Direct selling is a method of marketing and retailing goods and services directly to the consumers, in their homes, or in any other location away from permanent retail premises. Such type of sales is largely driven by word-of-mouth referrals. Products sold through direct selling companies have unique features, are exclusive to the company, and are not available in malls or department stores.   The direct selling industry has been thriving on this type of relationship-based marketing for more than 150 years. Approximately 100 million people around the world are involved in this industry in both part-time and full-time capacities.