Q & A

Q: What exactly is direct selling?

A: Direct selling is the sale of a consumer product or service, person-to-person, away from a fixed retail location, marketed through independent sales representatives who are sometimes also referred to as consultants, distributors or other titles.

Q. How big is the direct selling industry?
A. U.S. sales totaled $32.18 billion in 2006, up from $26.7 billion five years earlier, with more than 74 percent of the American public having purchased goods or services through direct selling. Worldwide sales are also strong, with more than $109 billion in sales.

Q: There are many photobook companies on the Internet. Why would people choose to buy from me (consultant)?

A: The answer is quite simple. Creating photobooks online can be a very daunting task for many people. We have seen many potential memory books started and never completed. Nothing can replace a face to face workshop with your customers, where you can show samples, explain the software and many times design a book or other Print-ibles product for  your customer. This simply cannot be accomplished through a faceless internet machine.

Q: You say that you will train me to become a photobook professional. I’m not that good with computers. Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

A: Yes we can! With our on line training and support along with videos and phone support, you will find learning the Print-ibles system easy and we make it enjoyable to. Your creative self will blossom from the very start. Don’t worry!

Q: In your documentation you mention an override commission if recruit another consultant. What’s that all about?

A: Although we are not a multilevel sales business, we do offer 5% commission on the total amount of sales of another consultant that you introduce to the Print-ibles family. This is unlike many other direct sales companies who require you to  bring many consultants to the company in order for you to make comparable commissions.

Q: I saw on the brochure that you print canvas wraps and canvas wrap clocks. What is a canvas wrap clock?

A: We are very proud of our canvas wraps as we have a very unique method in the production process. We manufacture in house a proprietary stretcher system that is the strongest and lightest on the market. We install a backer to the canvas that makes the finished product much more durable. The back of each unit is covered and includes hanger and bumpers. The clocks are truly magnificent. You can take any  image and make it into a fully functional clock. All the features of our canvas wraps are included in the clocks. There are many choices for the clock hands and placement of the clock. These are very popular items with our customers.

Q: Can you guarantee me I will make money?

A: No! We can however, tell you that many do. Our business is robust but like all business you get out of it what you put in. Will you work part time or full time? Are you good at following up with people and showing them you are someone they can trust to care about their needs? This is the true strength of being successful in your own business.

Q: I read the contract that I would be required to sign. but I’m not sure about the independent contractor clause?

A: This is standard in the direct sales industry. Independent contractors perform work or services for an entity on a non-employee basis. Direct sellers are statutory non-employees, and are treated as self-employed for all Federal tax purposes, including income and employment taxes, if: 1) substantially all payments for their services as direct sellers are directly related to sales or other output, rather than to the number of hours worked; and 2) their services are performed under a written contract providing that they will not be treated as employees for Federal tax purposes. I hope that explains it well.

Q: Beside home parties, are there other ways to make sales?

A: Yes. We will show you an almost endless list of potential end users of the many Print-ibles offerings and provide how and where to find them.

Q: Are there sales quotas?

A: There are no minimum orders, purchase requirements or quotas.

Q: Are there any tax benefits from operating my own home based business?

A: Yes, home based businesses receive numerous tax advantages. Most of the time any expenses that are related to your business can be taken as a deduction on your tax return. We list some of the more common deductions in our consultant package.