Can I Make Money as a Scentsy Consultant?

Make Money as a Scentsy Consultant

The other day as I was at Costco filling up my car with gasoline. While I filled up, I overheard a conversation the woman in front of me was having on her phone. She was telling the person on the other end that their mutual friend was making a huge mistake; she was signing up for one of those "awful pyramid schemes”.

Is Scentsy A Pyramid Scheme?

She continued her conversation saying things like:

“You know all those kinds of things are just scams”
“I hope she doesn’t actually spend any money to go to their big meeting, what a waste”
“It’s never going to work, why is she even doing something like that?”

Can You Really Make Money?

So, as I filled up the car with gas, paid for with the credit card our Scentsy Consultant business pays off every month. 🙂 *Scentsy income disclosure.*

Direct Selling Perception

I couldn’t believe just how much hatred this woman had for direct selling. Honestly, I didn’t think there were still people in the world that held that perception of direct selling. I'm not naive enough to think that everyone loves direct selling, but I was surprised at just how belligerent she was towards it. But I like to think that this woman is really just a victim of misinformation. She has never had the opportunity to actually get to know people working direct sales, and see their success.

Real Success

The reality is that 20 million people are involved in the $36.12 billion direct selling industry. People involved in direct selling have a higher percentage of annual income over $50,000 when compared to all Americans. (58% vs. 50%)

Contrary to opinion, direct sellers also have a higher level of average education than the average American: 52% of are college graduates compared to 28% and 99% have high school diplomas compared to 85%.

Benefits of Direct Sales

Now, let’s talk about the rewards of being a Scentsy Consultant or direct seller. First, as in any business to look exclusively at the money would be limiting and not indicative of the real reasons people choose direct selling.

For example, when I applied for corporate jobs I always asked about things like healthcare, 401k, paid time off, culture, and work-life balance. All of these were factors when I considered the job. Salary is just one thing to consider. Beyond income, research indicates that individuals enjoy the fringe benefits like the flexibility of being their own bosses. We get to set our own hours and schedule, as well as ever having to ask for time off!

Income from Sales

When you talk about income as a Scentsy Consultant (or any direct sales) you have to remember that first, direct selling is, well, still selling. We make a commission from the sales we make. As much as we talk about the other activities we spend the majority of our time doing like mentoring and recruiting, we still sell. In Scentsy, we have to sell a certain amount to get paid on the production of our team.

Secondly, Scentsy Consultants are paid monthly and every month is different. We don't receive a set salary, or any guaranteed amount. For instance, some months - like October and November - are huge sales months with consumers gearing up for the holidays. Those months, the money you make as a Scentsy Consultant will more likely be higher than other months. Commissions income is dependent on your own sales, so you do have control over your paycheck. You can work to make the amount you want, or to make consistent checks, but it will most likely vary naturally.

Thirdly, there is a large percentage of Consultants who join a direct selling company to buy their favorite products at a discount, NOT to make a living off it. And since individuals are paid based on their work and level of effort and time dedicated to their business, those who are working it like a part-time job earn a part-time income. It's important to remember that is exactly what they want out of it.

Direct Sales Average Income

The first data I found went back to 2011 when Amy Robinson, a spokesperson for the Direct Selling Association, said that the median annual income for direct sales consultants in 2011 was $2,400. As I dug further I found that research done by Harris Poll in 2014 provided some more up to date information. According to the research -

93% of direct sellers reported earning money in the last 12 months
27% earn less than $1,000 in the last 12 months, 51% earned between $1,000-$49,999,
with the remaining 15% earning more than $50,000.

Doing some simple math, that means that 2.4 million direct sellers earned more than $50,000 based on 2014 figures. The article points out that beats the national average salary for men and women. It also is more than the national median annual salary for all Americans working a 40-hour workweek as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Dec. 2013.

Now, that’s only 15% of those involved in direct selling, but that’s also about the percentage of consultants actually working their business. The research indicates that 70% of Consultants spend less than 15 hours/week on their business. An important note to add here is that those 15% earning that $50,000 and up are doing it how, when, and where they want to.

Can I make money with Scentsy?

In summary, can you make money in direct selling?

The answer is of course, yes. The most important things to remember are;

It’s not a steady flat rate - salary type of income. Some months are low, other months are high.
The research clearly indicates, and my experience supports, that income is based on your personal work ethic and determination.
Direct selling is selling. You are paid for your sales and in many cases you can’t get paid on the sales of your team if you yourself haven’t sold a certain minimum.
Part-time work often produces part-time income. This can change as you grow a team, but you have to build it.
To earn the higher income it will take time and persistence. The only variable in that equation is your hard work. That’s the only thing that can speed up the process.

