On September 23, The Direct Selling Association (DSA), the national trade association for direct selling companies, hosted its annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill for independent direct sellers throughout the United States. The event took place across the country this year and participants spoke with elected representatives virtually at their homes.

More than 125 direct selling distributors and executives representing 33 states met with Members of Congress during Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill. The independent direct sellers from across the U.S. met virtually through video calls this year to emphasize the importance of protecting independent workers. They also discuss how direct selling offers a flexible, and low-risk pathway to entrepreneurship for millions of Americans.

“It’s always a pleasure to meet with direct sellers who contribute so much to Florida’s 9^th District and the greater Orlando community. I’ve seen the presence from a corporate and philanthropic perspective, but it was nice meeting individual direct sellers. I enjoyed hearing about the freedom and flexibility they have to operate their businesses and be competitive with the modern economy.” said Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL).

“We are pleased to continue our annual Direct Selling Day on Capitol Hill with direct sellers and executives participating virtually from around the country,” said Joseph N. Mariano, president and chief executive officer for the Direct Selling Association. “During the ongoing pandemic, its direct sellers who are able to maintain personal contact with their customers while providing products and services that are backed by a connection. As the retail economy continues to evolve in the United States, it’s crucial that our elected officials understand the value of the direct selling industry and the differences between direct selling and other independent contractor work.”

These direct sellers are only a small representation of the more than 6.8 million entrepreneurs engaging in the business across the United States.

While meeting with Members of Congress and their staffs, they urged them to consider the implications and importance of maintaining the independent contractor status for all direct sellers, emphasizing that direct selling offers individuals a low-risk way for them to participate in today’s fast-growing economy.

DSA continues to work with Members of Congress to ensure direct sellers are fully understood at all levels of government.