The direct sales labor pool — more than 2,800 permanent employees and more than 882,000 direct sellers — represents a significant economic impact in Canada. In a recent SocioEconomic Impact Study conducted by Mi3 Solutions Inc. on behalf of the DSA, it was estimated that, in addition to $792 million in direct revenue, $564 million - streams from indirect contributions of the direct selling industry, the spinoff as it buys from other Canadian companies (e.g. suppliers of merchandise, office supplies, shipping, etc.).

All this income helps to stimulate consumer spending. And, the combined contribution of additional tax payments was estimated at $815 million in 2008. When asked if they contribute money, goods or services to social programs, 91% of respondents said they contributed to human services and charities (compared to a national average of 85%.) In addition, direct sellers donated approximately $7.7 million to charitable causes in 2008.

The industry also enhances the quality of life enjoyed by many Canadians. As learned in a survey of direct sellers: product savings, work schedule flexibility, and the career's social nature are some of the major benefits. In addition many mentioned "improved professional skills", "building self esteem", "building better sales skills" and "building better business / management skills" as benefits.

While jobs, income, investments, and taxes can be more easily quantified, social contributions are no less vital than economic impacts. Indeed, these achievements in individuals' lives — increased self-esteem, self-confidence, organization and management skills — build a stronger future for direct sellers, their families, their communities, and their country. As one Canadian direct seller put it:

    "[I have a] better understanding of personalities that help [my] personal
    and professional relationships, a more positive outlook, [am] better able to
    influence and help others, [have] better family relationships, increased
    knowledge, [and] better health."

39.9% • personal care products
              (cosmetics, jewelry, skin care, etc.)
30.4% • home/family care products
              (cleaning, cookware, cutlery)
17.9% • nutritional/vitamins/wellness
  6.3% • leisure/educational products
              (books, encyclopedias, toys/ games)
  5.5% • services/miscellaneous/other

69.0% • individual / person-to-person sales
28.5% • party plan / group sales
  1.7% • customer orders directly with firm
              (after face-to-face)
  0.8% • other

61.9% • in the home
15.6% • over the phone
              (after face-to-face)
10.8% • via the Internet
  6.7% • in a workplace
  3.9% • at a fair, exhibition, shopping mall
  1.1% • other locations

73% • flexibility
70% • money from direct selling
69% • ability to meet and socialize
65% • ability to earn more money
64% • said money pays for daily expenses

81.0% • multi-level
19% • single-level

Access a copy of the results from the latest DSA Socio-Economic Impact Study.