Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill

The millions of Americans that become involved in direct selling are the public face of the retail channel. DSA and its member companies work with policymakers in the federal, state and local levels to establish an appreciation of their contributions and to ensure that direct sellers and their customers are protected from bad actors – pyramid schemes and companies that exaggerate income, lifestyle, and product claims.

DSA’s policy priorities seek to:

  • Preserve the legal and tax status of independent direct sellers so they can pursue meaningful, independent work.
  • Help stakeholders differentiate between legitimate direct selling companies and illegal pyramid schemes to protect consumers

In 2018, over 16 million people were involved in direct selling, accounting for over $35 billion in retail sales. DSA’s advocacy focuses on ensuring direct selling businesses can continue growing in the marketplace. To guide our efforts, DSA has developed policy papers clearly articulating the association’s positions and policy alternatives on the most important issues to direct selling. 

2023 Government Affairs Priorities

Protect Independent Contractor Status of Direct Sellers

  • Continue engagement with the United States Department of Labor for a federal rule that protects direct sellers’ status as independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Support federal and state legislation that clearly classifies direct sellers as independent contractors
  • Oppose legislative and regulatory efforts that would compromise the status of direct sellers as independent contractors

Support Consumer Protection and Industry Self-Regulation

  • Work with government officials to ensure a clear and mutual understanding of legal compensation structures for multi-level marketing companies. 
  • Support legislative and regulatory actions that distinguish direct selling companies from pyramid schemes.
  • Ensure there are appropriate guardrails the Federal Trade Commission has to follow prior to undertaking enforcement actions to collect monetary damages
  • Continue socializing the activities of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council among federal and state government officials.
  • Collaborate with the FTC on the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Earnings Claims, Business Opportunity Rule, and any other new rules proposed that may impact the direct selling channel of trade.

Direct Selling Advocacy Center

  • Provide resources for DSA members to get involved in advocacy initiatives
  • Encourage members to become more engaged in advocacy efforts with tools provided
  • Promote new ideas for DSA and members to engage elected officials

View the 2023 Year in Review

Advocacy Resources