Direct Selling

Direct selling is the marketing of products to ultimate consumers through face-to-face sales presentations at home or even in the workplace. Once called door-to-door selling, direct selling in the United States has grown into a sizable industry of several hundred firms. Although direct selling is though of as face to face, it is now done through the mail, telephone, internet, or even shopping-malls. Some examples of companies who use a direct selling approach are Mary Kay and Avon.
My mother used to purchase avon and a representative was always sent to our home. The woman had a catalog and would bring samples and talk about what product was popular and what each product did. She typically just bought face cream from Avon but they always try to sell you whatever they can. My grandma just recently had a woman from Mary Kay come to her house and help her choose a make-up that went well with her skin tone. They bring actual make up and have you put a little on your face to see what options are best. These representatives are informative and have knowledge of make-up and of all their products. My grandma was happy and the woman left her house with a new customer.
Although most people are online these days, some people still appreciate that face-to-face interaction with companies. My grandfather sells electrolux vacumms and has for a long time. Every time I say my last name people ask me if my grandfather is the guy who sells vacuums. Most people know him and call him for repairs, new vacuums and for vacuum bags. He had a store for a little while but realized people like it more if he comes to them (he delivers and makes house calls) or if they can come to him at his home. It is more personal and it seems as though some people still like this way of selling.

What do you think about direct selling? Would you enjoy more face-to-face encounters from companies or do you like the way most companies operate now?