It’s time for my annual plug for the direct sales industry! I LOVE LOVE LOVE being a part of this industry. It has changed my life. But, if I had listened to my own mom, I would never be the success I am today 😊 ( BTW, she was proud of me too when she passed away)!
Myths and Truths about Direct Sales
I’m a big fan of direct sales—not just for the income and flexibility it’s given my family, but for the community it provides. It’s not just about my clients. I stay connected with my teammates—locally and globally—through Zoom calls, incentive trips, and conventions. Moreover, I appreciate the broader network of people I meet through the industry. These are friendships that span across the country and even internationally.
Even if you’ve never been involved in direct sales, you’ve probably used the products. I remember buying Avon when I was in college! I purchased more than I sold but it was a fun first for me at being an entrepreneur. I have supported Mary Kay, Tupperware, Shaklee’s vitamins, LifeVantage, Rodan & Fields, Pampered Chef and Touchstone Crystal. Direct sales products often offer quality that stands out, and I love supporting real people over big corporations. I enjoy the personal thank-yous, product recommendations, early sale alerts—things you just don’t get with a quick Amazon purchase.
I often encourage people to consider direct sales as an income option. But because of some myths, many dismiss it before even learning the facts.
Note: You need to love what you sell. So, if scrapbooking isn’t your thing, this isn’t about dragging you into my business. It’s about offering an opportunity to work from home and make a solid income with focused effort.
Let’s address those myths.
Myth #1: “No one ever makes money in direct sales.”
This one is a myth I can’t stand. The truth is, many women who make six figures are affiliated with direct sales!
So, why do people claim no one makes money?
The Truth:
Most people who join direct sales don’t plan to make money. For them, it’s about saving money or having fun. If your goal is to save money, then you’ve succeeded if you manage to spend wisely. But if you want to earn an income, you need to treat it like a business.
If you’re serious about making money, seek an upline who is committed to guiding you. Find someone who offers team meetings, coaching, and tips for growth. Joining under a friend who’s not serious about the business could hurt both your business and friendship.
Pro Tip: If you start for fun but later decide you want to build a business, you can’t always change your sponsor. Many companies don’t allow that, though some (like mine) do allow it after a year. So choose wisely.
Myth #2: “Direct sales is just a pyramid scheme.”
This myth always irks me. What people usually mean is that the company isn’t legitimate, and the top earners dont do much work while others struggle.
Here’s the truth:
Some Direct sales companies like Creative Memories are “one-tier” businesses. I earn money only from my own sales and from those team mates, I PERSONALLY sponsor so it is not multi-tier. BUT, CM used to be multi-tier and in those, when you get paid on different tiers, there is extra responsibility to support them!! It’s not just free money for doing nothing. In my company, I actually make MORE money if someone chooses NOT TO JOIN. But I still keep asking people to join. WHY?
I offer people the opportunity to join because I want them to have the same chance I did: to work from home, make new friends, and build a business on their own terms. In direct sales, you get to choose who you work with, which is a huge perk. There are no obstacles like lack of education or needing to KNOW someone that can get you in the door.
It’s also worth noting that just like any other business (like Amazon, for example), there are tiers of pay. But in direct sales, you get to control how fast you climb the ladder. There are no limits, and anyone—whether they’re a newbie or seasoned pro—can succeed if they work hard enough. No one can hold you back but YOU. In most companies, there is only ONE person at the top but in ours, ANYONE can be at the TOP 😊 It’s up to you.
Myth #3: “You have to be a great salesperson.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. People often think that to succeed in direct sales, you have to be some sort of sales superstar. But the truth is, we all “sell” every day. Whether it’s recommending a movie, a recipe, or a new cleaning tip, we’re always sharing things we love.
In direct sales, selling is about believing in the product. When you genuinely love something, it’s easy to share it. You don’t need to be a professional salesperson—you just need to be passionate and knowledgeable about what you’re offering.
If you’re serious about success, become your best customer. Use the products regularly, know them inside out, and always share your honest experiences. In my business, for example, I get to try out new product lines each month, and sometimes the items I least expect to love become my favorites just because I dared to open that package.
Myth #4: “Direct sales people are pushy.”
This is another false stereotype. Sure, you may have encountered a pushy salesperson, but that’s not the norm. Most people in direct sales are like you and me—moms, students, retirees, people looking to make a little extra income or have some fun outside their regular work.
In Creative Memories, for instance, it costs just $49 to join, and you get $50 worth of free products plus a free gift. Many people join just to get a discount on their own purchases, even if they never sell anything. That’s perfectly fine.
So, if you’ve ever considered getting into direct sales, or just want a better understanding of the industry, know that it’s about more than selling—it’s about building relationships, sharing products you love, and creating a flexible income stream on your terms.
Final Thoughts:
Direct sales can be a great way to earn extra income, but it requires focus, commitment, and a genuine love for the products you’re selling. If you approach it with the right mindset, it can be a rewarding career that offers flexibility, community, and the opportunity to grow—on your terms.
Do you love scrapbooking? If so, and you would like to save money on your habit OR make some money too, I’d love to talk to you about it. Check out our compensation plan at https://www.creativememories.com/join?ACC=beckiebelote and surprise me by joining or reach out via email to set up an appointment so I can answer any of your questions at beckie@scrapbookwithbeckie.com
About me: I have been in the direct sales industry since 1997. It took me 2 years to feel “successful” but I didn’t give up. I found people who were successful and asked questions and more questions and duplicated what they were doing and found that I could do the same. I now have over 90 ladies that I have personally sponsored into the business, and have one of the highest yielding Creative Memories sales teams in the USA. I offer coaching, support groups, team meetings, recognition, and a closed facebook support group just for our team. Our team name is LIFE CATCHERS. Our symbol, the butterfly. Our team decided together on this because our top performers feel that our lives have been changed, like the caterpillar, into something much more magnificent by our growth as an entrepreneur. The nets are US, gathering up those that NEED OUR HELP to preserve our family heritages. We feel this is MORE IMPORTANT than ever. It is said that today’s generation is the MOST PHOTOGRAPHED in HISTORY, but will be the LEAST REMEMBERED. Why? Because some have never even SEEN a printed photograph, much less a photo album. We believe in the ability of photo albums to raise self-esteem, pass on a legacy, and to even save lives. Won’t you join us?
