Direct sales are beginning to gain popularity among those who are looking to make extra money during tough economic times. With examples of sellers gaining wealth from being a direct seller abounding, more people are expected to become involved in direct sales in the next few years.

Citing numbers from the Direct Selling Association, the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, California, reported an estimated 15.8 million people worked in direct sales in 2010, which is an increase from the 15 million reported to be direct sellers in 2007. The industry is mostly dominated by women, but men are beginning to notice the earning potential of direct selling and jumping aboard.

One direct seller shared a story of how she lost her job after 15 years and became a success in direct selling with a bath and beauty products company.

“It was basically one thing after another,” Melacha Quirke said to the Press Democrat. “We were surviving on severance packages, and couldn’t keep up with payments. It makes sense for me to be able to do it, because I can work at night when my husband is at home, and during the day I can be at home with my kids.”

A recently released report by Direct Selling News showed that in 2010, direct selling companies worldwide generated more than $125 billion in revenue across 150 countries, showing the benefits of becoming involved in the industry.