Latest Direct Sales reports

Latest Direct Sales Reports [and some analysis]

The World Federation of Direct Sales Associations has just released the 2013 Global Direct Sales Statistics. These results are fantastic to receive and understand as they give you a 'Big Picture' of the world of Direct Sales. 

On their own, the numbers are unlikely to inspire and can concern the less informed person. As the ‘Strategic’ Expert in the industry, I will highlight what I think are the key facts for you and add a bit of analysis so you understand what’s important.

The World of Direct Sales 2013.

Retail Sales [$US] - $178billion - Up 8.1%. 

$178billion is a HUGE number. As it is often reported, we are the size of the music, movie and gaming industries combined!  8.1% growth is also amazing given the size of our industry and goes to show how strong this business is.

Total people. - 96million - Up 8%

Think about this size of this - 96million people involved! This number is actually too small as China reports its sales yet not its number of people. If it was the same as Hong Kong then there would be 27million people involved so real number would be 123million. [Crazy numbers don't you think?]

123million is more than the populations of Germany, Finland, Demark, Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Belgium, Singapore, combined!!!

Regional Report

-       Asia/Pacific Region remains the biggest market AND fastest growing!! $77.6billion

growing at a red hot 12.6% per year.

Seven major markets with double digit growth!! Rockstars are Vietnam, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, New Zealand.

The big news is that China grew by 41% to 27billion sales in one year- unbelievable! That is up $7.3billion in one year. They rocketed past Japan to become the world’s No2 country and next year could become No1 market in the world.  

The only problem market is Japan that continues its decline. I have no idea why this is. Maybe companies are too focused on the white hot rest of Asia? 

Be one of the Fastest Growing Company to conquer the World!

-       Central & South America is rocking at $33bil at 9.1%. Approx 200% faster than North America.

Importantly, ALL countries continue to grow with the rockstars being Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela and Bolivia. Big countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Peru continue to produce great growth. Brazil - $14billion [7% growth] with 4.5million people. 

-     Africa/Middle East is tiny $1.2billion yet grows at 7%. South Africa is strong, rest of Africa ROCKS, Middle East is worst performing region in world. 

-       West Europe - $23bil growing at 3.3%. Slow YET consistent. The Big markets of Germany, France and the UK continue to have strong growth yet it’s the smaller markets that fluctuate. Belgium and the Netherlands are producing consistent growth.

-       North America - $32billion at 2.7% driven by the USA market that has recovered quickly and continues to deliver results.

-       East Europe - $8.3billion with 1.8% growth is the slowest growing region even though the dominant Russian market has strong growth supported by Turkey, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania and Baltics states. The problem is the area covered by Ukraine, Hungary, Czech, Slovenia and Austria. One highlight is this area is the Slovakian growth [15% over 3 years.]

In summary, the global picture of the Direct Sales industry is very positive with all Regions in growth. Importantly 21 out of 23 $billion markets grew last year. 2013 was another great year for the Direct Sales industry and 2014 looks to be even better!

Be the Best!