The direct-selling industry is booming with more and more people choosing to be their own boss every day. According to the Direct Selling Association, 20.5 million people were involved in direct selling in the United States in 2016 and 5.3 million are building their own independent businesses are direct sellers by maintaining their customer base and sponsoring other direct sellers. For those that choose to become their own boss through direct selling, 800,000 are full-time business builders and 4.5 million are part-time business builders.

Women make up 74 percent of the direct selling workforce, making the decision to turn direct sales into an opportunity to get products at a discount, a side hustle or a business where they are the boss. Here are just a few of the reasons why women are leaving the corporate world for direct sales:

A Low Start-up Cost

Unlike other types of businesses, direct selling companies offer a low start-up cost. For the price of a start-up kit, women can own their own business. According to the Direct Selling Association, the average start-up cost for direct sales is only $106.40, a price that many women have earned back through the commission in just a few months.

Low Risk

Women typically earn back the cost of their start-up kit within a few months, which means that if direct sales aren’t for them, they can quit with little to no loss. Additionally, there are a lot of different direct sales companies so if the one they started with doesn’t work out, there is always another one out there for them.

Product Savings

Becoming a consultant allows you to receive products at a reduced count or even earn free products.

Flexible Schedule

Being your own boss means you get to create your own schedule, which means you can choose to work a few hours a day or even a few days a week. Women are choosing to run their business while their kids are at work or at school, or even after they leave their 9-to-5 job. If you aren’t feeling well or need a vacation, you can choose to take a day off without penalty.

Work Wherever You Want

Direct selling consultants work wherever they want — from the comfort of their own bed, at a coffee shop and even on vacation. All you need is internet access to run your business.

Training

Many direct sales companies provide you with the tools and steps you need to get your business off of the ground. Many of them, like Amway, offer blogs that are perfect for sharing with your customers on ways that they can use your products.

Growth Potential

You can decide how much time and effort you put into your business, which means the potential for growth is unlimited. Many direct sales companies offer bonuses and promotions for consultants that do well, which means you can grow your business.

Social

Being in direct sales means you get to interact with a lot of people. Direct selling is a great way to meet new people and make money while you do it. Additionally, many direct sales companies have strong communities of consultants, which means you can get support and advice from other consultants just like you.

Money

The amount of money you make in direct selling depends on how much you sell. Many women use direct selling as a way to supplement their income and some are using it as their main source of income. The amount of money that you can potentially earn is unlimited.