Direct Selling Roundup

DSA officials met federal policy makers in Washington, DC

The chief executive of DSA and senior leaders from member companies met with officials from the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC to discuss the status of independent worker status, entrepreneurship, and the direct selling industry. The meeting included US Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling, the second highest ranking official in the US Department of Labor.

Dave Grimaldi, CEO of the Direct Selling Association said, “Clear and consistent standards matter for the millions of Americans who choose to pursue entrepreneurship through direct selling. Direct sellers are independent individuals who decide whether, when and how they engage in building businesses on their own terms. We appreciated the opportunity to thank Deputy Secretary Sonderling for the Department’s recent action and to discuss how regulatory clarity helps ensure that independent business models can continue to operate with confidence.”

The DSA delegates also met Senator John Curtis (R-UT, Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) to discuss the impact and the importance of bipartisan engagement on independent contractor policy.

Korea Direct Selling Association hosts annual event at Seoul

The Direct Selling Association of Korea held a grand annual event with stakeholders from within the country and abroad to discuss the Korean direct selling market. Among the attendees were Shaila Manyam, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of WFDSA, Han-Gill Park, KDSA Chairman, and Ji-Sang Yoo, President of the Incheon Tourism Organization.

“South Korea is one of the top markets in the global direct selling industry and a country where human-centered business values remain strong. In an era where AI is rapidly expanding, our industry continues to put people at the center of success, enabled and empowered by technology and focused on workforce development, high ethical standards, economic growth and sustainable practices,” said Shaila Manyam.

Reports from the WFDSA show that the Korean direct selling market generates about $15 billion in retail sales and is the fourth largest direct selling market in the world. WFDSA has also planned to host its World Congress this year in South Korea.

Direct Sellers Association of Canada reveals ISC survey results

DSA Canada recently conducted a survey on Independent Sales Consultants (ISCs) to understand the participants, their perspectives, and motives in joining direct selling. The results of the survey revealed interesting facts on the direct selling industry and its sales force in Canada.

55% of direct sellers work on a part-time basis, between two to ten hours a week and are comfortable with the flexible entrepreneurial opportunity that direct selling offers. It is also interesting to note that more than half of the surveyed participants have been in the direct selling industry for nine years or longer. This challenges the perception of direct selling being a short-term income opportunity.

89% of the respondents in the survey were women direct sellers. 51% still continue to participate in direct selling for the flexibility and independence and 47% for the financial compensation it offers. Another 67% joined direct selling for the additional or part-time income opportunities.

“Canadians are increasingly seeking flexible ways to earn income and build skills outside of traditional employment models. This research shows that direct selling continues to provide a low-barrier entry point to entrepreneurship, while also offering opportunities for long-term engagement and personal development. Trust remains at the heart of direct selling. In an increasingly digital and impersonal retail environment, Canadians continue to value personalized service and trusted product recommendations,” said Peter Maddox, President of DSA Canada.

New growth strategies from top companies in March

The growth moves of top direct selling companies in March included technological innovations, marketing strategies, and compensation updates. Every new strategy was designed to boost growth and performance of companies and their sales force across global markets.

MONAT Global extended its social commerce model across Meta platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The company’s earlier social commerce strategy using TikTok Shop brought them thousands of affiliates and millions in sales.

Scentsy announced a restructuring plan with an 11% layoff of its current workforce. The move will impact its employees at its Meridian headquarters in Idaho, remote and international employees. Scentsy has previously laid off 116 people in April 2025.

7K Metals has announced a change in its business model from multi-level marketing to direct retail and affiliate model. The company is also debuting an expansion into fintech-oriented platforms and modern retail infrastructure.

Bravenly Global flaunts its achievements in a milestone event, BNC26, which invited more than 2000 brand partners. The company celebrated its milestones of 10,000 new brand partners and customers who joined last year, its recent $3.6 million single-day sales record, more than 1.6 million product shipped to date and the company’s entry into the prestigious Inc. 5000 list.

In a move to support distributors in covering monthly car payments, PM-International introduced a compensation upgrade of its Car Incentive Program. The company has increased the program’s bonuses by 50% with an initial investment of $9.3 million worldwide. The company had also revised its income plan by increasing product points by an average of 3.3% to help distributors accelerate their earnings.

Direct selling companies earn new recognitions and awards

Many direct selling companies across the world were honored for their performance, contributions, and quality. In recognition of its quality standards, Mary Kay’s manufacturing facility received the ISO 22716 certification which is an internationally recognized standard for cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Another honor for quality and product standards was achieved by MONAT Global. The company was recognized as the World’s #1 Direct Seller of Premium Haircare for the fourth consecutive year by Euromonitor International.

Melaleuca has claimed a spot on the Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Companies for the fourth time in a row. The recognition is based on its employee feedback about compensation, culture, stability, and sense of purpose. In another unique category, RIMAN was honored with the iF Design Award 2026 for its packaging design which features the company’s signature ingredient, Giant BYoungPool, through minimalist design.

The 2026 Universal Beauty Awards honored Sunrider International for its beauty line with awards in Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Highly Commended categories. Best Hydrating Face Mask (Sheet): Kandesn Pure Bio Cellulose Mask won the Gold category, the Silver category recognized Best Luxury Antioxidant/Protective Serum: Dr. Chen UrbanShield Nourishing Serum, Best Hydrating Eye Product: Oi-Lin Eye Cream earned an award in the Bronze category, and Best Lip Balm: Kandesn Lip Dew Balm was recognized in the Highly Commended category.