What defines direct selling?

Direct selling is primarily characterized by the practice of selling products directly from the manufacturer or seller to the consumer without the involvement of a traditional retail environment. This model allows for personal relationships to develop between the seller and the buyer, often conducted in non-retail settings such as homes, offices, or through personal networks. The essence of direct selling lies in the direct engagement and interpersonal marketing strategies that can cater to individual customer needs.

This method provides a unique opportunity for sellers to demonstrate products and offer personalized experiences, leading to potentially more effective communication and customer relationships. In contrast, options like selling through retail partners or marketing products online involve different dynamics where a retail environment or an online platform facilitates the transaction, distancing the seller from direct interaction with the consumer. Similarly, auctioning products involves a bidding process that is not aligned with the direct selling approach, as it typically does not foster the same personal connection or direct transaction model.