# Multi-Level-Marketing Companies **URL:** \ **Category:** Lounge\ **Created:** [July 30, 2008, 3:54pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571 "2008-07-30T15:54:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 3:54pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/1 "2008-07-30T15:54:04Z")
Anyone involved with any MLM companies? Im curious about what they are about and want to at least look into them / do some research. i.e. of a popular one is Quixtar, BeautyControl and others. ---
**Author:** ![Phya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@Phya](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Phya)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 11:59pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/2 "2008-07-30T23:59:48Z")
I know a couple people in those programs. Of the people I’ve met, only one looks remotely successful and even then, what I’ve seen of the programs, isn’t very…inspiring. They ask you to pay to attend seminars, they don’t refer to it as a seminar, but it’s like a gathering that they all go to, to see other people who’ve received honors and all that. I dunno, it’s all very misleading and deceptive, IMO. It’s a business plan that’s destined for failure, you can’t saturate the market with that many salespeople and not expect some salespeople to drop out due to lack of sales. Based on what I’ve heard, the people on top make money off of the people below them, but when the pyramid that they’ve built up is too big to support itself (due to all the commissions), they just cut it off, and start a new pyramid. ---
**Author:** ![mark-in-dallas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mark-in-dallas/32/860_2.png) [@mark-in-dallas](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mark-in-dallas)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 1:14pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/3 "2008-07-31T13:14:08Z")
I used to manage sales offices and it seemed like every salesperson that I hired that ended up leaving would come back a month or two later with the greatest opportunity in the world and wanted to share it with me! I’ve heard MLM pitches on micro diet cookies, long distance telephone service, water filters, clothing lines, electronic equipment, buyers clubs, etc. And, everytime I’d be polite and listen for a minute or two, then tell them that I wasn’t interested and wished them the best of luck. These people seemed to have been brainwashed, almost as if they had joined a cult. I did join Amway many years ago, not because I wanted to, but because the person pressuring me to join was spending $500 - $1,000 a week with my company. I didn’t want to offend him by telling him no, and I figured the couple hundred dollars I had to spend for the distributer pack was an investment in my company. Right in the distributer application was a disclaimer that the average Amway distributer makes 45 cents per month in commissions, which had to be initialed. After joining he started trying to get me to attend those weekly meetings, which were always held at places that were an hour or two away. I attended two of those meetings, heard a bunch of bullshit, and finally had to tell the guy that I was done. I have never known anybody who became successful with MLM. Although every single one of them offers illusions of grandeur. Obviosly the people at the top levels get rich off the efforts of those under them, but the vast majority end up making little or nothing. ---
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 2:55pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/4 "2008-07-31T14:55:48Z")
Below is an information packed email (written and replied back and forth over the course of two days). It started when i asked a customer where she got her car (lexus). She subtley mentioend the multi level marketing and i was instantly intrigued. I am aware of amway, how they became Quixtar ect…I have looked into different products as well. Its something I am at least looking into…and to give a better feel for where im coming from with the information i have here I have posted the email below. I want thoughts. I dont expect anyone to read it all, maybe just skim through it…Shes a really legitimate customer imo. Extremely sweet and kind (and really cute…cept her husband is one of my business customers…_begins to plot evil plan_) Please read this from the bottom \> up for chronological order…(the majority of the text is both of our long signatures repeatedly..dont be intimidated 😛) * * * You are going to find scams and legitimate business’ as you look, and it is hard to weed through and find the truth. Go ahead and send me the names of the companies as you look, and I will tell you what I know. I have done a ton of expos and business building workshops, and have gotten to know many reps along the way. Right now, just decide what type of industry you want to be in. This will help you narrow down your search. Weight loss products, Clothing, health and vitamins, air purifiers, every day products like laundry detergent, etc., lotions and perfumes, phone services, business contact manager/card services, etc. Then, decide how you want to work your business. Every company builds in different ways. Some concentrate on home parties, etc. Others concentrate on Hotel opportunity meetings, some one on one sharing, and others want you to contact your “warm market”…friends and family. I am off to Texas tomorrow, and we can get together for coffee and go over details when I get home. I will give you the scoop on all the different companies, and what I