direct selling model increased by 13.2 percent, to 7.7 million part-time or full-time entrepreneurs in the United States.
• Demand for Direct Selling Products Continues to Rising: In 2020, 41.6 million preferred customers and discount purchasers bought through the direct sales channel, with preferred customers accounting for the majority of the rise.
“As a third-party international economic consulting business, we produce methodologically solid industry-wide estimates,” said Paul Bourquin, Principal at Nathan Associates. “Since 1995, Nathan Associates has been honored to work with the DSA evaluating the Growth & Outlook Survey data and undertaking substantial secondary research to generate industry-wide estimates for the U.S. direct selling business.”
ABOUT THE DIRECT SELLING ASSOCIATION
The U.S. Direct Selling Association (DSA) has operated as the national trade association for enterprises that provide independent sellers with entrepreneurial possibilities to promote and sell items and services outside of a fixed retail business for more than a century. Direct selling generated $40.1 billion in retail sales in the United States in 2020, and 7.7 million entrepreneurs offered items or services through the channel, giving a personalized buying experience for 41.6 million favored customers and bargain purchasers.
