Avon, Mary Kay Ranks Boom As A Second-job Option

Orlando, Fla.-based Tupperware Brands said globally it's making more money and has more people selling its products, spokeswoman Nora Alonso said.

Direct sales reps can earn commissions between 25 to 50 percent of retail sales, and some companies will also pay for recruiting a new sales person. Direct sellers also can earn rewards, too, including jewelry, handbags, furniture, appliances, cars and vacations.

There can be expenses. It costs about $10 to get the Avon starter kit of products and brochures, and some companies require the sales people to purchase products wholesale and then resell them. Mary Kay consultants purchase mascara for $7.50; the company recommends they sell it for twice that.

Companies that are members of the Direct Selling Association are required to have buyback programs where they refund at least 90 percent of costs to sales representatives who get stuck with products.

During stronger economies, people usually take on direct sales jobs so they can have money for leisure spending, said Larry Chonko, business ethics professor at The University of Texas at Arlington.

"Times are tough as we know and there is an absolute need for extra income," Chonko said. "Direct sales is not recession-proof, but it is the kind of business that even in a recession you can make success of it. And if you create a solid foundation now, then just wait until the economy comes out of the down cycle and goes into an up cycle."