know. Lets meet after you read the book Beach Money…you will have some good questions after reading the book. Of course, I would love to have you join me in my biz, but more importantly, I want you to do what is best for you as it is a big decision. The person that contacted you for Quixstar may be a legitimate business person doing well, and I don’t want to steer you away from a good opportunity. I am just all about getting the facts before jumping in. What I do may not be a good fit for you at all. If you are a health and fitness guy, you may want to go that route. I am sincere when I say I want the best for you. I learned long ago when I help others and and don’t worry about what I want, life always turns out. I do believe in this industry when you do it right, and I do think it could be life changing for you. Starting young…it would be fun to see where it could take you. Have a great weekend Andrew, and we will talk when I get back. [MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com](mailto:MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com) W C [www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson](http://www.pheromonetalk.com/www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson) (Visit my site & mail someone special a FREE heartfelt card) “We Make a Living By What We Get, But We Make a Life By What We Give.” \> I’m having some difficulty finding information regarding different \> companies, as its tough to trust any ‘review’ or expierence someone \> has had with a specific company. I have also noticed some blatent \> “review/testimonial websites” that are clearly marketing scams by the \> company itself. I would actually really really be interested in \> getting that book, im really excited now for it 🙂. Also, ya, if you \> ever have time to get together to just talk n’ stuff. Your passion for \> the industry does not go unnoticed, hence me not refraining from \> taking you up on the offer 🙂. \> I \> think im gonna go ahead and start googling each company individually \> and specifically. I need to search for a product I can see my self \> trusting 100% and have solid interest in to make my project go \> smoothly and successful. \> Back to the research… \> \> Take care, \> \> Andrew Moore | Store Manager The Wireless Network | Verizon \> Wireless Premium Retailer \> 12019 Business Park Blvd. N. | Champlin, MN 55316 Phone 763.576.3085 \> | Fax 763.576.9630 [a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net](mailto:a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net) \> \> This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity \> to which it is addressed and may contain information that is \> privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable \> law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or the \> agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended \> recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, including \> dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is \> strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, \> please notify us immediately by e-mail or telephone, and return the \> original message to us at the above address. Thank you. \> \> -----Original Message----- \> From: [melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com) \> [mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com)] \> Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 2:07 PM \> To: Andrew Moore \> Subject: RE: Hey 🙂 \> \> Hi Andrew~ \> Yes, take your time in researching your possibilities…you are smart. \> It is a fun hobby/great part time job when you come into it with eyes \> wide open. Truly, the possibilites are endless, and it is fun. \> Personally, I love to work hard, and love the challenge. If they say \> it can’t be done, I love to figure out a way to get it done. 🙂 \> \> I have no doubt you will be successful in whatever you choose to do. \> You are obviously a level headed business guy with discipline, and \> open to the idea of a passive residual income. You will love the book \> I sent you, and let me know your thoughts after reading it. \> \> As you do your research,you will come across these types of business’ \> \> Health products…Shacklee, Melaleuca, Xango, Vibe, (Eniva) Watkins, etc. \> All very stable, ethical, GREAT companies. If you want to do a health \> company, I highly recommend Melaleuca. Ethical, great business, and I \> know many people making great money. I could hook you up with some of \> the best in this business. My friend makes over $800,000 a year, and \> she is great. I just didn’t want to sell everyday products…feels \> too much like Amway, and to be honest, Amway/Quixstar has a bad name. \> I also didn’t want to do evening opportunity meetings, and that is how \> Melaleuca builds their teams. I hate hotel “I have an opportunity for \> you” meetings, and anything where I have to jump on family and \> friends. I like to work in the business world, and with independent contractors. \> \> You will see Phone service Companies like ACN \> \> You will also find air purifiers, herbs and herbalife, and lots of \> weight loss programs like medifast. \> \> Mary Kay or Beauticontrol/ Lotions and potions and the home party \> experience. We do have men in these companies. 