Glossary
Industry & companies
19 terms, explained plainly. Where a term has a legal meaning we say which law; where it has a company-specific meaning we say to check the plan.
A
B
- Brand partner
A newer title for a participant, emphasising social selling over distribution.
C
- Crypto MLM
Multi-level schemes selling cryptocurrency trading, education or tokens, frequently found to be frauds.
D
- Direct selling
Selling products to consumers away from a fixed retail location, usually through independent sellers.
- Direct Selling Association (DSA)
The US trade association for direct selling companies, with a code of ethics for members.
- Distributor
The traditional name for a participant in a multi-level plan; many companies now use other titles.
- DSN Global 100
Direct Selling News' annual ranking of the largest direct selling companies by revenue.
I
- Income report
DirectSellingStar's annual analysis of normalized income disclosure statements.
M
- Market entry
The opening of a new country by a direct selling company, often marketed as a ground-floor opportunity.
- Multi-level marketing (MLM)
A sales model where participants earn on their own sales and on sales made by people they recruit.
P
- Participant count
The number of people signed up as participants, as reported by the company.
- Pre-launch
A recruiting period before a company or market officially opens, with promises of early position.
- Public company
A company listed on a stock exchange, required to publish audited financial statements.
R
- Retention
The share of participants or customers who remain active over time.
S
- Saturation
The point at which a market has no more willing customers or recruits.
- Shopping annuity
A concept of earning cashback and commissions by routing everyday purchases through a company's platform.
T
- Travel club
A membership sold through multi-level compensation offering discounted travel.
W
- Watchlist
A DSS Pro feature: companies you follow, with a same-day email when something changes.