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Lifestyle, Reviews & Testimonials
Welcome to the Southwestern Advantage Disclosure Statement page. The purpose of this page is as follows:
- To promote transparency regrading earnings and lifestyle claims
- To explain our business model and company
- To provide data to assist parents and prospects of the sales and leadership program make an informed decision if this program is a right fit
About Southwestern Advantage & This Page
Since 1868, the Southwestern Advantage sales and leadership program/internship has served as a means for college and university students to gain skills, build character, and offset their school expenses by running their own business selling educational products to families. In 2024, student participants were enrolled at nearly 200 colleges and universities. In addition, there were also participants who have elected to not attend university, choosing an experiential education in life through our program.
Throughout the recruiting process, the challenges and expectations one can have with the program is disclosed to each prospective participant, including their parents (who typically endorse them into the program through a Parent Support Letter), before their formal training is set to begin. Participants attend training both prior to starting their business and through the duration of the summer that covers such topics as business management, product knowledge, ethics, safety, managing finances, communication principles, and what to expect as they run their business.
The information regarding income claims, lifestyle claims, success stories, and testimonials for which Southwestern Advantage or an independent third party has presented publicly are true for the individuals featured. However, the results may not be typical. Each independent student dealer who participates may have different results depending on their level of sales success which, in turn, depends upon variables such as their level of commitment, effort, and hours they choose to work while running their independent business. This is true for any entrepreneurial endeavor.
Business Model
Southwestern Advantage uses the direct selling business model. University students and young people who choose to participate in the sales and leadership program are classified as independent contractors. They run their own business and are responsible for living and business expenses such as transportation, lodging, and food. The products are purchased at wholesale pricing and sold at retail pricing to consumers generated door-to-door through cold-calls and referrals. Students do not have to purchase products upfront, can return any unsold products and do not pay for their sales kit and training.
The entrepreneurial program is set up to help young people have an opportunity to gain life skills while running their own business. Participation is optional and not binding. The skill set they learn is not typically taught in a classroom setting.
Profits (Earnings*)
The typical amount of income that can generally be expected by an independent student representative selling products produced by Southwestern Advantage to families is illustrated by the information provided below. This information serves as a reasonable basis for any income or earnings claims made regarding the program.
*Each student who participates in the Southwestern Advantage sales and leadership program is an independent contractor. The term “earnings” is not typically used to describe the money the make. The term profit is more accurate and represents the legal term that is used internally and should be used externally.
Sources of Profit:
The numbers cited on this site are for personal sales profit, residual income, and the rebate the independent representatives receive as a discount on the wholesale product for their team’s production. Independent dealers are paid in the following ways:
- Personal sales profit is derived from the products students sell to retail consumers they generate themselves while running their business. Dealer accounts are settled at the end of the summer except for families still on payment plans for larger purchases.
- Residual profit comes from paid-for online subscriptions and apps families purchase on a month-to-month basis.
- Dealer discount is an amount received from the company in the form of a rebate by qualified dealers for team production. This is paid in January after the books are closed, and amounts are finalized.
- Dealers may be eligible for prizes won from achieving various levels in sales or team-building contests including an incentive trip.
The amounts shared on this disclosure statement are calculated in gross profit generated because each independent student dealer has both fixed and variable expenses (see sample of expenses below). Some fixed expenses may include rent for their host family ($25-50/week), gas, food, and personal items. Each of these expenses vary from student to student, as the expenses depend on their individual situation and personal consumption. Some students have a host family that does not charge rent, and some students may use some of the profit from their business for personal expenses not related to running their business – which is their right to do so.
It’s important to note that each student runs their own business during their summer break between semesters or quarters. During the typical 12 to 14 weeks they operate their business, most students choose to operate six days a week. This means they are putting in many hours towards the success of their business to maximize the return during the fixed time they have available. As such, the profit the students make from their personal sales is with a concentrated and focused energy towards their business within this timeframe.
