New Monthly Tracking Data on the Health of Direct Selling

DSA’s November QuickPulse Survey reports new data on how the pandemic/recovery is progressing in the US and how supply chain/inflation issues are impacting direct selling companies. The survey was fielded from November 8–12, 2021.

• In November 2021, the percent of responding companies citing a positive business impact in the US from the pandemic (53%) stayed roughly flat compared to the previous month.
• The percentage of companies citing a positive impact from the pandemic to their business globally increased 8 percentage points this month to 52%.
• The vast majority of companies (94%) indicate they’re experiencing global supply chain issues impacting business in the US. Of those experiencing supply chain issues, 71% say these issues are having a moderate or significant impact on their business in the US. (This is about the same level as last month.)
• The top four supply-chain challenges of direct selling companies in November are as follows:

1. Higher production or shipping costs (68%)
2. Product/component/raw material production delays outside the US (62%)
3. Transportation delays outside the US (59%)
4. Product/component/raw material production delays in the US (56%)

Of companies citing higher production/shipping costs, 74% say they’re absorbing the impact, 43% say they’re raising prices (a 11 percentage point increase from last month), and 4% say they’re changing product offerings. (This is a select all that apply question, so the total is more than 100%.)

All direct selling companies are encouraged to participate in DSA’s QuickPulse research, which is fielded at the beginning of each month. As a benefit for your company’s participation, you’ll receive the comprehensive results report and crosstabs. For questions or to be added to the distribution list, contact DSA’s Director of Industry Insights, Ben Gamse at bgamse@dsa.org.

Coming Next Month: Due to member request, December’s QuickPulse will explore the timing of price increases and future expectations regarding inflation.

WEBINAR VIDEO NOW AVAILABLE

In September, DSA hosted the webinar “Managing Supply Challenges: Strategies from Top Retailers” that featured Walter Noot, Chief Operating Officer at USANA Health Sciences; Shaun Buchaniec, Vice President of Global Supply Chain at Scentsy; Bryan Wayda, Chief Supply Chain & Service Officer at Rodan+Fields; and Jess Dankert, Vice President of Supply Chain at Retail Industry Leaders Association. The webinar video is now available as part of the DSA ENGAGE Webinar Series at dsa.org.