Blog

Undoubtedly, a change of administration in the U.S. poses significant implications for Canada’s direct selling industry. This blog examines how President-Elect Trump’s unpredictable nature and understanding of the role the U.S. should play in the world could make life challenging for Canadian businesses and the Canadian economy.

Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial for any industry, and direct selling is no exception. Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations is essential to maintaining ethical practices and protecting both consumers and representatives. This blog explores how the direct selling industry stays compliant, with a particular focus on the important role of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada (DSA Canada).

In today’s world, environmental sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it is a critical aspect of business operations and consumer choices. The direct selling industry has embraced this shift, demonstrating a strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and ethical business operations. 

New Brunswick voters headed to the polls recently after a campaign period that saw a close race between the governing Progressive Conservatives under Premier Blaine Higgs and the Liberals with relative newcomer Susan Holt. Higgs has faced internal struggles over recent years as he shifted his party further to the right on social issues, which saw the resignations of several caucus members and Cabinet Ministers. 

The return to Parliament has always been a period of excitement for the people who are genuinely interested in the process of politics and for those who are affected by the outcomes of this process. It is a period often characterized by surprises, gamesmanship and, to be fair, utter chaos. 

The direct selling industry is renowned for its adaptability and innovation, continually evolving to meet the needs of consumers and sales representatives. In recent years, the integration of cutting-edge technologies has revolutionized the industry, enhancing customer engagement, streamlining operations, and ensuring secure transactions. 

A look at what is happening to the Canadian job market and what this could mean for direct sellers. From Charles Bernard, Lead Economist at Impact Public Affairs, DSA Canada’s government relations partner.

A solar eclipse is a remarkable event that captures the attention of many around the world. It’s a celestial phenomenon where the moon passes between the earth and the sun, briefly turning day into night. It reminds us of the cycles of change and renewal in the natural world, and there’s much we can learn from it, especially in the context of entrepreneurship.

It was so amazing for the staff at DSA Canada to have the opportunity to serve the direct selling community in 2023. As the year draws to a close, it is a great time to look at the past twelve months for the association and our member companies.

Now is a crucial time for the industry to act and speak as one.

As Earth Day approaches, we are reminded of the importance of this year’s theme, to “Invest in our Planet.” As Canada plans to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, Canadian consumers are increasingly seeking and investing in sustainable solutions to help reach this seemingly unattainable goal.

In early January, DSA Canada submitted an affidavit requesting the opportunity to participate as an intervener in a legal case before Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal.

On Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland tabled the 2023 federal budget, A Made-in-Canada Plan. With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror and financial uncertainty on the horizon, the budget takes a targeted look at sustainable spending, while continuing to follow-through on programs, all while bringing the deficit down.

Problem solving is at the heart of what makes industry associations like DSA Canada thrive. Complexity of regulations, laws and compliance requirements make it important for companies to be able to get together, to share challenges and discover solutions. In the direct selling space, DSA Canada plays the central role in facilitating these discussions, and provides knowledge, education and a collective voice.

We made it! As 2022 draws to a close, it is a great time to take a look at the past twelve months for DSA Canada and our member companies. It has certainly been an exciting year, as the challenges of the past two years began to fade into the background, with a number of important events and initiatives taking place. We know that everyone has enjoyed the opportunity to reconnect and share their successes.

Canada is a strong direct selling market, which continues to offer considerable room for expansion and growth. The economy is healthy and, most importantly, the people are hungry for entrepreneurial opportunities.

The federal election has come and gone, and the results appear to be very similar to those of the 2019 election. While there are still some races that are too close to call, due to mail-in ballots being counted, the Liberals have secured another minority government. The current tally has the Liberals at 158 seats, up 3 from Parliament’s dissolution, the Conservatives at 119 seats, with no gain, the NDP at 25 seats, a gain of 1, the Bloc at 34, a gain of 2 and the Greens at 2, with no gain.

We recently held our annual Legal & Regulatory Seminar. This year it was a virtual event and it was great to be joined by a diverse group of knowledgeable speakers and attendees from across the direct sales channel. Due to their commitment to our Codes of Ethics, we know that compliance is always at the front of mind for our members and we are pleased to be working together with them to keep aiming our sights high.

These are tough times in business, particularly in retail. You only have to look at the number of lay-offs, store closures and bailout discussions to realize that we are in uncharted waters. Across North America, there are daily discussions of famous brand names who will either not exist in the future or will be around in a very different format.

Recognizing the achievements of peers is a simple, yet profoundly meaningful act. Not only does it make people feel good, both those giving and receiving the recognition, but it also an important step in creating a feedback loop of heightened energy, effort and success.

COVID-19 has changed the way that we do business. For many direct sellers who rely on in-person contact to sell their products, the pandemic has increased the need for their Independent Sales Consultants (ISCs) to take their businesses online via social media and to think creatively.

The pandemic has negatively impacted many sectors of the Canadian economy. Yet, for some, these difficult times have led to increases in product sales and an influx of sales consultants—an unexpected outcome for some direct sellers who normally thrive in party-type settings or rely on in-person demonstrations to sell their products.

It has never been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic that we need to be around others. Not only do individuals and groups feel better when they share, they also tend to have more success and are able to work on problems more effectively when they are a part of a community. In this light, industry togetherness is crucial to moving forward and reshaping the landscape.

Direct selling – where independent consultants sell products and services away from a traditional retail setting – is growing. After all, as many entrepreneurs look for a way to make extra money and learn new skills, what’s better than promoting quality products to your social network. From strong industry mainstays like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and Avon, to rising new companies like Monat and Steeped Tea, there is a world of opportunity out there.

What exactly is direct selling you might ask? Well, direct selling is the sale of consumer products or services, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location. It’s a retail channel used by large, global companies and small, entrepreneurial brands to sell all types of goods and services, including nutritional products, cosmetics, jewelry, housewares, giftware, utilities and much more!