Direct Selling Association Offers Tips to College Students Seeking Extra Income this Holiday Season

College students looking for extra money to pay for tuition, books and living expenses this holiday season face an extra challenge as many retailers and restaurants are cutting back on part-time positions in response to weak holiday shopping forecasts.

Washington, DC (Vocus) November 21, 2009

College students looking for extra money to pay for tuition, books and living expenses this holiday season face an extra challenge as many retailers and restaurants are cutting back on part-time positions in response to weak holiday shopping forecasts.

As an alternative, a growing number of college students are tapping into their entrepreneurial spirit and joining the ranks of millions of direct selling representatives, best known for home parties by companies like Mary Kay and Pampered Chef, to work part time and earn extra holiday cash.

“The flexibility of direct selling enables students to set their own schedules and be their own boss while gaining professional work skills,” said Amy Robinson, a spokesperson for the Direct Selling Association (DSA), the industry’s trade group. “For some, it can lead to a satisfying full-time career.”

DSA has more than 200 members that sell a wide range of products - everything from handbags and jewelry to cutlery items and home accents. The group offers these helpful hints for interested parties:

•     Check to see if the company is a DSA member, which means it must abide by the association’s rigorous Code of Ethics.
•     Make sure the company sells an actual product or service and doesn’t focus only on recruiting.
•     Start up costs should be minimal, usually just the cost of a sales kit.

For more information on direct selling, visit http://www.directselling411.com.

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