🙂 \> \> Jewelry/ lia sophia, cookie lee…home party plan again, mostly women, \> buth there are a few men in the company. \> \> Then, you have the marketing ones on line selling software, but they \> are very expensive to get in…usually at least $1,000. \> \> I researched everything for a year when I decided to leave Beauticontrol. \> If you ever want to sit down I can show you on line all of your options. \> I chose Send out Cards because it is ground level, unique, very little \> competition, and I like selling the service. It really does help \> small business owners stay in touch with clients, and get referals, \> and helps stay at home Moms get organized..they can do their christmas cards in one \> touch of a button. Women love that. Also, it is the only thing I found \> that really was cheaper if you became a member…many of these Juices \> out there say they are wholesale, but cost over $25 a bottle, and so \> many MLM products are over priced. They claim wholesale, but don’t \> look any cheaper to me. The cards I send out are .62 or .93 \> cents…truly cheaper than Hallmark, and it comes with the sevice of \> the company sending them out for me. Can’t beat the deal, and business people grab on to it. \> \> Plus, you want a company that appeals to Men and Women…opens up a \> whole world of marketing to everyone, not just a small select group. \> \> \> Have a fun time looking at all of your options, and let me know how \> it is going for you. I will see you soon as I did decide to do the \> internet card. 🙂 \> \> \> [MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com](mailto:MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com) \> W \> C \> [www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson](http://www.pheromonetalk.com/www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson) (Visit my site & mail someone special \> a FREE heartfelt card) \> \> “We Make a Living By What We Get, But We Make a Life By What We Give.” \> \> \> \> \> \> \> \>\> Hello again Melanie! \>\> \>\> First off, I would like to thank you soo much for all the great \>\> information you have provided with along with a few sources as well. \>\> MLM has definatly been something on my mind, and I finally have found \>\> time to research and look into it a little further now. I really \>\> think that if I get lucky enough to fall into a good company under \>\> good people that this is something I will be able to accomplish 100%. \>\> I am in no ‘need’ of the money, but pocket cash is always desired. I \>\> am going to soon begin my search for more info regarding existing \>\> companies as well as ones that have gone out of business to learn and \>\> have knowledge on the industry in general. I fully understand and \>\> view this as quite the oppisite as a get rich quick deal and I firmly \>\> believe that if I don’t let go of that original mindset and get lucky \>\> with where I fall into that would be a really healthy past time \>\> activity outside of my full time management job at Verizon Wireless. \>\> Im slowly beginning to understand more as time goes by as I do \>\> research the importance in finding a product and company that is not \>\> yet ‘saturated’. The term saturation in this industry, to me, can be \>\> applied to anything including the products, # of distributers \>\> ect…mostly from a negative standpoint. Hope this makes sense 🙂 \>\> \>\> Talk soon, \>\> \>\> Andrew Moore | Store Manager The Wireless Network | Verizon \>\> Wireless Premium Retailer \>\> 12019 Business Park Blvd. N. | Champlin, MN 55316 Phone 763.576.3085 \>\> | Fax 763.576.9630 [a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net](mailto:a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net) \>\> \>\> This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity \>\> to which it is addressed and may contain information that is \>\> privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable \>\> law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or the \>\> agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended \>\> recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, including \>\> dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is \>\> strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in \>\> error, please notify us immediately by e-mail or telephone, and \>\> return the original message to us at the above address. Thank you. \>\> \>\> \>\> -----Original Message----- \>\> From: [melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com) \>\> [mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com)] \>\> Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 11:32 AM \>\> To: Andrew Moore \>\> Subject: RE: Hey 🙂 \>\> \>\> Hi Andrew~ \>\> Yes, I know quixstar. It is Amway…years ago they changed the name. \>\> It is kind of confusing. Amway has a bad name of being your typical \>\> “pushy, I have an opportunity for, you can get rich fast type of \>\> MLM”… Not sure if that is why they changed the name. There are over \>\> 3 million distributors…So, you can look at it both ways. Stable \>\> company with high sales, bad because it is saturated. Honestly, it \>\> is a tough sale. \>\> However, I do know I guy who made quite a bit of money with this \>\> company, but he left…he went to Xango. So, something had to be \>\> up…he did mention a few unethical things happening, but I don’t \>\> know the real story. \>\> I gave you some info below, but the best thing you can do is google \>\> away and see what others have to say about the company. Also, I do \>\> believe Dateline did a story on Amway years ago…may be in your best \>\> interest to look at it. \>\> \>\> Dateline NBC on Quixtar aka Amway \>\> Dateline NBC on Quixtar aka Amway - 22 min - Sep 1, 2006 … \>\> 22 min - \>\> \>\> [video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-215989802739458876](http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-215989802739458876) \>\> \>\> I am not into the “get rich drive your $80,000 car, and get a million \>\> dollar house” type of marketing to get people in. You can make a \>\> decent income with direct sales, but I do believe people are lied to \>\> often in this industry and given empty promises of getting rich \>\> quick. It is like anything…you have to work, be consistent. Many \>\> people get in, and get over eager, and then sadly get in debt. I \>\> never got caught up in this…too stubborn. 