Direct selling is the sale of a consumer product or service, person to person, away from a fixed retail outlet. The selling is done through independent sales representatives who are sometimes referred to as consultants or distributors.

In response to the industry’s need to provide a direct selling opportunity viable for all Filipinos of all ages, gender, and economic levels, the First Small and Medium Enterprises Direct Selling Expo 2009 will be held at the World Trade Center Manila on November 6-8, 2009. The event offers a good prospect for men and women who desire a less structured work environment and are looking to supplement their income with the minimum of investments.

In recent decades, direct selling has become a dynamic, rapidly expanding channel of distribution for the marketing of products and services directly to consumers. It has provided a direct sales opportunity where products are sold primarily through home demonstrations, parties, and one-on-one selling. It has presented important benefits to individuals who desire a chance to earn an income and build a business of their own, to consumers who enjoy the alternative to shopping centers, and to the consumer products market. An important component of the industry is multilevel marketing which has proven over many years to be a successful and effective method of compensating direct sellers for the marketing and distribution of products and services directly to consumers.

Direct selling in the Philippines has not only provided substantial training on personal development and leadership which help individuals involved in the industry in all areas of their life. It has also enhanced the retail distribution infrastructure of the economy and provided consumers with a convenient source of quality products.