Direct Selling Statistics

The United States Direct Selling Association (DSA) on June 11, 2013 released the results of its Annual Growth & Outlook Survey, which shows U.S. direct sales totaled $31.6 billion in 2012, a 5.9 percent year-over-year increase from $29.87 billion in 2011. In 2012, there were 15.9 million people involved in direct selling in the U.S., an increase from 15.6 million the prior year.

Global direct sales increased 5.4 percent from $158.3 billion in 2011 to $166.9 billion in 2012, according to Carlucci.

“The strong performance of direct selling in the United States and around the world continues to underscore the economic and social relevance of this business model,” said DSA president Joseph Mariano. “Despite progress toward economic recovery, there are still many Americans looking for a source of supplemental income. Coupled with increasing consumer confidence, both sales and interest in the opportunity are at near-record levels.”“Easy access to information about health and wellness has contributed to increased consumer interest in such products,” said Mariano. “Direct sales not only offers desirable products in this category, but has the value-added benefit of personal interaction with a knowledgeable representative to help the consumer make their purchasing decisions.” Findings from the DSA 2012 Growth & Outlook survey are available at www.dsa.org/statistics