Travails of Direct Sellers in Davao del Sur: A Phenomenological Inquiry

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Keywords:

business, lived experiences, qualitative study, thematic analysis, direct sellers, Philippines

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the experiences of direct sellers in MABAMA, Davao del Sur. Using a qualitative-phenomenological approach, IDI and FGD to 12 selected direct sellers, the experiences of direct sellers were explored. Thematic analysis revealed that the reasons for the participants in engaging in direct selling are peer influence, self-will and curiosity, and financial motivation. Direct sellers have experienced working hard to run their business that is sweat for coins. Though direct selling business gradually uplifted their financial status; still they encountered challenges in the market such as unreliable customers or resellers, and difficulties in selling product. Nonetheless, significant strategies helped them sustain their business, such as network extension, establishing business agreements, use of brochures and demonstrations, and providing freebies and discounts. The participants viewed direct selling necessitates interpersonal skills, patience, risk-taking, thriftiness, and knowledge about customers. Direct sellers need to develop personal characteristics and learn strategies in the direct selling business.

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Published

2019-07-31

How to Cite

Deparine, Q. C., Canoy, A. M., Rañoa, J., Baloran, E., Hernan, J., & Pajaron, E. (2019). Travails of Direct Sellers in Davao del Sur: A Phenomenological Inquiry. Gomanan, 1(1), 61–73. Retrieved from https://ieesjournals.com/index.php/gmrj/article/view/114

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