Chart 1: Previous Year’s History of Average Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) by Year of Participation (2024)
| 2024 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $7,861.26 | 64 | 270 | $0.00 | $46,172.76 |
| Second Year | $18,345.21 | 68 | 109 | $134.33 | $65,916.66 |
| Third Year | $31,075.60 | 69 | 52 | $10.43 | $89,457.31 |
| Fourth year | $41,740.42 | 74 | 31 | $1,679.21 | $115,292.16 |
| Fifth Year + | $65,217.05 | 67 | 59 | $43,906.03 | $179,117.21 |
Chart 2: Three-Year History of Average Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) for Independent Contractors by Year of Participation for 61+ Days (2024, 2023, 2022)
| 2024 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $10,128.59 | 76 | 361 | $333.42 | $53,232.50 |
| Second Year | $21,131.67 | 77 | 176 | $2,484.83 | $71,153.74 |
| Third Year | $33,815.67 | 80 | 79 | $2,176.55 | $169,201.53 |
| Fourth year | $45,390.45 | 80 | 47 | $8,022.55 | $115,292.16 |
| Fifth Year + | $66,220.20 | 83 | 92 | $5,574.02 | $184,574.44 |
| 2023 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $9,638.46 | 71 | 184 | $48.98 | $46,246.03 |
| Second Year | $23,391.25 | 73 | 68 | $7,092.59 | $63,676.87 |
| Third Year | $36,612.36 | 74 | 32 | $4,547.05 | $107,104.68 |
| Fourth year | $37,822.28 | 76 | 40 | $10,760.68 | $100,907.64 |
| Fifth Year + | $72,036.73 | 74 | 43 | $5,307.92 | $250,877.94 |
| 2022 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $11,129.95 | 73 | 209 | $1,000.14 | $42,774.60 |
| Second Year | $21,933.45 | 74 | 101 | $2,791.27 | $54,555.99 |
| Third Year | $30,477.44 | 75 | 52 | $2,731.09 | $105,401.84 |
| Fourth year | $37,571.58 | 81 | 24 | $15,403.31 | $73,212.26 |
| Fifth Year + | $76,316.67 | 77 | 46 | $18,462.20 | $178,026.14 |
Chart 3: Three-Year History of Average Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) for Independent Contractors by Year of Participation for 41-60 Days (2024, 2023, 2022)
| 2024 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $4,815.14 | 50 | 42 | $160.02 | $23,332.72 |
| Second Year | $11,799.47 | 52 | 13 | $3,300.37 | $21,648.55 |
| Third Year | $16,218.54 | 51 | 5 | $7,205.80 | $31,286.95 |
| Fourth year | $41,241.12 | 50 | 3 | $17,301.92 | $73,975.10 |
| Fifth Year + | $56,620.13 | 52 | 11 | $8,712.49 | $131,463.28 |
| 2023 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $4,858.34 | 53 | 35 | $469.78 | $18,375.82 |
| Second Year | $8,102.71 | 55 | 4 | $4,703.82 | $9,641.45 |
| Third Year | $14,880.40 | 49 | 2 | $8,839.61 | $20,921.18 |
| Fourth year | $22,584.44 | 51 | 5 | $16,123.64 | $30,962.21 |
| Fifth Year + | $29,383.10 | 49 | 5 | $13,688.05 | $46,275.47 |
| 2022 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $5,543.67 | 54 | 25 | $689.50 | $19,102.02 |
| Second Year | $16,348.28 | 55 | 18 | $2,511.02 | $39,830.45 |
| Third Year | $23,023.30 | 54 | 7 | $12,252.92 | $51,290.57 |
| Fourth year | $23,548.25 | 52 | 3 | $5,242.11 | $33,681.93 |
| Fifth Year + | $15,873.21 | 51 | 2 | $15,676.78 | $16,069.94 |
Chart 4: Three-Year History of Average Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) for Independent Contractors by Year of Participation for 21-40 Days (2024, 2023, 2022)
| 2024 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $1,293.06 | 29 | 32 | $39.66 | $5,754.90 |
| Second Year | $5,256.29 | 31 | 9 | $1,169.63 | $10,641.62 |
| Third Year | $9,223.30 | 27 | 3 | $6,482.24 | $14,066.58 |
| Fourth year | $0 | 0 | 0 | $0 | $0 |
| Fifth Year + | $25,802.20 | 31 | 6 | $9,915.30 | $62,011.28 |
