Sunday, October 25, 2009

Things to Consider Before Joining a Direct Sales Company Like Dove Chocolate Discoveries

A recent online article in the MedinaCountyMoms.com outlined what to look for in a work at home business. The article mentioned Dove Chocolate Discoveries as a new and unique company. An excerpt from the article follows:


“There are 15 million people in the U.S. involved in direct selling,” he said. “It is growing very rapidly. We’re looking at a major surge of people going into the business.”

About 90 percent of the direct sales force is made up of women and about 77 percent are married. More than half have attended college.

Offen said home-party type businesses are generally a safer bet when considering a direct-selling venture because a bonafide product is sold.

New trends in home party businesses include making confections with Dove Chocolate Discoveries or planning home decor with Southern Living at Home.

Upscale companies such as Swarovski crystal and Silpada, which sells sterling silver jewelry, also are on the rise. Even Jockey is getting in on the act, selling underwear and athletic wear through home parties.

The key is to thoroughly evaluate any opportunity. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Experts say with unemployment and foreclosures on the rise, many families are grasping at opportunities they wouldn’t consider in other financial times.

“If people weren’t so desperate to make money and pay their house note, they wouldn’t be so likely to fall for these schemes,” Breyault said.

Is it legit?

  • When checking out a work-at-home business:
  • Get everything in writing.
  • Make sure any materials or supplies you purchase can be returned for at least 90 percent of its purchase price.
  • Check references, and not just the ones they give you. Find people you know who work for the company.
  • Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints.
  • Make sure you are aware of any local regulations about operating a business out of your home.
  • Look at where the promised compensation is coming from. Is it from the sale of products or for recruiting others?
  • Look for red flags such as high start-up costs for training kits or membership fees.
  • Examine the support system. It should be low pressure and helpful. If it is high-pressure to perform, this is a red flag.
  • If you want to get out of the business, it should be easy.
  • If you go to a meeting for the company, check to see if everyone is from the same group, such as a church or school. Sometimes scammers target groups to take advantage of social pressure.
  • Stay with a company you have heard of, or check with agencies such as the Direct Selling Association, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service or the Federal Trade Commission to see if it’s a legitimate business.

Read the article to learn what makes Dove Chocolate Discoveries a "good company to join".