Avon is calling more frequently and the Tupperware troupe are partying harder than ever and Ms Slattery, an Avon representative on-and-off for 15 years, says she’s not surprised more people are signing up during the economic downturn.

“We sell good products at a reasonable price. We sell everything from clothing to kitchenware, kids books and toys to men’s and women’s beauty products, while there’s an economic crisis people need this stuff at a cheaper price,” she said.

“I became a representative when I first moved to Orange in the late 80s, a new single mum with two babies and a small child, I wanted to meet people in this new town and buy cheaper products.”

Direct Selling Association of Australia executive director John Holloway said the top motivation to join the industry was additional income, followed by the chance to purchase products cheaply themselves and social activity.

Tupperware Australia has experienced a 16 per cent growth in the number of demonstrators.

New demonstrator Carmel Webb said she joined to increase family time and Tupperware parties have allowed this.

“I wanted to cut back on how many nights I worked so I could spend more time with my husband and four kids,” she said.

“I can have a night off work and then just have a Tupperware party to make up for the money I lost.”