| 2023 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $1,066.81 | 28 | 32 | $74.97 | $3,240.64 |
| Second Year | $2,436.99 | 26 | 2 | $1,249.58 | $3,624.39 |
| Third Year | $1,163.41 | 25 | 1 | $1,163.41 | $1,163.41 |
| Fourth year | $18,269.07 | 30 | 1 | $18,269.07 | $18,269.07 |
| Fifth Year + | $6,812.49 | 27 | 1 | $6,812.49 | $6,812.49 |
| 2022 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $1,131.41 | 29 | 44 | $0.00 | $6,015.14 |
| Second Year | $4,653.48 | 35 | 6 | $1,981.03 | $8,847.67 |
| Third Year | $7,099.68 | 32 | 2 | $6,983.05 | $7,216.31 |
| Fourth year | $25,600.59 | 36 | 1 | $25,600.59 | $25,600.59 |
| Fifth Year + | $25,074.59 | 31 | 1 | $25,074.59 | $25,074.59 |
Chart 5: Three-Year History of Average Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) for Independent Contractors by Year of Participation for 1-20 Days (2024, 2023, 2022)
| 2024 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $384.48 | 9 | 78 | $0.00 | $2,477.74 |
| Second Year | $1,575.69 | 5 | 7 | $44.30 | $4,654.93 |
| Third Year | $6,862.87 | 9 | 4 | $10.43 | $17,274.11 |
| Fourth year | $11,012.58 | 4 | 3 | $1,671.29 | $27,367.21 |
| Fifth Year + | $14,854.18 | 5 | 9 | $1,640.61 | $60,368.06 |
| 2023 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $238.21 | 9 | 88 | $0.00 | $2,660.09 |
| Second Year | $3,856.21 | 11 | 3 | $1,536.64 | $7,545.39 |
| Third Year | $2,830.26 | 13 | 2 | $2,543.22 | $3,117.30 |
| Fourth year | $8,923.22 | 15 | 2 | $8,066.48 | $9,779.95 |
| Fifth Year + | $3,172.87 | 7 | 1 | $3,172.87 | $3,172.87 |
| 2022 | Total Income Average | Average Days | Number of Reps | Minimum of Total Income | Maximum of Total Income |
| First Year | $368.35 | 9 | 103 | $0.00 | $2,642.41 |
| Second Year | $702.05 | 5 | 4 | $622.69 | $824.56 |
| Third Year | $7,693.30 | 4 | 1 | $7,693.30 | $7,693.30 |
| Fourth year | $2,630.64 | 9 | 1 | $2,630.64 | $2,630.64 |
| Fifth Year + | $5,232.68 | 11 | 4 | $1,440.75 | $9,890.78 |
Chart 6: Median Total Gross Income (Personal Sales, Residuals & Product Discounts) for Student Dealers by Year of Participation
| First Year | Median Total Income | Percent of Participants |
| 1 – 20 Days | $97.98 | 21.13% |
| 21 – 40 Days | $789.82 | 9.58% |
| 41 – 60 Days | $4,177.03 | 15.77% |
| 61+ Days | $8,767.61 | 53.52% |
| Second Year | Median Total Income | Percent of Participants |
| 1 – 20 Days | $735.17 | 10.81% |
| 21 – 40 Days | $2,157.09 | 2.70% |
| 41 – 60 Days | $10,038.15 | 11.71% |
| 61+ Days | $19,853.94 | 74.77% |
| Third Year | Median Total Income | Percent of Participants |
| 1 – 20 Days | $2,838.24 | 6.82% |
| 21 – 40 Days | $9,214.31 | 1.14% |
| 41 – 60 Days | $23,114.99 | 7.95% |
| 61+ Days | $28,175.09 | 84.09% |
| Fourth Year | Median Total Income | Percent of Participants |
| 1 – 20 Days | $304.39 | 2.63% |
| 21 – 40 Days | $8,782.30 | 8.11% |
| 41 – 60 Days | $36,909.48 | 21.62% |
| 61+ Days | $34,816.00 | 70.27% |
| Fifth Year + | Median Total Income | Percent of Participants |
| 1 – 20 Days | $12,091.75 | 5.88% |
| 21 – 40 Days | $20,523.70 | 5.88% |
| 41 – 60 Days | $48,408.20 | 9.80% |
| 61+ Days | $52,941.27 | 78.43% |
Number of Total Participants
2025: 917
2024: 1023
2023: 1098
2022: 1096
Typical Average Expenses (Including What an Independent Representative DOES NOT Pay For)
Expected Expenses of Independent Student Dealers
These are known expenses for student dealers. Expenses will differ from student to student as variables such as vehicle repairs and personal expenses will vary. Keep in mind that expenses related to the business can be used as a tax write-off such as gas and food.
