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Consultant, Product Demonstrator, Salesperson, Network Marketers
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Direct sellers sell goods or services to consumers. They are most often self-employed. They may travel to customers’ homes to make sales. They may also sell goods at fairs, trade shows, and booths in shopping malls.
Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, direct sellers:
Some direct sellers contact people by telephone, in person, on social media, or through online promotions. Others hold home parties for groups, also called “network marketing.”) Some do both. Others work with other direct sellers to staff booths at events and in shopping centres.
Those who sell in person:
Those who hold sales parties may do some or all of the above and also:
Most direct sellers work part time from their own homes. Some work full time. Their work involves travel to homes and other sales locations.
Those who hold sales parties most often do so on evenings and weekends when most customers are available. They then do the follow-up work from home as quickly as possible after the party.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in copying information to present sample products and catalogues, and to explain desirable qualities of products
Interest in persuading customers by soliciting sales of goods and services directly to individuals or at sales parties
Interest in handling merchandise to canvass prospective customers; may develop lists of prospective customers or follow leads supplied by management, and may distribute advertising literature and provide samples
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Direct sellers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 83 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 28, 2021 and Nov 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Solicit sales and sell goods or services | 66 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Provide customer service | 55 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 45 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 42 |
| Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills | 40 |
| Experience: Will train | 39 |
| Work Setting: Various locations | 35 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 34 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 34 |
| Tasks: Contact potential customers by phone | 33 |
There are no education or experience requirements. Having worked in customer service or sales is an asset. It can help to speak more than one language.
Some companies offer support to increase sales. This may include training programs, contests, or promotions. Training programs and materials are usually free or low cost.
Those thinking about direct sales should research any company they think of working for. This is very important if they need to spend money in advance. For example, they may need to buy samples to show customers. Factors to consider include:
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Direct sellers in Alberta require a direct selling business license from Service Alberta They may also need a municipal business licence.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Most direct sellers are self-employed. They operate the business from their home and pay their own travel expenses.
Advancement opportunities may take the form of more or better sales areas. Top sellers may earn promotions or bonuses.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Other sales related occupations
2016 NOC: 6623
76.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Direct sellers’ earnings vary from month to month and year to year because they are based on commission. Commissions may increase with sales volume.
In network marketing, direct sellers build a passive income stream on top of their own commissions. This is based on sales made by direct sellers they have recruited. The larger their network, the larger their income. This can sometimes help to level out their income over the year.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
