Women stepping up direct sales jobs | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
“Women come and go in this business,” said Sheila Richards, a Butler, N.J.-based zone manager for jewelry designer lia sophia in Wood Dale, Ill., “and some women see the big picture and will build it big.”
Women do about 90% of the selling within the $30.8 billion direct-sales market, hawking clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and skin care. Direct-sale companies say the tough times are increasing their sales force and their revenue as more women with professional backgrounds seek extra income.
Casuals Etcetera Inc. in New York City, direct-sales designer of the upscale Etcetera clothing line sold out of the homes of its sales consultants, has seen “huge increases” in sales force and sales, said President Mary Alice Heape.
“We have more women leaving professional careers,” Heape said, “corporate careers (such as bankers, lawyers and physicians) that are very structured. They want more control over life and time.”