When you talk about income in direct selling you have to start with a few key understanding that direct selling is, well, selling. So individuals are paid based on their work and level of effort and time dedicated to their business and every month is different as some months - like October and November - are huge sales months with consumers gearing up for the holidays. Secondly, there is a large percentage of Consultants that join a direct selling company to buy their favorite products at a discount, NOT to make a living off it.

Extra Income

Direct Selling, as an example being a Scentsy Consultant, can provide a good side income. It can help cover bills, pay off debt, and prepare for retirement. It can also be much more than and support a crazy family of 7 like mine! It just simply depends on your work ethic and what you value.

Flexible Side Hustle

If benefits like a flexible schedule, more time with family, being your own boss, and setting your own hours are appealing to you, then you would be an awesome Scentsy consultant. As long as you are comfortable as an entrepreneur with risk and have a good work ethic, then it sounds like it’s a great fit for you. If not, and you prefer punching in and out for a guaranteed paycheck, then this might not be your ideal way to make money.

Come Start Your Own Business

If Scentsy is appealing to you, I would love to have you join my Scentsy team. I'll help you build a successful business and make money as a Scentsy consultant like me!

As always, if today is the day and you're ready to get off the fence, let's get you going. I can help you launch your own business to enjoy more time with family, help pay off debts, earn free travel, to pay for monthly car bills, or to even make much, much more money. Join my Scentsy team and let's get you rocking and rolling!

Forbes Article

Harris Poll Research

DSA Fact Sheet

Is Scentsy a Pyramid Scheme?

Pyramid Schemes

Every now and then I tell people how my husband and I support* our family with our Direct Sales business. Inevitably the conversation leads to this question, “Oh, so it’s like a pyramid scheme?”.

No, Scentsy is not a pyramid scheme. After a while, I began to wonder what exactly is a pyramid scheme. Why do so many people consider any direct selling business to be one?

What Is a Pyramid Scheme

So first, what is a pyramid scheme? When in doubt, turn to Wikipedia! 🙂 –

“Pyramid schemes—also referred to as franchise fraud or chain referral schemes—are marketing and investment frauds in which an individual is offered a distributorship or franchise to market a particular product. Participants earn the real profit, not by the sale of the product, but by the sale of new distributorships. Emphasis on selling franchises rather than the product eventually leads to a point where the supply of potential investors is exhausted and the pyramid collapses.”

Often, the term pyramid scheme is associated with direct selling businesses. However, it actually happens just as much if not more often in the financial sector.

Examples

I did a Google search for the term pyramid scheme. The first result was an article about a Montana woman. She pleaded guilty to using money from new investors to make payments to earlier investors, between 2008 and 2016. The article states that "she's accused of taking $1.5 million from 28 different people. At least four of the investors were identified as vulnerable persons because of their age, and one was mentally disabled."

That type of "business" is bad, and should get a bad wrap. It's also illegal (with good reason).

Here is an another article in Investopedia about pyramid schemes in the financial sector. There's also a great short video on that page explaining pyramid schemes.

How to Know if a Business Is Legitimate

Below is a video from the Direct Selling Association in Australia called "Understanding Illegal Pyramid Schemes". The video outlines they key points of how to identify whether a business is a legitimate direct selling business or a pyramid scheme.

vimeo id="145132190"

MLM organizations

Specifically with regards to Multi-level marketing organizations the same Wikipedia page states –

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission legitimate MLM, unlike pyramid schemes:

"...have a real product to sell. More importantly, MLM's actually sell their product to members of the general public, without requiring these consumers to pay anything extra or to join the MLM system. MLM's may pay commissions to a long string of distributors, but these commission are paid for real retail sales, not for new recruits."

Selling of Goods is Key

In summary, any business model in which members make money from the signup fee of someone else rather than any actual selling of goods or services is a pyramid scheme. Additionally, in exchange, the organization promises its new members a share of the money taken from every additional member that they recruit. If a percentage of your sign up fee goes directly to those who enrolled you, or if you are a member of a business that rewards you financially when someone joins under you – then you are part of a pyramid scheme.

The FTC also has more information at this link- FTC Pyramid Schemes - to help consumers understand the difference between legitimate direct selling businesses and scams.

So do I sell products? Absolutely! Scentsy has a fantastic brand with amazing, innovative products namely, Warmers, Diffusers, Buddies, Laundry, Skin, and, of course, it's very, very popular fragrances!

To buy Scentsy online simply visit my Scentsy Website to browse all of the fantastic items I sell.

