Canadian Business Guide

Canadian Business Guide

Welcome to Canada

For a direct selling company looking to expand or a business getting into the channel for the first time, Canada is a strong direct selling market, which continues to offer considerable room for expansion and growth. The economy is healthy and, most importantly, the people are hungry for entrepreneurial opportunities. 

In Canada, direct selling is perceived by:

• Manufacturers, as an effective channel to profitably get products to market.
• Consumers, as a reliable and credible supplier of quality products and services.
• Entrepreneurs, as a viable earning and learning opportunity.
• Canadians, as a socially concerned, responsible and productive industry that provides credible, reasonable opportunities for Canadian society

Historically, companies entering Canada with an appealing value proposition have a good chance of success, both over the short and long term. Certainty in the market is provided by a strong regulatory framework, political stability, and a robust financial and logistics infrastructure. 
 

Tips for Success

Reasons that direct selling companies succeed in the Canadian market include:

• Pre-planning: As the old saying goes: “if you fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Companies that find success usually work to check off all the regulatory and compliance boxes before launch.
• Seek expertise: Canada has a strong community of experts with country-specific direct selling knowledge, across legal, logistics, technology, payments, meetings and more.
• Boots on the ground: Having staff, real estate and events in Canada shows a company’s commitment to the market, which is appealing to potential consultants and customers.
• Localize: Things that work in the U.S. (or elsewhere) may not work in the Canadian market. It is important to plan product offerings, pricing, packaging, marketing, and outreach specifically with Canadians in mind.
• Joining the Canadian direct selling community: DSA Canada membership provides instant legitimacy, a community of mentors and access to exclusive market intel. DSA Canada is here to help businesses in every stage of their direct selling journey.
   

More Items to Consider

• Geography: Canada is the second largest country in the world by area, but the thirty-ninth largest by population, with around 41 million people.
• Logistics: Getting products quickly and precisely to consumers across the country is crucial for success.
• Language: Canada has two official languages, French and English.
• Federal Regulation: Market entrants must consider items such as business registration and compliance, taxation, and product regulation.
• Provincial Regulation: Some jurisdictions have specific company and consultant licensing requirements.
   

We encourage you to always seek out expert Canadian advice to enhance your success. View a list of DSA Canada’s Supplier Members.