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Direct Selling and the New American Household Economy

Rising household costs continue to shape how Americans think about work, income and their financial condition. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices remain elevated across essential categories including food, housing, transportation and utilities, placing continued pressure on working and middle-income households. For many families, caregivers and individuals balancing competing financial priorities, finding additional sources of income allows for extra spending money and provides greater flexibility and peace of mind when balancing household budgets.

While inflation rates are climbing, the current economic environment is providing many examples of how the U.S. economy continues to be powered by innovation, hard work and individual ambition. Across industries and nationwide, individuals and households are identifying ways to earn a little extra while continuing to strengthen local communities and contribute to broader economic growth. For many Americans, working multiple jobs plays a meaningful role in managing everyday expenses while creating a sense of financial breathing room.

Among the sectors helping drive this momentum, direct selling stands out for its ability to combine business ownership with flexibility and community. The industry contributes more than $111 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Direct Selling Association, and supports more than 5.5 million direct sellers nationwide. Direct sales is expanding access to business ownership and creating pathways to extra income in communities and households across the country.

One example of how this industry operates successfully is Amway. As the world’s largest direct selling company, Amway supports its network of Independent Business Owners (IBOs) with a robust infrastructure that includes more than 75 laboratories and a global team of over 800 scientists and innovators. This investment in product development helps ensure that IBOs are offering high-quality, research-backed products to their customers.

Today, more than 266,000 Amway IBOs in the United States are earning a little extra, helping their families feel more prepared to navigate uncertainty and more confident in their ability to contribute to household expenses.

At the same time, success in any independent business model requires commitment, consistency and effort. Building an Amway business does not happen overnight, but for many IBOs, the opportunity to earn supplemental income makes that effort worthwhile.

As one IBO, Korie, shared: “It has added to our flexibility. Our mindset is not always focused on money because we know we have the ability to earn additional income by working on our Amway business. We feel more relaxed about everyday household choices.”

Direct selling also offers an accessible entry point into business ownership. Amway IBOs enjoy low startup costs (including no fees for the first year of registration and $71 to renew each year thereafter). Additionally, they can tap into support networks and educational resources as they build their business. Amway has made these solutions available so individuals may break through many of the traditional barriers associated with starting a new venture.

While the cost of living is unlikely to ease in the near term, many households are responding with intention. They are looking beyond cost-cutting and exploring new ways to help support their families. Amway is helping people take a more proactive approach, offering a flexible way to earn supplemental income and a pathway to helping American families  when it really matters.