Episode 122

Direct Selling in 2026: What Every Consultant Needs to Know About the DSA, Regulations, and Your Rights

If you’re in direct sales, chances are you’ve seen a small fee on your invoice for the Direct Selling Association and thought… what is this actually for?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of The Other 99% Podcast, Lisa Duck and Susan Larimer sit down with Dave Grimaldi to pull back the curtain on what the Direct Selling Association actually does and why it matters more than ever in 2026.

This conversation is eye-opening, especially if you’ve ever wondered how direct sellers are protected, what rules you need to follow, and what could impact your business in the future.

What Is the Direct Selling Association (DSA)?

The Direct Selling Association is the official organization that represents and advocates for the direct selling industry at the government level.

That means they:

Work with lawmakers and regulators
Protect the rights of direct sellers
Help shape policies that impact your business
Monitor legislation at both federal and state levels

Most direct sellers never see this work happening, but it directly impacts how you’re allowed to run your business.

Why Independent Contractor Status Matters

One of the biggest issues the DSA is focused on is protecting your status as an independent contractor.

Why does that matter?

Because it allows you to:

Work on your own schedule
Build your business your way
Earn income without being tied to a traditional job structure

If regulations shift, this flexibility could be at risk. That’s why advocacy work happening behind the scenes is so important.

The Truth About Income Claims in Direct Sales

Let’s talk about something many direct sellers struggle with:

👉 What can you say about your income?

According to Dave, this is one of the most sensitive areas in the industry, especially with increasing focus on consumer protection and compliance.

While sharing success stories is powerful, there are guidelines you need to follow:

Avoid unrealistic income promises
Be mindful of how you present results
Focus on your experience, not guarantees

This is where many sellers unknowingly get into trouble and where the DSA helps provide guidance and protection for the industry as a whole.

Why Story Sharing Is More Powerful Than Ever

One of the most impactful strategies discussed in this episode is story sharing.

Not just storytelling, but sharing real experiences.

Why?

Because lawmakers don’t just want data. They want:

Real-life examples
Personal stories
Human impact

Whether it’s:

Paying for groceries
Supporting your family
Creating flexibility in your schedule

Your story helps protect the future of direct selling.

The Evolution of Direct Sales

Direct selling isn’t what it used to be.

Between:

Social media
Digital marketing
Changing consumer behaviour
New regulations

The industry is evolving quickly.

But one thing hasn’t changed:

👉 Direct selling is still about giving people a chance.

A chance to earn income
A chance to build confidence
A chance to create flexibility in their life

Why Some Direct Sellers Feel Undervalued

This part of the conversation hit hard.

Many direct sellers feel like their business isn’t taken seriously.

But the truth is:

You run your own business
You manage your own time
You generate your own income
You build real relationships

That’s not small. That’s powerful.

And hearing this from someone working at the government level brings a whole new level of validation.

What Direct Sellers Need to Do Moving Forward

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this:

👉 Stay informed and stay engaged

That can look like:

Understanding the rules of your business
Being mindful of how you market
Sharing your story
Supporting organizations like the DSA

Because the more informed you are, the stronger the industry becomes.

Final Thoughts: Direct Selling Still Matters

Direct selling is built on:

People
Relationships
Real-life impact

And while the landscape is changing, the mission isn’t.

As Dave said, “optimism is a strategy.”

When you focus on integrity, serve people well, and adapt as things evolve, your business can continue to grow no matter what changes come.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you want a deeper understanding of how direct selling is being protected and shaped behind the scenes, this is a must-listen episode of The Other 99% Podcast.

🎧 Listen on