Multilevel marketing is a direct sales system regulated by law in Portugal, in which a manufacturer or wholesaler sells goods or services through a network of independent agents, although coordinated within the same commercial network. Income comes from the sale of a quality product with a money-back guarantee.

The global turnover of Direct Selling in 2023 was US$167.694 billion. The largest Direct Selling markets in the world are Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe; Germany, the leading Direct Selling country in Europe, recorded a turnover of more than $19.7 billion in this sector in 2023.

More information at https://wfdsa.org/global-statistics/

Data for 2023 at European level show that the sector generated around $36 billion and recorded an increase of 3.4% over the previous year.

In Portugal, the sector generated more than €170 million in 2023. With around 181,000 active independent agents, 74% of whom are women, Portugal has consolidated its position as the fourteenth largest direct sales market in Europe.

Direct sales offer customers a personalized shopping experience, with individualized advice from an agent who knows the products well and tailors recommendations to their needs. This proximity builds trust, comfort in the decision-making process, and follow-up after purchase.

Customers have the legal right to return products within 14 days, without justification, which is greater protection than in traditional retail, where this right is not mandatory. It is a safe, transparent way of shopping that focuses on consumer satisfaction.

In addition, the products are characterized by their excellent quality, the result of continuous investment in Innovation and Development, patented and distinguished worldwide.

IPVD members offer many opportunities to start your own direct sales business. The first thing to do is to identify the company and brand you would like to market. Next, you should ask yourself a few questions, namely:

• How much investment is required to start the business?
• What will happen to unsold stock?
• How can I get the right training?
• What forms of remuneration are offered?

The IPVD can help clarify these questions. You can also contact the company directly.

Companies associated with IPVD benefit from access to continuous training and professional development, integration into strategic networking with industry leaders, and enhanced reputation through the IPVD ethics seal. They also benefit from privileged insights into market trends, participation in innovative projects, and greater visibility through media campaigns and institutional presence.

The IPVD also offers active representation with public decision-makers, positioning companies as influential agents in the transformation and regulation of the direct sales sector in Portugal.

Currently, IPVD members include Amway, Herbalife, LR Health & Beauty, Mary Kay, and Oriflame, multinational direct selling companies based in the United States and Europe that adhere to high ethical standards in the field of direct selling. If you would like to join the IPVD, please contact us through the contact form present in every page of the website.