Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill

The millions of Americans that become involved in direct selling are the public face of the retail channel. DSA and its member companies work with policymakers in the federal, state and local levels to establish an appreciation of their contributions and to ensure that direct sellers and their customers are protected from bad actors – pyramid schemes and companies that exaggerate income, lifestyle, and product claims.

DSA’s policy priorities seek to:

  • Preserve the legal and tax status of independent direct sellers so they can pursue meaningful, independent work.
  • Help stakeholders differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and illegal pyramid schemes to protect consumers

In 2018, over 16 million people were involved in direct selling, accounting for over $35 billion in retail sales. DSA’s advocacy focuses on ensuring direct selling businesses can continue growing in the marketplace. To guide our efforts, DSA has developed policy papers clearly articulating the association’s positions and policy alternatives on the most important issues to direct selling. 

2022 Government Affairs Priorities

Protect Independent Contractor Status of Direct Sellers

  • Support actions that would clearly define direct sellers as independent contractors
  • Oppose efforts to compromise the freedom and flexibility of salespeople to operate their businesses.
  • Ensure nothing places burdensome tax requirements on direct sellers
  • Build relationships with newly elected and appointed officials to understand the importance of direct sellers as independent contractors.

Support Consumer Protection and Industry Self-Regulation

  • Work with government officials to ensure a clear and mutual understanding of legal compensation structures for multi-level marketing companies. 
  • Support legislation that distinguishes direct selling companies from pyramid schemes.
  • Ensure FTC enforcement action is administered consistent with federal law
  • Continue socializing the activities of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council among government officials.
  • Collaborate with the FTC on an updated Business Opportunity Rule that will allow direct selling businesses to operate efficiently while protecting prospective sellers and consumers.

Direct Selling Advocacy Center

  • Provide resources for DSA members to get involved in advocacy initiatives
  • Encourage members to become more engaged in advocacy efforts with tools provided
  • Promote new ideas for DSA and members to engage elected officials

View the Year in Review

Advocacy Resources