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Direct sales allow you to be your own boss as an independent consultant for a company. Usually you are a representative of the company's products, and you are authorized to sell the products earning a commission on the sales. The company allows you to use their name and usually provides marketing materials and training. Some examples of direct sales companies are Avon and Mary Kay. They use consultants or representatives to bring their products to their customers. The scrapbooking industry also has direct sales opportunities. Direct sales in scrapbooking could be your chance to turn your hobby into a business.

Direct sales in scrapbooking can make a good second income, and even give you the opportunity to purchase your own scrapbooking supplies at a substantial discount. If you want to work full time as a consultant, you can even develop a career in scrapbooking. Remember that being in business for yourself means your income may fluctuate. Before giving up your job, you need to research the direct sales opportunities carefully, and develop a strong client base before you rely solely on commissions for your income.

As you research scrapbooking direct sales companies, check each company's policies and compare them. Some will not allow you to represent their products along with another company's products. Others have high start-up costs or require you to purchase substantial inventory. You may find a company with a very low initial cost, but you also want to know how much inventory you are required to purchase on an ongoing basis to stay an active consultant.

Direct sales in scrapbooking companies vary on commission. You want to determine what your wholesale cost is for product compared to the retail sales price. This determines your product markup. Some companies only provide a 20% commission, and some go as high as 50%. You will often see higher percentages when you buy more inventory at one time. For example, a wholesale order of $100 may only provide you with $120 retail product, but with a $500 wholesale order you receive $750 of product at retail value. There usually are incentives to order more inventory with each order placement, like free promotional or marketing materials.

As an independent scrapbooking consultant, you will need to market your business. Most direct sales companies will provide you with training, catalogs and marketing materials. Decide how you will promote your business. Some possibilities are holding home scrapbooking parties, teaching classes or running an internet store. Find out if your business method conflicts with any of the sales policies for the company before you sign with them. For example, many direct sales companies don't allow active consultants to sell their products on eBay.

Making money while you are scrapbooking may sound like a dream come true. It can certainly be an excellent source of income, but remember it is still a business, and running a business takes time. You may not have time to scrapbook while your business is first getting started. Consider all the direct sales in scrapbooking opportunities. Creative Memories, Close to My Heart and Stampin* Up are a few of the larger scrapbooking direct sales companies. With some research online you can choose the direct sales in scrapbooking company that is right for you and your goals.