Will you need to keep stock at home?

3 minute read · Updated 26 October 2026

Some product-based opportunities say you don’t need to hold stock. That may mean customer orders are sent directly by the company, while you still keep a kit or samples at home. Check what is included before deciding whether it suits your space and budget.

Stock, samples and kits serve different purposes

Resale stock is products you keep ready to sell. Ask whether buying it is compulsory and what happens if items remain unsold or get damaged.

Demonstration products and samples let customers try what you offer. You may use them up, so find out who pays for replacements.

A starter kit can contain either of these, as well as brochures or digital tools. Check the contents and whether there’s a choice of kits.

Ask the company to explain an order

Who takes payment? Who sends the parcel, and who pays delivery? If the customer returns it, who receives the goods and arranges the refund?

Ask these questions for each method you plan to use. An order placed through a company website may work differently from an order you take at an event. Having an online shop does not necessarily remove every need to handle products.

Check the terms for unsold products

Find out whether you can return stock or cancel a kit purchase, and check the time limits, condition requirements and charges. The policy for a customer returning an item may differ from the policy for a rep returning unsold stock.

Be specific about what you can keep

If you have room for a demonstration kit but don’t want resale stock, explain that to the company. If you can’t keep any products at home, ask whether the opportunity allows that. Read the company’s overview, then check the arrangement for the way you want to work.