🙂 I just treated it \>\> like a job. You have to have a good thing to sell..then, you don’t \>\> concentrate on getting people in to get rich…you concentrate on the \>\> great service or product you are selling. \>\> \>\> Truth of my life Andrew…to build Beauticontrol I worked weekends, \>\> nights, and many 70 hour work weeks. However, grateful I had a \>\> flexible schedule and it did work for me. I have never lied to my \>\> team, always was honest about my expenses, etc. and probably could \>\> have made double what I made if I wasn’t so truthful. I had a good \>\> product line that people liked…worked for me. Never did the rah \>\> rah get rich, you can be a milionaire deal. Never will as I think \>\> people are hurt in these companies. I care more about people and \>\> their lives than I do about getting rich. I just want to make a good \>\> living to provide for my family, and then what happens happens…it’s \>\> all good. \>\> \>\> Good luck with your decision, and if you have any other companies to \>\> bounce off of me, feel free to ask. Just remember to ask the right \>\> questions and be proactive to protect yourself. \>\> \>\> Melanie Peterson \>\> [MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com](mailto:MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com) \>\> W \>\> C \>\> [www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson](http://www.pheromonetalk.com/www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson) (Visit my site & mail someone special \>\> a FREE heartfelt card) \>\> \>\> \>\> “We Make a Living By What We Get, But We Make a Life By What We Give.” \>\> \>\> \>\> Parent Company of Amway and Quixtar \>\> Amway and Quixtar are both part of the Alticor family of companies. \>\> Amway \>\> Corporation was founded in 1959 and has grown to be a world leader in \>\> multilevel marketing business opportunities. In 1999, Quixtar was \>\> launched as an innovative, Internet, I-commerce business model. Since \>\> then, Quixtar has become a leading e-commerce venture, available only \>\> on North America. \>\> The Amway multilevel marketing business opportunity continues to be \>\> offered outside North America in countries around the world. \>\> \>\> Both Amway and Quixtar bring many of the same leading global brands \>\> to the marketplace, such as ARTISTRY Skin Care and Colour Cosmetics, \>\> the eSpring Water Purifying System, and the SA8 Laundry System. \>\> NUTRILITE Vitamins by Amway & Quixtar are the world’s leading brand \>\> of vitamin, mineral, and dietary supplements, based on 2005 sales. \>\> Although Amway and Quixtar share some commonalities, they use \>\> different business models that have been developed to meet the needs \>\> of various markets around the world. \>\> \>\> Global Community \>\> Amway is a global leader in multilevel marketing. Founded in 1959, \>\> the company now operates in more than 80 markets and territories, \>\> with more than 3 million Amway Business Owners. Our many years of \>\> experience in responding to local markets reflects our ability to \>\> develop products and sales opportunities all around the world. \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \>\>\> Hey 🙂 \>\>\> \>\>\> I just spoke with the guy about the name of the business that a \>\>\> customer of mine had been emailing me. It was Quixstar. \>\>\> \>\>\> Andrew Moore | Store Manager The Wireless Network | \>\>\> Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer \>\>\> 12019 Business Park Blvd. N. | Champlin, MN 55316 Phone \>\>\> 763.576.3085 | Fax 763.576.9630 [a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net](mailto:a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net) \>\>\> \>\>\> This message is intended only for the use of the individual or \>\>\> entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is \>\>\> privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable \>\>\> law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or the \>\>\> agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended \>\>\> recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, including \>\>\> dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is \>\>\> strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in \>\>\> error, please notify us immediately by e-mail or telephone, and \>\>\> return the original message to us at the above address. Thank you. \>\>\> \>\>\> -----Original Message----- \>\>\> From: [melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com) \>\>\> [mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com](mailto:melaniepeterson@sendoutcards.com)] \>\>\> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2008 2:18 PM \>\>\> To: Andrew Moore \>\>\> Subject: Re: Hey 🙂 \>\>\> \>\>\> Hi Andrew~ \>\>\> Great to hear from you. Yes, when you get the company name, run it \>\>\> by me and I will tell you what I know. I am sure this person will \>\>\> send you another e-mail soon if you can’t find it. \>\>\> \>\>\> I sent you a book today regarding the direct sales industry…it is \>\>\> called Beach Money and written by a guy I know in my company. It \>\>\> doesn’t promote my comapany…just talks about the beauty of a \>\>\> passive residual income. \>\>\> I am proof it can be done, but it isn’t without hard work and \>\>\> dedication. \>\>\> Truly, only 2-5% of the people have what it takes to stick it out \>\>\> and make \>\>\> the big money, but you are one of the 2-5 % it is a good life. I \>\>\> have \>\>\> no doubt you would be able to pull it off, but make sure you get \>\>\> into the right company. \>\>\> \>\>\> Do your research, and ask the right questions. \>\>\> \>\>\> How many people are in the company? Is it saturated? Debt free \>\>\> company? \>\>\> Public or private, shareholders, etc…Can you sell or will your \>\>\> business if something happens, or you decide to get out? Make sure \>\>\> you know the compensation plan, and any “small print” issues they \>\>\> aren’t telling you about. \>\>\> \>\>\> Who is in your “upline” and are they successful? Will they help you \>\>\> get to where you want to go, or are they just going to sign up and \>\>\> later on quit and leave you by yourself. (This is huge) It is \>\>\> important to have a group of like minded people to support you along \>\>\> the way. In any type of sales, it is easy to get discouraged…you \>\>\> need support. \>\>\> \>\>\> Make sure there is no inventory stocking…buying the product up \>\>\> front, and then having it on your shelves to sell…this can be very \>\>\> costly if you have to carry inventory. The customer should be able \>\>\> to get it directly from the company, and not you. \>\>\> \>\>\> These are just a few things you can ask before you sign on the \>\>\> dotted line…you won’t regret it. Give this person who wants you to \>\>\> sign up in their company a chance…it very well may be a good \>\>\> company, time will tell. I am happy to help. There are many great \>\>\> companies out there, but many bad ones…make sure and do your \>\>\> research so that you don’t make the same mistake I did…working \>\>\> for 5 years, getting a thousand people on board with you, and then \>\>\> leaving because of a dispute…it isn’t easy to start over, but it \>\>\> is possible. I am confident I will be back on top again in a year, \>\>\> but not without some hard work. Anything is possible if you are \>\>\> willing to pay the price…🙂 \>\>\> \>\>\> I think I am going to come in next week to get the internet for my \>\>\> computer…I want to be able to plug in anywhere, anytime. \>\>\> When I get back from Texas, I will pop in to see you. Thanks for the \>\>\> great sevice today! Have a great week! \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> Melanie Peterson \>\>\> [MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com](mailto:MelaniePeterson@SendOutCards.com) \>\>\> W \>\>\> C \>\>\> [www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson](http://www.pheromonetalk.com/www.sendoutcards.com/KMPeterson) (Visit my site & mail someone \>\>\> special a FREE heartfelt card) \>\>\> \>\>\> “Dreams without action stay dreams.” -Unknown \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\>\> Hey Melanie, \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> Andrew here, just sending you a quick messege so you \>\>\>\> have my email address. I am going to continue to search for the \>\>\>\> email to run that company name by you. Thanks so much for all the \>\>\>\> great information you provided for me earlier today. Thanks again, \>\>\>\> and take care Melanie 🙂 \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> Andrew Moore | Store Manager \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> The Wireless Network | Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> 12019 Business Park Blvd. N. | Champlin, MN 55316 \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> Phone 763.576.3085 | Fax 763.576.9630 \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> [a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net](mailto:a.moore@thewirelessnetwork.net) \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> This message is intended only for the use of the individual or \>\>\>\> entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is \>\>\>\> privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under \>\>\>\> applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the \>\>\>\> employee or the agent responsible for delivering the message to the \>\>\>\> intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, including \>\>\>\> dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is \>\>\>\> strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in \>\>\>\> error, please notify us immediately by e-mail or telephone, and \>\>\>\> return the original message to us at the above address. Thank you. \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\>\> \>\> \>\> \>\> \> \> \> \> ---
**Author:** ![SteveO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/87869e/32.png) [@SteveO](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/SteveO)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/5 "2008-07-31T18:35:14Z")
Stay away. ---
**Author:** ![renny](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/renny/32/2104_2.png) [@renny](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/renny)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 6:53pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/6 "2008-07-31T18:53:16Z")
Hey Z4, the only reason I would recommend anyone get involved with MLM is for the experience. I did the Amway thing years ago and it was an overall positive experience. You could get much of the same experience from Toastmasters or even a public speaking course at a community college though. ---
