In Tough Times, Direct Selling Industry Offers Americans Work and Extra Money
As the US continues to suffer the effects of a depressed economy, many are reaching for new and untapped strategies to earn extra money in their pockets. An increasingly popular choice is direct selling-a $125 billion industry
Online, September 14, 2012 (Newswire.com) - As Americans continue to suffer the effects of a depressed economy, many are reaching for new and untapped strategies to find work and put some extra money in their pockets. An increasingly popular choice is direct selling-a $125 billion industry currently dominated by giants such as Mary Kay, Amway and Avon.
Among the newer players in this area is AL International. In the second quarter of 2012, the Chula Vista, CA-based publicly traded company reported a 121 percent increase in revenues compared to the same period a year ago. The company is helping a wide range of ordinary Americans to prosper as well.
AL International's direct-selling activities are operated through one of its subsidiaries, Youngevity Essential Life Sciences. The brainchild of naturopathic physician Dr. Joel Wallach, Youngevity offers more than 400 products, comprising everything from dietary supplements and sports nutrition to essential oils, skincare and cosmetics, as well as lifestyle products for pets, spa and bath, and garden. All its products are sold through independent distributors-about 50,000 in number and growing-who mainly work from home.
Its most popular product is Beyond Tangy Tangerine, a citrus-flavored drink mix packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. A newer product is a "functional gourmet coffee" enhanced with nutrients.
"We think our unique marketing efforts and sales program design resonate with a lot of Americans these days," says Steve Wallach, son of Joel Wallach and CEO of Youngevity. "We're offering our distributors a fun, self-motivating form of employment, and letting them take back the reins of their financial destiny."
The company has been active in the federal discussion on regulation of nutritional products; it successfully petitioned the FDA to authorize certain health claims about omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. Established in 1997, Youngevity had $40 million in sales last year, nearly double the previous year's sale; it is on track to do $67 million in sales this year, which would break it into the top 100 direct selling companies worldwide.
AL International's rise within the direct selling market might be giving Americans a new way to realize their financial goals during challenging times.
