Extra Income Opportunities: Moms' Views on Direct Sales and Blogging Opportunities
In April, 2011, InstantQuest, Inc. surveyed 300 moms who had registered on QuestionMoms.com to provide consumer feedback, test products and write product reviews. As moms who had already expressed interest in earning extra income on the research site, these women provided answers to a series of questions about their attitudes towards direct sales and blogging as supplemental income opportunities. The respondents came from all areas of the United States as well as Canada. The median age group of these moms is 29 to 35 and the median household income is $46,000-69,000.
When asked about their current income status, more than half (52.7%) of the respondents indicated they "do odd jobs to earn a little extra cash." An additional 16% work part time to supplement the families' income.
Direct Sales Companies
We asked these income-seeking moms what would prevent them from earning money through a direct sales company. Over two thirds of them (205 of 300) said that the initial cost of a kit is a factor that keeps them from starting. Additionally, 26% felt they do not know how to run the business.
What would prevent you from signing up as a direct sales rep? Select all that apply.
| Response Percent | Response Count | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| The cost of the initial kit and getting started | 68.3 | 205 | |
| Not knowing how to run the business | 26.0 | 78 | |
| Not having enough friends to get started | 57.0 | 171 | |
| Other | 26.7 | 80 | |
When asked about direct sales participation in the past three years, 9.3% signed up with a company but did not stick with it and 12% signed up and pursued the opportunity.
The majority of the moms who signed up but did not continue agreed with the statement, "You can make a lot of money in direct sales if you join the right company and work at it." When asked for comments about direct sales companies that appealed to them, the moms who did not continue with direct sales remarked:
- I actually love the smaller companies...the ones that no one knows about because it's easier to find people to buy the products. I did Scentsy when it was first catching on and I made lots of sales. then when everyone started to sell it I kind of slacked off and lost interest.
- I haven't found any that I could commit to yet. My most recent attempt was Avon, but it cost much more than I would earn.
- I would be interested in learning more about all of them. It would have to be affordable products that people would really use
Of the moms who pursued the opportunity, several mentioned the companies they worked with or currently work with including Scentsy, Creative Memories, Pampered Chef, Avon, and a variety of others. When asked which direct sales companies appeal to them, their comments included:
- Not sure. With economy as it is... I'd just have to check them out. Main thing would be low/no start up fees and company policies.
- AVON and Scentsy
- Easy to sell and deliver
- natural foods, children's games pampered chef
- Those with training
- Would love to work with a company dealing with children's products.
Moms are interested in selling a variety of different product types
If you were to sign up as a direct sales rep, what kinds of products would you like to sell?
| Response Percent | Response Count | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candies, gifts, baking/cooking | 51.0 | 153 | |
| Makeup, Beauty Products | 24.0 | 72 | |
| Jewelry, Clothing, Accessories | 33.0 | 99 | |
| Other | 26.7 | 80 | |
Direct Sales companies can benefit from providing support to potential representatives. However, a third-party organization who could provide training and neutral information about the different companies would be most beneficial to moms exploring the different opportunities. More than half of the moms who responded (160 of 300) indicated they would be interested in a website where they could read reviews of companies by their peers.
Which of the following interest you? (select all that apply)
| Response Percent | Response Count | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| A small conference where I could learn about all the different direct sales opportunities for stay at home moms | 25.3 | 76 | |
| A one day sales and business training about how to profit from direct sales that is NOT given by a direct sales company | 22.0 | 66 | |
| A website where I could read reviews about the different direct sales companies and what real peers think of them | 53.3 | 160 | |
| I'm not interested in direct sales | 41.0 | 123 | |
Earning Online
Moms seeking extra income are also using the internet to find convenient opportunities. As participants of QuestionMoms.com, the panel is naturally swayed towards these opportunities and do not represent the average population of moms looking for extra income. However, it is interesting to note that moms are seeking information about how to earn more online.
Are you interested in earning money through online advertising, blogging, product reviews?
| Response Percent | Response Count | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, I'm doing it now | 32.7 | 98 | |
| Yes, I need to learn to do it better | 34.7 | 104 | |
| Yes, but I don't know how | 29.3 | 88 | |
| No | 3.3 | 10 | |
In closing, we asked moms to comment on their need for earning additional income. For some, it is a luxury, but for others, the need has grown much deeper.
- My husband is the only bread winner in our house. I blog full-time and am a mommy full-time, but I don't make a cent from what I do. I get free product but nothing else. We have a lot of university debt and NEED to get out of it, We graduated in 2000.
- I am in desperate need of extra income. My husband has been laid off or cut hours the majority of the last 2 years and we have 4 children. Income is needed to make ends meet.
- I am a stay at home mom right now, and have plenty of time to devote to working from home.
- need to fit into my family life
- I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to review products...especially products for babies...I enjoy trying out products and am an AWESOME advertiser if I actually like a product...I would love to do this on my blog!
- I left my full time career in order to raise my children, and that is my priority. I feel that any extra income opportunities for those of us that have chosen this route should be made readily available.
- I think everyone needs extra income these days.
- I'm very interested in turning blogging into a source of income. My dream would be to grow my blog enough to be able to be a work-at-home mom.
- I like a quick way to make a little extra cash I do it when I can, but dont always have time for it I am an experienced publicist so I can write for extra income.
- I am a school nurse and love the opportunity to earn extra income in the comfort of my home so that I would have more time with my children.
- I am a mom of 6 holidays are expensive
- It would be helpful to have more opportunities for stay at home moms.
- Nope - even just this survey has been very helpful! :)
- would be nice to get paid to do what I enjoy doing (blogging) I'm looking to take my blog to the next level, and find extra income so i can have a business that can help improve our lifestyle.
If you are interested in the full report including responses linked to individual demographic information, please contact shelley@instantquest.com.