**Author:** ![Phya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@Phya](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Phya)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 7:46pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/7 "2008-07-31T19:46:02Z")
Drew, you deserve some props for doing all your research. (If some of you guys haven’t noticed..I’m a big supporter of Google and the search function 😉) It sounds like Melanie is pretty sincere, but tbh, it’s exactly what every other MLM person has told me. It’s like ‘the game’. Some guys run direct game, ‘Hey cutie, you look hot, wanna fuck?’, and others, indirect game. Either way, the end goal of any ‘sales’ is to make the other person feel comfortable enough to hand you their money, remember that. Honestly, at times with sales (in the particular industry I was in), I felt like I was worse than a drug dealer. Drugs may be illegal, but at least it’s not being pushed onto the customers (aka, it sells itself) 😛. Definitely, if you can get into a company that’s just starting, mathematically, it’s a great opportunity. But if you’re getting into a company and you’re not one of the first 100, then mathematically, it isn’t a smart opportunity. Melanie said she thought you were a pretty smart guy, and I think so too, which is why I ask, do the math. Is it reasonable that a company that sells $50 products through a couple million (even a few hundred thousand) to be able to give commissions of $2000 and more on a monthly basis. Here’s how it usually works. You’re a junior and you’ve got an upline. Make the minimum number of sales to ‘upgrade’, usually like 5-7 products, all around $25-$50. In my friend’s company, it was all subscriptions services (Internet, security system, etc..) Anyway, you make those sales (usually you’re buying most of those services, you replace your own internet with theirs, your cable with theirs, etc…so essentially, you’re a customer, paying to resell their products for them. Some people will be able to find customers, but a lot of people want commissions, so they’ll want to ‘upgrade’ and shell out the money, thinking they’ll make it back. So fast forward, you make your sales, now you’re in line for commissions. What happens is that you need to go find your own recruits. Each recruit brings in about $500, more or less. So that’s how the company makes money, on recruitment fees, not the actual products. That’s the first warning sign. That’s the only way you can reasonably expect even $1000 a month of ‘residual’ income. It’s ridiculous to expect to be able to make enough of a profit margin to give most of your company regular checks for thousands, when you’ve got thousands of employees, but your products aren’t bringing in over $50 per product. You sell a thousand, that’s $50,000, assuming an 80% profit margin, that’s a solid 40,000. That’s at least a 1000 sales people, if they all sell 10 products. A sales rep sells $500 worth of product but expects a residual income of over $1000? No way. All the money is from the recruitments, bottom line. There is a reason that the ‘average salesperson makes 45 CENTS a month’. Now, if you get recruits..you become the upline, and they’re your downline. They go find recruits, get the $500, bring it to you, you split whatever with your upline, etc… You need to bring in a certain number of recruits until you get your own downline, etc…my friend’s company’s logic was, we only take in a certain number of recruits in at a time, so as to not saturate the market. That’s BS. There may be a smaller number of sales people relative to other companies, but you’ve got just as many, if not more middle men in between you and the top because of their system which amounts to getting 5 recruits, then as they bring in recruits, you give one a ‘promotion’ so that they have the authority to begin their own downline. Finally, during all this, every week or so, as was mentioned, there are these meetings all over the place, usually requiring some sort of payment to get in. You attend, and pay, for these meetings when you are promoted as well. So basically, you go to pay to see others getting promoted, and ‘business seminars’ AKA BS 😃. Melanie does offer a lot of good suggestions, IMO. Passive income is real, you can apply those concepts to your own life. However, MLM is a business proposition that is destined for failure. You tell me if ATT, Verizon, or any other company would be willing for their market to become incredibly saturated with other companies pumping out sales persons. Look what happened to Boost, look at Helio. Neither is very successful, and one is practically gone. That’s because they’re trying to break into a market that is incredibly saturated, and where the costs involved in getting new customers is very expensive (hence the big deal over ‘contracts’). That’s where Melanie’s advice about choosing your market is very good. It is appropriate advice for any aspiring business person. Know your market, and be comfortable in it. I’ve got a friend who used to slang, now he’s selling rugs. He knows that market well, and the same sales skills he used before are coming into full force, in a legitimate market. If you want to get into business for yourself, do it. I’m trying to make movements towards that end goal myself. But it’s not going to happen when a giant company is leeching money from the pockets of its own salespeople, IMO. I’m a good salesman. I know this. But I can’t live with myself, pushing products that people don’t really need or want. I also know I could destroy the recruitment market, I grin just thinking about it. But I will not, prey on their dreams. I want to help people’s dreams blossom, not just feed off of that energy and enthusiasm for my own monetary gain. I’ve sat through some of these recruitment scenes. The upline comes out in their nice Audi/BMW/Benz, full custom tailored suit, then we go out somewhere, he buys us all drinks and some food on the company card, and then pitches us. I can’t believe it..people go goo-goo for free meals. 