There can be a negative connotation regarding purchasing from an in-home consultant vs. a store because early generation attempts may have been overzealous, pushy, and full of promises without a quality product to back them up.  Just like we question products on infomercials!

Some MLM companies are basically buying clubs - you have to be a member to buy the product.  Pyramid schemes (which are illegal) are also lumped into this group, unfortunately.

Luckily, there are lots of GREAT examples of direct sales companies (Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, just to name a few!) The best reasons for purchasing from a Consultant vs. a store are:
1.  It allows you to understand your product more thoroughly because you have a live person WHO CARES explaining it to you.
2.  You can try it before you buy it (in most cases)
3.  Direct Sales companies understands the importance of good customer service.  Word of mouth/referrals is how we grow our business.
4. Buying from a direct sales company supports more people in one purchase than a Big Store does.  It helps the consultant (who may be a parent or a retiree making ends meet), the hostess gets free products, and guests usually get perks too for making a purchase.  When you buy from a store, the person behind the counter doesn't usually get anything but minimum wage - all the profit goes to the store - and just TRY to return something after 30 days without a hassle!