Pyramid Scheme Promises

Pyramid Schemes come in all shapes and sizes but all make massive promises. Generally speaking, these schemes also leave their members, except the few at the top, worse off. This same Wiki page tells of about a dozen notable pyramid schemes all over the world. These businesses have caused riots and robbed thousands, if not millions, of people lots of money.

Pyramid schemes are illegal ploys to rob people. They promise an income to convince more and more people to pay the enrollment fee, of which they get a portion.

Structured to Defraud

In a Forbes magazine article by Nancy Collamer, she clarifies that “MLM’s are sometimes erroneously referred to as “pyramid schemes” – companies structured with the intent of defrauding the public”. These organizations are designed to make money, but NOT generated by the sale of any product or service. Money is made when individuals pay an enrollment fee - to a small group or individual at the top and are illegal.

Is Scentsy a Pyramid?

In Scentsy, I do get potential leadership bonuses from the amount my team sells. However, I don't get a sign-up fee when they join. I am paid for helping new team members join and start a successful business, selling actual products.

Many ask the question of how is a Scentsy consultant paid; can I really make money with Scentsy? You can watch this video I created to explain the Scentsy Compensation Plan and how we make money.

Start a Legit Business

And as always if today is the day you’re and ready to be your own boss and looking for a legitimate business opportunity, come join my Scentsy team! Ever wonder if you’d make an awesome Scentsy Consultant? Check out my blog post answering that very question – Could I be an awesome Scentsy Consultant?

Are you ready to work hard to earn trips, make great friends, make money, and be able to enjoy more time with your friends and family? Then come on over to my Scentsy website and Join Scentsy!

Is Scensty A Scam?

Want to learn more about Scentsy, the company? Here's a little history about Scentsy in an article answering the question Is Scentsy a Scam?

*When I talk about income from our Scentsy business, the FTC requires that I add results are not typical, and include this Income Disclosure Statement. Results are not typical, but honestly, neither are you. I worked hard to make this happen, and so can you.

Could I Be An Awesome Scentsy Consultant?

Could You Be An Awesome Consultant?

Deciding if you are a good fit and could be an awesome Scentsy consultant is a common and important question. Here are four key things to consider:

1. First, it's helpful to make sure you are ready to start a Direct Sales business as a Consultant (if you're asking, I think you are!).

2. Second, to partner with a company you trust (Scentsy is awesome!).

3. Additionally, choosing a good sponsor is important. Your sponsor can mentor you to get started as a Consultant, and keep building your business to success (I'll be here to help you!).

4. Lastly, YOU are the key ingredient. If you possess these qualities below (or want to work to get them), you really could be an awesome consultant.

My Consultant Experience

Joining Scentsy as an Independent Consultant is one of the best choices I have ever made. My husband and I have started multiple business. None have as been rewarding emotionally and financially as our Scentsy business.

A Team Mentor

My journey as a Scentsy Consultant began when I joined in 2008. During that time, hundreds of Consultants have joined my team. I love to help them grow their business and achieve their goals. My favorite part as a Consultant is mentoring my team, and I have even earned the Annual Mentor Award 6 times, so I have lots of experience with new team members.

I’ve seen hundreds if not thousands of Consultants join my team or other teams. Some become Consultants and rock and roll their business while others seem to fade and leave. I have stuck with it as a Consultant, so I think it's helpful to look at why some don't stay.

Why Some Quit

In the direct selling industry it’s said that at any given moment, one-third of your team is just starting, another third is really working, while another third is on their way out. Meaning they’ve hit some kind of obstacle and lost their drive and momentum to keep chasing their goals.

In the more than 15 years that I’ve been a Scentsy Consultant, I’ve seen plenty of great Consultants run into challenges. They lose steam and let their business fade away.

It could be a matter of bad timing with life.

Could also be that they were not comfortable coming out of their comfort zone, or maybe their team grew and they felt uncomfortable being a leader.

Maybe they felt unsupported by friends, family, co-workers etc. who held the stereotype of direct selling undermining the success of their friend.

Whatever the reason, people join and don’t capture whatever they envisioned in their head.

Who Will Be Successful with Scentsy?

So who will be an awesome Scentsy Consultant?

First, I can say that I’ve not found any demographic answer to who will be a successful Scentsy Consultant.

No single factor, regardless of background, education, income level, race, where you live or any other variable, seems to consistently show how much success you’ll achieve as a Scentsy Consultant. Even having past experience in direct selling isn’t a clear indicator.

I’ve seen individuals join Scentsy from all over the world from all backgrounds. Some come with amazing experience in direct selling – sellers of other brands with years of experience... and yet that doesn’t always translate into success with Scentsy.

