Thinking of selling in direct sales or with an MLM (multilevel marketing) company? If so, you are probably wondering how much you can expect to make in direct sales.
We’ve all heard of the success stories with MLM companies and direct sales. I think everyone knows someone who makes $100,000 or more a year, but how common is that? What can you really expect to make? How much time do you have to put into it?
I have true stories from 10 different women to tell you what they are making in direct sales. This way you can get an idea of how much you could make. The underlying theme with all of these stories is that you get out what you put in. The potential to make money is there, you just have to figure out the fit for you!
This isn’t the first time I’ve blogged about direct sales. A few years ago I did a series on direct sales that was pretty similar to this post. To this day, it is one of my most popular searched terms on my site. Why? Because people want to know what they can expect to earn. It’s not enough to hear the success stories, we want to hear it all- the good, the bad, and the ugly.
I’m doing this because I’ve finally found a direct sales company that I am excited to join. I recently joined Norwex, a company that sells green cleaning products. I joined last month when it was only $10.99 to join with no sales expectations. Basically, I had nothing to lose! With my joining fee I received these awesome products (a $35.98 value) and have the ability to make money selling something I love.
I don’t have an income story yet, but if you are interested in Norwex products, please visit my Norwex shop and check it out!
Real Earning Statements in Direct Sales
Olivia Deiches | LuLuRoe
$5K-8K a month working 40 hours a week
Olivia’s LuLuRoe Facebook Group
From Olivia: I started LuLaRoe to have something for ME and to bring home $500 a month to help pay bills! It cost me $5k to start and I currently make around 5k-8k profit a month working 40hrs/weeks. And from what I can tell, I’m on the lower end of income for that much work.
Patricia Garofalo-Hilligoss |Norwex
$350-1,000 a month working 5-25 hours a month
From Patricia: I never thought I’d do direct sales because it’s just not my personality to sell directly to people. I also didn’t like being “sold” to. I didn’t want to be THAT person especially that I have a professional career as a Physician Assistant. But, I joined a friend’s Norwex online party, and in support of her, I made a purchase. Well, there is where the love and passion for Norwex came about. I was beyond impressed with the product, did my own online party, and signed up as a consultant. I make anywhere from $350-$1000 a month doing it part-time. I do it minimally and mainly with all online parties. I put about 5-25 hours per month into it and do it when I have free time in between my professional job, kids, and my hubby. I love Norwex and my Norwex community. It’s all about doing what you are passionate about. Find your passion and you’ll find your success!
Sarah Rohrkasse Charles | Rodan + Fields
$750-1100 a month working 5-10 hours a week
From Sarah: I invest 5-10 hours a week and currently make $750-1100 per month, with lots of growth on the horizon (domestic and international). My goal is to replace hubby’s income in 2-3 years.
Rachel Wilkinson | Young Living
Just started and is making $120 a month for 4-6 hours a week
From Rachel: I am just starting out, so I am basically making enough to cover my personal order of oils/products every month- which is SO cool! This month I have sold two kits (making $50 each) and will make some money from commissions off of my team’s total sales. It has only gone up each month. This month, my check was for $147.33 and I have worked 4-6 hours per week. But! Being a stay-at-home mom, those hours are here and there- send a message to someone, change a diaper, go back and look at some more oily stuff. I LOVE the flexibility and the fact that it’s up to me how much money I want to make. The more time and effort I put into this, the more money I make. Plus, I am building a business that will last forever and only keep on growing.
Tracie MacLaughlin | Perfectly Posh
$400 a month working 7-14 a week
From Tracie: In all honesty, I don’t put much effort in right now, but have had $700 in sales (since starting), so about $400 to me. I work about 1-2 hour a day. It’s hard with a 9 month old!
Start Up Costs
Check out these stories from women who recently joined a direct sales team, MLM, or network marketing company. They share the start up costs behind getting started!
Megan James | SeneGence: LipSense & ShadowSense
Start Up Cost: $55 for the kit
Grace and Gloss: Makeup with Megan
From Megan: For years, my first reaction to direct sales or MLMs was definitely “not for me!”
That recently changed after trying LipSense about three months ago. I bought a LipSense kit (1 gloss, 1 color and 1 Oops Remover) from a friend before my trips to Disney, Mexico and the beach. I was blown away by the color options and how the lip gloss never rubbed off! Not on cups, not on my sweet children! I also loved applying the color in the morning and then not worrying about it all day (not even in the heat).
After purchasing a few additional colors, my friend asked if I would like to host a party. There was a great incentives for hosting a Facebook party so I went for it (with low expectations). I was blown away by the response! Close friends, family members and friends I haven’t seen in years all ordered products.
Additional tips for Getting Started with SeneGence
-Be sure to sign up with a sponsor who is available to give you quick, honest answers to your questions. A good sponsor also provides the tools needed for success (invitations to Facebook distributor groups, graphics, steps needed for a successful launch, etc.)
-Watch for hidden fees (especially shipping and tax)
-Budget additional startup costs. Here are a few examples:
$67.50: Startup fee (advertised as $55 but that does not include shipping and tax)
$10: Apps to manage social media content
$20: Packing and shipping supplies (envelopes, bags for product, etc.)
$20-40: Marketing materials (business cards, instruction postcards, design fees, etc.)
Kathryn Barrie | Jamberry
Kathryn’s Jamberry Facebook Page
From Kathryn: I decided to become a consultant after only trying that first sample. I knew I loved the product and would be purchasing them often for my own personal use. The starter kit to join was almost the same price as I would have spent on wraps and supplies for myself to start out anyway. I was so excited about the idea of being able to purchase my nail wraps at a discount and being able to fund my own little obsession with any sales that I made. To be honest, I didn’t plan on becoming a consultant to make money. I was going to put everything I made back into buying wraps for myself (and believe me – most of my commissions do go back into Jamberry because I can’t get enough) but surprisingly I have been able to use the extra commissions for personal use as well.
What about you? Are you ready to sell something too? Already sell? Please share your experience in the comments!