Consumer Information

Direct salespeople can sell you products or services, or show you how to become a salesperson yourself. DSA member companies deliver extra value because they have pledged to abide by the DSA Code of Ethics and are committed to treating consumers of their products and of their opportunities ethically and fairly.

Pyramid Schemes: Not What They Seem!

The Direct Selling Education Foundation, in cooperation with the National District Attorneys Association's Economic Crime Project and the Federal Trade Commission, has prepared tips for consumers on how to tell the difference between legitimate companies and pyramid schemes and how to protect yourself from these schemes.

Value-Added Products
There are many advantages to buying from direct salespeople associated with legitimate companies. Direct sellers can arrange their calls to fit your busy schedule and can deliver your purchases directly to you. Direct salespeople are knowledgeable about their products and take the time to personally demonstrate and explain their products to you.

When you purchase a product or a service from a representative associated with a member company of the Direct Selling Association, you can rest assured that the salesperson will follow fair consumer practices.

Salespeople representing DSA member companies will:

  • Tell you who they are, why they're approaching you and what products they are selling.
  • Explain how to return a product or cancel an order.
  • Respect your privacy by calling at times that best suit your convenience and wishes.
  • Respect your right to end a sales call.

When you make a purchase, you can count on DSA's member company salespeople to provide you with:

  • Accurate and truthful information on the price, quality, performance, quantity and availability of their products or services.
  • A written receipt in clear language.
  • Their own name and address and/or the name and address of the company they represent.
  • A complete description of any warranty or guarantee, limited or full.

You can count on DSA member companies to:

  • Make sure all testimonials and endorsements are truthful, current and authorized by the person or organization quoted.
  • Base any product claims on substantiated facts.

Not satisfied with the service you received from a DSA member company or its salespeople? Click here to find out more.

Value-Added Opportunities
Direct selling allows you to choose when and where you work, it involves little or no financial investment and you need no specific qualifications to begin since the company will train you and provide you with products and sales aids. Whether you're considering a product, service or a direct selling career for yourself, you should know that all DSA member companies agree to:

  • Provide you with legal and honest information about their pay structure, products and sales methods.
  • Refrain from any deceptive, unlawful or unethical recruiting practice.
  • Base all actual and potential sales and earnings claims on documented facts.
  • Repurchase 90% of the marketable inventory and sales aids you have purchased within the past 12 months if you decide to leave the business.
  • Explain the repurchase option in writing.