If it’s not experience, education or any of these things that determine success what does?

Qualities of Awesome

There are a handful of things that I’ve observed that make a very real difference in how much success a Consultant is able to achieve.

What is so amazing and inspiring about the things I’ve observed are vital ingredients in the recipe for success is that they are characteristics that ANYONE can have. There is no monopoly on them so there is no reason anyone, from any background can become an amazing Scentsy Consultant.

1. Optimistic

The first is Optimistic.

No matter your background, years of direct selling or professional experience, you will be hard-pressed to achieve any significant Scentsy goals without overcoming obstacles. I’m not saying that the road to success is impossible or only for the real superheroes. But, like any real notable achievement, you will need to get comfortable out of your comfort zone and be able to overcome fears or skill gaps.

Whether it’s fear of failure, lower sales than planned, a potential recruit that declines, or some other thing – those who can lift up their head and optimistically move forward, win. Success as a Scentsy Consultant, is more attainable than most people realize. Whether you define success as trips, time with family, working from home, extra income or lots of income, it really can be yours. But without optimism people sell themselves short and give up. Optimism is the silver lining.

For example, because Scentsy is a very popular product, sometimes a product will sellout within hours. It’s a real bummer and I don't envy the employees who spend hours and hours estimating, calculating, and forecasting how much of a particular product to produce. It’s a thankless job and sometimes they get it wrong. But, what am I going to do? Complain that my products are so popular and wish I could join the countless numbers of other companies begging people to buy my product?

There is always a positive side to every news, training ourselves to find it is the trick. By no means does that mean we, as Consultants no longer carry the need to communicate to the company when they screw up. However, after that, the best course forward is with a positive attitude.

2. Team Player

The second is being a Team Player. We’re all in this together – life and Scentsy. To achieve any of the goals that people have with their Scentsy business, it’s imperative to have the ability to work with people that are different from you.

As your Scentsy business grows you will recruit people, possibly from all over the world where Scentsy is available, and they will be different than you.

I’ve found that those who join Scentsy with an attitude of “We’re all in this together” and help their fellow teammates and their downlines, really get their business off on the right foot.

3. Self Starter

Being a self-starter. In the more than 15 years I’ve been a Scentsy Consultant I’ve been at a leader level for almost 14 of those years. I’ve welcomed amazing new team members, and been super excited for them. I would put myself in their shoes and envision ways they could have awesome sales success and grow their team given their unique strengths. I often found that I was thinking more about their success than they were.

Every new Consultant asks me to help them grow their business, and I absolutely LOVE helping everyone achieve their goals. I am not a Scentsy Consultant just for the money, trips or anything else. Nothing is more motivating to me than to see the lives of my team change with their Scentsy business.

SO many have discovered they can be home with their kids and still bring home a good income, earn free trips for them and their significant other, help cover bills after a spouse is let go from work, or pay off pesky student loans. THAT makes it SO MUCH FUN.

That said, I discovered that when I held my new Consultant's hand, I actually did them a disservice. It robbed them a bit of the “baptism by fire” experience that fuels their drive. Since I could easily see them as a successful Consultant in my minds eye, I worked to help them. However, in the long run, they didn’t strengthen their self-starter muscles so they floundered.

Now, my approach is I don’t push or pull, I partner. I will work alongside you, recognize your success, cheer you on and help you overcome skill gaps or fears but I cannot earn you a trip or a promotion. And in the long-run, it is better that way. That seems so counter-intuitive but I’ve found it to be true.

4. Determination

If you could work hard for 2 years and earn a Doctor's salary would you do it? How many years do they work hard for a Bachelor’s degree, or a Masters, or even longer – to be a doctor?

I’ve seen both talented, promising individuals and seemingly untalented, and unpromising individuals join Scentsy and become Scentsy Consultants. I’ve seen people from both groups go on to experience massive success and people from both groups that let their business die.

Along with the other characteristics I’ve talked about, those that found success seemed able to keep on keeping on when confronted with obstacles. Not only that, they didn’t let life happen to them, they made goals and dreams with dream boards and pictures of what they wanted to earn or win sticky-tacked to the mirror in the bathroom or in their car. They decided what they wanted and worked to earn it, at all cost. The simple act of deciding what you want, writing it down, posting it all over the house, and doing whatever it takes to make it happen is very, very powerful.

Again, no one has a monopoly on determination, nor is it very complicated.

Determination is something that I cannot give or train, which makes it so vital to your success as a Scentsy Consultant.

I can help you make goals, I can even help make dream boards.

How well you make it happen and actually do it every day is up to you.

Let's do this!