Money Monday: Direct Sales

WSVN -- Kelly Salsamendi loves being in the kitchen.

Kelly Salsamendi, Pampered Chef Consultant: "The first thing I'm going to show you is the new veggie wedger."

She went to a pampered chef party 13 years ago and liked it so much she became a consultant.

Kelly Salsamendi: "We made a dedicated decision this was going to be the way we were going to get extra money, because we had seen working one night a week, I could make some good money."

Sharon McCaslin has a full-time job at the Sun Sentinel, but her full-time passion is jewelry.

Sharon McCaslin, Silpada Designs Consultant: "It is all sterling silver."

She's now a consultant for Silpada Designs, doing four to five parties like this every month.

Sharon McCaslin: "You are your own boss. You set the standards. You work as little or as much as you want."

Millions of people like Sharon and Kelly are getting into direct sales to make extra cash.

Sharon McCaslin: "Silpada averages $1,000 retail for our shows. With that, our commission is 30 percent. so an average party, we make $300 for two to three hours work."

If you want to become a consultant for a direct sales company, do your research.

Choose a reputable company that sells products or services that you love, expect to pay for a starter kit, usually between $100 and $200, and make sure your earnings are based on your sales, not recruiting other sellers.

Kelly Salsamendi: "My favorite thing is it helps get dinner on the table faster."

With sales, it's all about networking. The more you put into it, the more you'll earn.

Kelly Salsamendi: "Working on average the two shows a week, most brand-new consultants will start out making $850 to $1,000 a month, and that can really help with a car payment or an extra credit card bill, or some school tuition."

Buying your products at a discount and meeting new people is a bonus.

Sharon McCaslin: "This is a great thing, because you can start it the day you sign up, and you get paid immediately. It's great: great money, flexibility, and I recommend it for anyone who has interest."

Lynn Martinez: "Be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau in your area to make sure the company you choose doesn't have any complaints against it."

If you have any questions about making extra money with direct sales or if you have any money questions or story ideas you'd like us to look into on "Money Monday," e-mail us at moneymonday@wsvn.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Direct Sales 411
http://www.directselling411.com/

The Pampered Chef
http://www.pamperedchef.com/cooking-party.jsp

Silpada Designs
http://silpada.com/public/home.jsf