Last year the total sales of Estonian Direct Selling Association’s (EDSA) member companies increased by 2,5% and amounted to 33,3 million euros excluding VAT. Meanwhile, the number of people involved in direct sales increased by 1% exceeding thirty-four thousand and five hundred persons.
Study: grows popularity of direct sales in Estonia
According to a representative public survey conducted by the research agency Turu-uuringute AS by the order of Estonian Direct Selling Association, 54% of the surveyed Estonia’s residents purchased some product through direct sales at least once, which is 14% more than in 2011. Both doubled the number of times, who buy continuously, and the number of customers who bought one or several times.
The New EU Directive on Consumer Rights – 10 Key Changes
Since June 13th in Estonia, as in other European Union member states, will entry into force the new, uniform requirements for consumer rights when buying at a distance selling, i.e. online, by phone, post, and off-premises, for example at home, workplace or at the excursion or demonstration of products organized by the trader (direct selling). This is related with entry into force of provisions of European Parliament and Council Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights, which was adopted already in 2011. This Directive into Estonian national legislation was transposed last year, while the changes of Consumer Protection Act and Law of Obligation Act will take effect from 13th June, 2014.
In 2013 direct sales grew by 6%
Last year despite the struggling economy direct sales in Estonia retained solid growth: Estonian Direct Selling Association’s (EDSA) members total sales (excluding VAT) increased by 5,5% and amounted to 31,4 million euros. Meanwhile, the number of people involved in direct sales increased by 3% and exceeded thirty-four thousand.