Direct Selling Association Announces Slight Decline in Sales and Salesforce Numbers As Weak Economy Causes Numbers to Slip Below Record 2006 Totals

Washington, D.C. - Preliminary numbers from the Direct Selling Association’s (DSA) annual Growth and Outlook Survey indicate that 15 million Americans worked as independent direct sellers in the United States in 2007, and that they sold $30.8 billion worth of products and services.These numbers are down slightly from 15.2 million sellers and $32.18 billion in sales in 2006. This represents a decrease of 1.3 percent and 4.3 percent, respectively.

“The direct selling channel remains strong and we expect the numbers to climb again once the broader economy begins to recover,” said Neil Offen, DSA’s President and CEO. “Most importantly, direct selling continues to offer millions of Americans an excellent source of supplemental income, which is particularly important in a questionable economy.”

The figures are based on a survey of direct selling companies conducted by an independent consulting firm, Nathan Associates, Inc. DSA will release final numbers later in the year. Offen announced the sales and recruitment figures at DSA’s annual meeting Monday in Phoenix.

Globally, there are about 61 million direct sellers in more than 170 countries, with sales of more than $111 billion.

Offen reinforced the Association’s commitment to working for a fair and ethical marketplace that protects the interests of consumers, sellers and companies: “We shall not retreat from [our members’] mandate to always do what is right, to choose the high road when faced with a fork and to always have DSA act in the public interest…for that is in the interest of our companies and the millions of salespersons who rely on us.”

DSA will celebrate its 100^th anniversary beginning at its 2009 annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

About DSA

The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is the national trade association of the leading firms that manufacture and distribute goods and services sold directly to consumers. More than 300 companies are members of the association, including many well-known brand names.  DSA member companies conduct more than 90% of direct sales in the United States, and more than 90% of salesforce members are affiliated with DSA member companies. The Association’s mission is “To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers.”

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