VDI status: what you need to know

The rights and duties of the VDI

The VDI activity, being recognised by the State, grants the VDI the right to social protection. They are treated as employees under the Social Security system and are not affiliated to the RSI.

However, they are self-employed as far as the tax authorities are concerned, and are therefore considered to be non-salaried as far as unemployment law is concerned. He does not contribute to his unemployment insurance and therefore cannot receive Pôle Emploi compensation. They are, however, entitled to a pension based on their earnings.

Find out more about the status of Vendeur à Domicile Indépendant on the Service Public website.

VDI contract: which one to choose?

The VDI is bound by a contract with the company that entrusts it with the sale of its products and services. There are two main types of contract: the VDI agent contract and the VDI buyer-reseller contract.

VDI agent contract

By opting for the agent contract, the VDI does not buy stock. The company grants the seller the right to take orders in its name and on its behalf. There is no stock to manage, so this is the least risky contract for the VDI.

The company sets the agent's remuneration. The salary received is in fact a commission defined by the company on the sales achieved by the VDI agent.

When declaring their sales, agents must declare their commission as non-commercial profits (BNC). To qualify for VAT exemption and the micro-business tax regime, the VDI agent must declare an annual gross amount of less than €33,200.

Find out more in our special VDI agent article

VDI buyer-seller contract

The buyer-seller VDI buys the stocks and then sells them on. They are free to set their own prices, subject to the maximum recommended price. This type of VDI contract involves more risk, but the initial financial investment can nevertheless result in a more attractive margin.

The margin that the salesperson earns represents his or her salary. Annual sales must be less than €82,800 and commission must be less than €33,200. Margins must be declared as Industrial and Commercial Profits (BIC), while sales promotion commissions must be declared as Non-Commercial Profits (BNC).

The advantages of VDI status

There are a number of advantages to becoming an independent door-to-door salesperson:

- The VDI activity adapts to the VDI's life: they can organise themselves as they wish.

- You become your own boss: there are no fixed working methods or hours. VDIs are free to manage their own business and financial objectives, without any directives from the company.

- Remuneration based on motivation: the sales generated depend on the commitment of the VDI. The more committed they are, the more they earn.

- No qualifications or experience required: anyone can become a VDI and succeed if they give themselves the means!

Are you passionate about fashion and interested in becoming a VDI?

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