Industry Statistics
Direct Selling is the UK’s largest provider of part-time earning opportunities. It is a flexible option for 500,000 people in the UK, allowing them to run their own business around existing commitments, putting in the hours they choose.
The following data is based on the DSA Member Company Survey 2022 and Independent Seller Surveys 2021 and 2022, conducted by the Direct Selling Association UK.
NUMBER OF DIRECT SELLERS IN THE UK
500,000
GENDER OF DIRECT SELLERS IN THE UK
96% Female, 4% Male
AVERAGE EARNINGS OF A DIRECT SELLER IN THE UK
£481.00 per month
PRIMARY INCOME SOURCE OF A DIRECT SELLER IN THE UK
Direct selling: 27% | Another job: 73%
TOP 3 REASONS FOR STARTING A DIRECT SELLING BUSINESS
#1 A love of the products | #2 More flexibility | #3 To work from home
MOST IMPORTANT SALES CHANNEL FOR UK DIRECT SELLERS
Social media (46%)
WHAT CUSTOMERS MOST VALUE
#1 Quality products | #2 Buying from a friend | #3 Supporting independent business
CONTRIBUTION TO UK ECONOMY FROM DSA UK MEMBERS
£1 Billion per annum
AGE OF DIRECT SELLERS IN THE UK
18-24: 2% | 25-34: 20% | 35-44: 33% | 45-54: 25% | 55-64: 15% | 65+: 5%
NUMBER OF JOBS A DIRECT SELLER IN THE UK HAS
Direct Selling business only: 36% | Have another job as well: 64%
DIRECT SELLERS IN THE UK WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
44%
HOURS WORKED FOR DIRECT SELLING BUSINESS PER WEEK
<10 hrs: 42% | 10-29 hrs: 34% | 20-35 hrs: 16% | >35 hrs: 8%
MOST POPULAR TIME FOR WORKING ON DIRECT SELLING
After 7pm
Industry Research
Between August and October 2022, the DSA UK commissioned its annual survey of independent Direct Sellers to help provide insights into the direct selling industry in the UK.
Download a copy of the Executive Summary for key findings and more information.