🙄 Also, my personal biggest issue is that they push you to tap your ‘warm markets’. I hate this. Pretty much everyone I’ve talked to doesn’t like that about the friends they’ve seen go into MLM. That’s all they talk about, or they’ll always try and push it onto you. If you don’t have self control, you can end up driving away your friends in that type of market. Wanna know who most of the recruits were for my friend? Her roommate, her roommate’s friends. I never met anyone she didn’t already meet through someone else. It was never, oh, I met this guy at a workshop and he came onboard. They make it seem like a ‘big family’ tapping into the same insecurities that gangs do, or cults do, in a person wanting a community in life (something, IMO, that today’s society is seriously lacking in). They have MLM in common, they have their dreams in common, and they roam the country together, looking for more like minded individuals with money to spare. I assure you, they don’t go around selling the actual products. I actually thought about buying something through my friend, because it was, supposedly at a cheaper price. I went onto her site and it didn’t even work..she had no idea. Tells you how many products they actually sell, huh? Perhaps this is a bad example. But I do not think so. I think this is a relatively tame example, from what I’ve seen and heard so far. My personal opinion is to never do any MLM, because as I mentioned, it’s just not logically sound. Add to that, the pressure to pitch your friends and family, and the fact that they want you to pay for all sorts of other things, isn’t kosher. I really wanted to believe. I still do believe them, but not in their system. I believe money can be made independantly, I believe I can be successful on my own. But I will not achieve my dreams, if I even do, on the broken dreams of others. ---
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2008, 2:22pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/8 "2008-08-01T14:22:00Z")
I really appreciate that thought filled reply Phya, It really shows character on your end and I feel special knowing you care so much =D. You bring up so many valid points…I dont know where to start…so…Im actually going to just read through it again. This reply is sooo insightful, its gonna help me hardcore making my decison. Thanks Phya, Renny and Steve and Mark! ---
**Author:** ![Phya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@Phya](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Phya)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 8:10am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/9 "2008-08-03T08:10:58Z")
Glad I could help. 🙂 Whatever you choose to do, I hope it works out for you. ---
**Author:** ![sigma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dec6dc/32.png) [@sigma](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/sigma)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2008, 3:51am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/10 "2008-08-08T03:51:31Z")
There are plenty of ways to build experience in and become successful in sales that doesn’t involve screwing people out of their money…and thats really what these multi-level marketing companies are designed to do. The saddest thing about these companies (and in looking for sales jobs I’ve run into many of them), is that they prey on the ambition of the people they pitch to. Its the naively ambitious types who fall victim to these types of schemes…the types who believe that hard work and determination is all it takes to be successful. Often they target people who have no other means to success other than having the will to work their asses off, and excuse my language, but I think its fucked up when they play on the ambitions of these types and pull them into a system where they’re destined to fail. They take their money and time, bruise their ego, and steal their warm markets. Anyone who has a career in sales knows that once you’ve had a negative impact on your natural market, its hard to win them back. I’ve worked a lot of sales jobs throughout college before getting into the financial planning business once I got my degree. Throughout the years I realized that the difference between a good sales job and a bad one is ultimately a matter of the type of impact you have on the people you sell to. Any good sale should have a positive impact on the person you’re selling to. What goes around comes around, and good sales will bring more business, and bad sales will dig your grave. This is fundamentally true no matter what you’re selling. A good sale, to me, isn’t a matter of the amount of commissions you derive from it…a good sale to me is one where both I, and the person I’m selling to come out ahead after making the transaction. Selling should be a value-adding process to both parties! Here’s the funny thing though…the more value you add to the people you sell to, the more money you tend to make (duh), the more referrals you get, the easier your job gets, and the less you have to really work! Thats the key to a long-term successful career in sales to me, and thats the fundamental flaw in multi-level marketing companies. If you’re screwing the people you’re selling to, you aren’t establishing a book of business, you aren’t doing anything to market a good reputation, you aren’t getting referrals or repeat business…and even if you’re successful for awhile, you’re bound to burn out. ---
