Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Individuals
After losing his job and facing the pressure of paying rent and his daughter’s school, Víctor Sánchez found solace in direct sales. He had heard about Natura products but only started selling when his income dwindled.
On the occasion of Consultant and Consultant Day, celebrated on September 22, Víctor Sánchez highlighted that his biggest challenge was breaking free from prejudices against direct sales, as it is often perceived as a social club, only welcoming unskilled individuals, a low-profit business, and exclusively for women.
I had fear, because when I started, they told me I wouldn’t sell as a man; women have jealous husbands. But I said, ‘I’m not looking for trouble; I’m trying to earn a living.’ Now I’m one of the best sellers,” emphasized the entrepreneur.
Gender Distribution and Economic Impact
While direct sales remain centered around women, who make up 76% of the workforce, men are increasingly participating, accounting for 24%, according to the Mexican Direct Sales Association (AMVD).
Direct sales have become an alternative for earning extra income and, for women, a chance to earn without neglecting their families. Kenia Vázquez’s story exemplifies this, as she began selling Natura to support her son.
My motivation is my family; my son needed my support, my time. He needed a job that would give me everything: the ability to be with my son, generate income, and dedicate as much time as possible to my family.”
According to Gabriela Escamilla, Director of Relationship and Experience at Natura Avon, globally 110 million people work full-time in direct sales. If part-timers are included, the total reaches 200 million people, potentially accounting for 41% of the GDP in developing countries.
The global sector has a value of $87,500 million and reports annual sales of around $6.8 billion USD. It is projected to grow to $300 million by 2030.
Direct Sales Consolidate in Mexico
In Mexico, the direct sales landscape is promising, with a 1.2% growth compared to the previous year and 90 million orders placed by industry companies.
The primary sectors in direct sales are skin care, personal care and fragrances, and cosmetics. The beauty sector showed a 67% growth in 2024.
In Avon and Natura, the sales force comprises 550,000 consultants, including Rodolfo Amaro, who started in direct sales during the pandemic due to increased workload and stress. He saw an opportunity for better time management and improved quality of life with the company.
The biggest barrier is mental. There’s a poor general perception of direct sales people, but if you decide to start in direct sales, you must view it as your job, as an entrepreneurial endeavor.”
Gabriela Escamilla also mentioned that in May of this year, Natura and Avon transitioned their direct sales model from multilevel to binlevel, bringing consultants closer and strengthening their businesses.
“This strategy empowers women, expands entrepreneurial opportunities for men, and responds to market interest in natural, innovative, and affordable beauty and personal care products for everyone.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is direct sales? Direct sales is a business model where independent contractors sell products directly to consumers, often through home demonstrations or catalogs.
- Why is direct sales relevant in Mexico? Direct sales have experienced a 1.2% growth in Mexico, with 550,000 consultants and consultants in Avon and Natura, contributing to economic growth and providing income opportunities for thousands of families.
- What are the primary sectors in direct sales? The main sectors include skin care, personal care and fragrances, cosmetics, and beauty products.
- What changes have Natura and Avon implemented in their direct sales model? Both companies transitioned from a multilevel to a binlevel structure, bringing consultants closer and strengthening their businesses.
