How to Successfully Start a Direct Sales Business on Your College Campus

It is no secret that most college students are in serious need of money. Many young people choose to work part-time during college, but sometimes students may find that they lack the time, energy, or transportation necessary to hold down a regular job. For these people, a direct sales business may be the answer to earning some extra spending money with a minimal amount of time and effort.

Many young people have asked me if they can really make decent money selling products from their dorm rooms, and the answer is a resounding "Yes!'' When I was in college, I became a Mary Kay representative and by doing so I was able to earn a nice income for myself (at least for a student). By time I left college, I was consistently earning between $400 and $600 per month and spending only 2 or 3 hours each week on my business. Not too shabby, if you ask me.

Assuming I've sold you on the idea of starting your own direct sales business on your college campus, allow me to offer you a few tips to help you get started. First, you need to pick the right business. For a college student, I would definitely choose to sign on with a company that primarily sells make-up. As a rule, students don't have a lot of disposable income and won't be spending money on home décor, kitchen items, scrapbooks, or other "non-essentials." However, girls (who will be your primary customers) always seem to have money for make-up--they tend to look at it as a necessity. And if they're spending money on make-up, they might as well spend it through you, right?

Also, look at the cost of purchasing a consultant kit from each company. You'll need to be able to afford this upfront investment in order to get started. If you are low on cash, Avon may be a good choice for you, since they provide everything you need to get started for just ten dollars.

Once you're purchased a starter kit, you are officially in business! Spend some time going through the training materials included in your kit, and more importantly, start to use the products yourself. You'll need to have some experience with your merchandise in order to answer questions and make good recommendations for your customers.