Direktverkäufe

Direktverkäufe, also known as direct sales, refers to a business model where products or services are sold directly to consumers without the use of traditional retail stores. This method often involves independent sales representatives who market and sell items to potential customers, typically in their homes, workplaces, or online. The representatives earn a commission on their sales, and often a percentage of the sales made by individuals they recruit into the business.

This distribution channel bypasses intermediaries like wholesalers and retailers, allowing manufacturers or service providers to reach customers directly. Common examples of direct sales include companies selling cosmetics, household goods, nutritional supplements, and insurance. The interaction between the salesperson and the customer is a key characteristic, often emphasizing personal relationships and product demonstrations.

Direct sales can be structured in various ways, with multilevel marketing (MLM) being a prominent form. In MLM, sales representatives are compensated not only for their direct sales but also for the sales of other representatives they sponsor. This creates a hierarchical structure. It's important to distinguish between legitimate direct sales businesses and pyramid schemes, which focus primarily on recruitment and do not offer substantial products or services. Regulations and consumer protection agencies often monitor the direct sales industry to prevent fraudulent practices. The model appeals to individuals seeking flexible work opportunities and entrepreneurial endeavors.