**Author:** ![bosshank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@bosshank](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/bosshank)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2008, 3:57am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/11 "2008-08-08T03:57:11Z")
> [@sigma](#): > > A good sale, to me, isn’t a matter of the amount of commissions you derive from it…a good sale to me is one where both I, and the person I’m selling to come out ahead after making the transaction. Selling should be a value-adding process to both parties! Here’s the funny thing though…the more value you add to the people you sell to, the more money you tend to make (duh), the more referrals you get, the easier your job gets, and the less you have to really work! Sigma: Good to see you back. Miss not seeing you around … This is not only a great philosophy for sales but for life. Value-adding into the lives of those around you in as much as possible. ---
**Author:** ![FOM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f4b2a3/32.png) [@FOM](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/FOM)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 4:07am UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/12 "2008-08-14T04:07:09Z")
Andrew, I’m not sure if I’m unique here, but I think you’re a slimeball. I doubt Melanie knows that you were going to post her entire email exchange, complete with her phone number and email address, on the web. And to top it off you need to throw in the part about her being cute and you plotting an evil plan. She was nice enough and professional enough to try and help you out and this is how you repay her? ---
**Author:** ![Phya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@Phya](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/Phya)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 8:42pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/13 "2008-08-14T20:42:47Z")
> [@FOM](#): > > Andrew, > > I’m not sure if I’m unique here, but I think you’re a slimeball. I doubt Melanie knows that you were going to post her entire email exchange, complete with her phone number and email address, on the web. And to top it off you need to throw in the part about her being cute and you plotting an evil plan. She was nice enough and professional enough to try and help you out and this is how you repay her? Uh…you joined to say that? You may be correct that Andrew could have been more careful with her phone number and email, but I think you’re taking it a wee bit far. Troll if I saw one. ---
**Author:** ![mark-in-dallas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/mark-in-dallas/32/860_2.png) [@mark-in-dallas](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/mark-in-dallas)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 9:00pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/14 "2008-08-14T21:00:13Z")
> [@FOM](#): > > Andrew, > > I’m not sure if I’m unique here, but I think you’re a slimeball. I doubt Melanie knows that you were going to post her entire email exchange, complete with her phone number and email address, on the web. And to top it off you need to throw in the part about her being cute and you plotting an evil plan. She was nice enough and professional enough to try and help you out and this is how you repay her? Not cool to insult one of our well liked and respected members here with your very first posting. For your information Andrew (Z4) listed his telephone number, not hers. He did give her website and e-mail address, but I’d be willing to bet that if she knew of it, she’d be glad he did. That’s what MLM and sales are all about: making new contacts and building your business. As to the part about her being cute and plotting an evil plan, if you knew Andrew you’d have known better than to call him out for it. His exact quote was: > [@z414a4d](#): > > Extremely sweet and kind (and really cute…cept her husband is one of my business customers…_begins to plot evil plan_) My bet is that she would have loved it! ---
**Author:** ![z414a4d](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/pheromonetalk.com/z414a4d/32/1299_2.png) [@z414a4d](https://pheromonetalk.com/u/z414a4d)\ **Post date:** [August 18, 2008, 2:33pm UTC](https://pheromonetalk.com/t/multi-level-marketing-companies/16571/15 "2008-08-18T14:33:44Z")
> [@FOM](#): > > Andrew, > > I’m not sure if I’m unique here, but I think you’re a slimeball. I doubt Melanie knows that you were going to post her entire email exchange, complete with her phone number and email address, on the web. And to top it off you need to throw in the part about her being cute and you plotting an evil plan. She was nice enough and professional enough to try and help you out and this is how you repay her? Hey 🙂 Oh, I definatly made sure that she would be alright with me posting the information. It all comes back to me wanting to get more information on my inquiries. Being able to post the entire conversation, I am there able to give everyone a solid idea of where I am sitting in my decision. Of course with any other company or business this would probably be unnacceptable… Evil plan?? \>😃 muhaha — Professional and nice? - Ya, shes definatly a sweetheart 🙂