Thinking about becoming an entrepreneur? Becoming your own boss can be extremely empowering. But becoming a true entrepreneur and striking it off on your own is difficult, time-intensive, and labor-intensive.
Many people look for a shortcut to make money more quickly and with less effort. Rather than, for instance, starting their own freelance business, they start a franchise. But franchises have high startup costs too. This is leading many folks into a growing field recognized by the International Trade Administration: direct sales.
But wait, you might think. Direct sales can seem spammy. Right? Not necessarily. There are legitimate ways to start a direct sales enterprise. We invite you to do your own research and consult trusted colleagues to make sure you’re making the best decision for you.
To help begin your research, here are some of the main benefits and disadvantages of direct selling, along with more information on the 3 main types of direct selling. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about pursuing a direct sales career in Ghana. (Remember, there’s a lot of disinformation out there on the net, so you should always do your own fact-checking!)
Advantages of Direct Selling for Ghanaians
The benefits of direct selling are many. It’s why direct selling companies have enjoyed so much success over the years. Here are just a few of the major perks of the direct sales business model:
- Personalized Customer Experience: No other channel of sales or marketing does personalized interactions like direct sales does. The ability of direct sales to link seller and buyer transactionally and emotionally leads to stronger relationships and enhanced customer loyalty.
- Flexibility and Independence: Direct selling provides entrepreneurs the flexibility to set their own schedules. There’s also a high degree of independence and autonomy associated with being a direct seller.
- Low Startup Costs: All investments entail inherent risk. What’s important is that you receive a positive return on any investment you make. That being said, traditional retail and wholesaling do require high initial investments. The associated startup costs for direct sales, meanwhile, are usually far lower.
- High Income Potential: As is the case with other relatively “high-risk high reward” career paths (for instance, commission only sales and recruiting to name a few), the income potential is as high as your work ethic with direct sales!
The 3 Types of Direct Selling, Explained
There are three main types of direct sales:
- Party Plan: This type of direct selling focuses on selling to groups. These groups are usually gathered by a host, often at their home. The host usually receives rewards for hosting and recruiting.
- Network Marketing: Network marketing relies on building up a network of independent representatives who sell and consume products as well as a network of consumers.
- Hybrid: This more advanced form of direct selling blends elements of both party plan and network marketing. Specifically, it involves using product demonstrations and gatherings like party plan direct sales, but also emphasizes the business opportunities like network marketing.
Learn more about direct selling here.
Addressing Common Concerns
Viewing direct sales through rose-colored glasses isn’t a wise choice. Like any business venture, there are risks and disadvantages as well as perks. Here are some of the common concerns we hear from those new to direct sales:
- Disadvantages of Direct Selling: While direct selling may involve less time commitment & initial investment than other avenues of entrepreneurship, it isn’t completely free of risk. What’s more, there is the potential for high competition.
- Pyramid Schemes & Scams: Did you know that if you hear something more than once you’re more likely to believe it’s true, even if it isn’t? Beware direct selling schemes and scams.
- Direct Selling vs. Wholesaling: Many people prefer wholesaling to direct selling. But the truth is, when compared to wholesaling, direct selling has many advantages, such as less need for inventory management and less upfront costs.
Is Direct Sales Right for You?
Ready to see if direct sales is right for you and research and explore direct selling examples? Explore direct selling opportunities in Ghana now.