Typical Expenses
- Tablet or iPad – students use their own device to run their business
- Gas – students with vehicles require fuel to get from one place to another including sales training and their sales locality
- Food – dealers typically have a local breakfast spot they eat at and pack a lunch and dinner from food purchased at a grocery store
- Personal items – hygiene and beauty products, clothing, and other personal items are the representative’s responsibility to provide for themselves
- Rent – students most often live with a host family to keep expenses low
- Solicitor/Peddler Permit – this is required by law in jurisdictions that require it (Southwestern Advantage reimburses 50% of the cost over $5)
- A small monthly fee for an app that helps with tracking customers and running the business (only during months of operation)
- Various meeting expenses / cultural activities
- Incentive Trip (if a full trip or partial trip is not won and the student wishes to attend)
Items Student Participants Receive for Free
- All training is free
- All materials that make up the sales kits are free
- Lodging during training is paid for by Southwestern Advantage
- Shipping & handling for the products is paid by the consumer (included in final pricing)
- Representatives do not have to pay the wholesale for the products upfront. They have an account with Southwestern Advantage and receive what the order. Upon receiving the products ordered, they take ownership of them.
- Representatives can return any unsold product in their possession that is in good condition
Incentive Trip Winners
2024: 494 out of 1,023
2023: 494 out of 1,098
Lifestyle
Any lifestyle claims from Southwestern Advantage or any independent student dealers such as travel, incentive trips and meetings, items purchased with income generated by the profit from the student’s business, or any other types of claims are specific to that individual and may not be representative of other student dealers. A link to our disclosure page should accompany any such claims or visual representations.
Reviews & Testimonials
All reviews and testimonials regarding Southwestern Advantage on any company-owned platforms reflect truthful and accurate information regarding the claim and experience. Southwestern Advantage does not purchase positive reviews, nor do we publish fake reviews or testimonials. When not explicitly implied, a relationship between the source of the review or testimonial may be disclosed.
More About Southwestern Advantage
Southwestern Advantage is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a charter member since 1961, and maintains an A+ rating. The company is also a past winner of the BBB’s Torch Award for Ethical Commerce, as well as the finalist for the award in 2025. Southwestern Advantage is also a member of the Direct Selling Association, based in Washington, DC, and abides by a strict code of ethics. In 2019, Southwestern Advantage was recognized by the Cooperative Education & Internship Association as the Charles F. Kettering Award winner for excellence in industry, business, or government / cooperative education programs.
Southwestern Advantage and www.southwesternadvantage.com are part of Southwestern Family of Companies. Established in Nashville, Tennessee in 1855, Southwestern Family of Companies is a diversified, growing, international, and employee-owned company built on a foundation of principles and purpose. Comprised of companies with a shared mission of building people and helping others, Southwestern Family of Companies provides a large range of products and services, including educational books and websites, real estate services, travel services, consulting services, insurance (casualty & property, final expense), executive search, sales and leadership coaching and more. www.southwestern.com