What kind of company do you want to work with?
With so many different types of direct sales businesses out there, try to narrow your search - 1.) what types of products interest you and 2.) find a business you  feel you will be good at. Great Advice - join a company that offers products that you like and would use. If you are passionate about the products selling them will be easier. If you like the products and use them yourself and truly enjoy them, it will be easier for you to tell others about the products. 
  

What do you want to be able to gain?
Do you like to recruit and build teams? Would you rather purchase products at a discount and sell to friends and family? Every company is different - locate who offers down line commissions. So if you want to be able to build a team and earn an additional income, make sure the company offers a down line commission structure.

You need to make sure the company does not have a quota each month or you may not qualify to order at a discount if you are just looking to sell part time or purchase at a discount.

Compensation plan should be easy for you to understand, clear all up confusion before you begin.

What kind of pay structure are you looking to earn? 
Companies will vary here ranging from a 15% commission up to a 50% commission. 
Are bonuses available? If you are looking to run a business and earn a strong income you would like to be able to earn bonuses based on your performance.

How much are the business supplies?
Some give the business supplies to the consultant, where others you have to purchase them. Supplies can get expensive so make sure you ask what the cost of the basic supplies are. Catalogs, order forms and so on.  You want to make sure you are comfortable with the business costs.

 I have seen catalogs run from .25 a piece on up to $10.00 a piece. So if you are only going to make a 10% or 15% commission will it be worth it to you, to purchase $10 catalogs? If you earn a 15% commission would you be willing to give out a $10 catalog the same as you would be willing to hand out catalogs that were $1.00?

What are the policies?
Each company has set their own rules that a consultant much follow.
If you want to sell online, then you need to make sure the company allows the consultant to sell on line.
If you sold online and the company did not allow it, you could lose your contract with the company.

If you want to advertise online, make sure it is allowed. Some do not allow online advertising!

If you want to run a full business a have a website, it is important to join a company that will allow you to have your own website. So, you want to make sure that would not be a problem.
Are there quotas to follow each month? If you want to join as a part time rep or a hobby consultant and a company says you must sell $600 a month, is it worth it? Ask yourself that question. If there is a quota and you do not meet it, you would become inactive and not be able to purchase until you ordered a set amount  to become active again. So check in to the monthly or quarterly sales amount, that way you will know what is expected of you.

What kind of hostess program does the company offer?
The hostess program will be a vital part of any direct sales or home party plan business. You need to be able to book shows or you will not be able to run a full business. Make sure the company offers a good solid hostess program. If the hostess benefits are low or hard to reach, you might want to reconsider. You want to be able to use the hostess program to help gain customers and bookings. 
 
Some companies pay for the hostess benefits and others do not. So, don't forget to ask if the company pays for the hostess benefits or if the consultant is responsible. 
What type of benefits does the hostess receive? The hostess needs to feel like she is going to gain something in exchange for hosting! So the percentage of free merchandise earned is important and booking benefits.
Which type of hostess program would you be more will to book with?
10% in free merchandise on sales of $300 or more.
and
1 half priced item for $300 in sales
OR
20% in free merchandise on sales of $100 or more.
1 half priced item for every $100 or $200 in sales
with
Booking Bonuses or shopping credit.