Author Topic: MLM Pushers!  (Read 18244 times)

COlady

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MLM Pushers!
« on: November 03, 2015, 01:48:04 PM »
I'm apparently at the ripe old age of 32 where everyone is selling MLM crap.  I refuse to buy anything from an MLM company even if it's a good product due to the deceptive nature of the business structure.  It's all over my Facebook and twice yesterday, TWICE in one day, two different people texted me asking "how are your babies doing? Oh they're so cute and you guys look soooo happy. Do you want to buy some (one was Arbonne and one was Young Living essential oils)?". I used my universal "sorry, it's not in my budget right now". That doesn't stop them, they try and tell me why I NEEEEEED the stuff.  I just feel so hurt and insulted by these people. Some I've know for 20 years, some I've known for 6 months...they're all doing it. I instantly lose respect for the people I've known for a long time that start selling through MLMs. Here I thought you had a genuine interest in how me and my family are doing because I have a genuine interest in how you and your family are doing.  I'm losing my patience with this MLM crap and can almost no longer be nice when I'm asked to buy this garbage. I'm about to start sending people articles about how MLM companies are pyramid schemes and 99.9% of people will lose their "investment" in the "business". I want to tell them to get a real job. Even a job making close to minimum wage will net you more than a MLM scheme. But I won't....I'll continue writing or saying "sorry, it's not in our budget" while seething. Rant over.


trailrated

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2015, 02:53:58 PM »
I have been seeing so many about "wraps" and "body wraps" and how you don't need to work out or eat well for a healthy skinny body you just need to do more "wraps" and of coarse the people selling it are borderline obese. Noooooo thank you.

BPA

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2015, 03:33:26 PM »
Argh.  I hate it!

I feel bad when recent former students of mine get suckered into doing these things.  One quit college because she thought she do well at Primerica.  She didn't.  How many former students fell for their line of crap?  One has been successful.  One. 

And yes, the wraps.  Enough with the wraps!

And then the former students who friend me on FB just to try to sell me shit. 

I usually tell them what I think of the MLM model.  But your, "It's not in the budget" line is a good one too.



COlady

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2015, 03:40:35 PM »

robartsd

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2015, 04:15:07 PM »
I've had (and still have) relatives who pursue MLM riches. My father-in-law tells me he dropped out Amway when he realized that the only real money making in MLM though becoming a motivational speaker. I attended a "business meeting" for TEAM where they talked about how 90% of the money is made by 10% of the people in business - analyzing the reported earnings for their then current MLM (TEAM has moved between many) I saw that the distribution of earnings was very similar to the distribution in the ordinary business world they were complaining about (and selling a solution to). The biggest difference, the people at the bottom of the MLM self reported working enough and earning so little that it was less than minimum wage. I also love that every MLM defines MLM and their compensation plan in such a way that they are not MLM. Just ignore, block, or (if you're really saintly) try to help them understand that they will not make money at the "business". Unfortunately some MLM's actually have great products, but structures that make it infeasable to just be a customer.

BPA

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #5 on: November 03, 2015, 04:29:25 PM »
Or I could just send them this!
http://www.scarymommy.com/how-to-lose-facebook-friends/

Hilarious!  Thanks for sharing.  I guess that Jamberry isn't going to be your side business, I guess?  ;)

Frugal D

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2015, 05:20:14 PM »
My sister started pushing Plexus in March of this year despite me telling her multiple times it is nothing more than a pyramid scheme. There must be hundreds of these "lotions, potions, and pills" MLMs that are conning people out of their money every month. What's sad is that these "ambassadors" or "leaders" in each scheme think they're actually employees of the Company. They don't understand that they themselves are the customers through their monthly minimum commitments.

Anyway, to your point, yes there seem to be a disturbing amount running around on social media lately. Social media itself is the reason more of these scams are around - it creates a free marketing platform. I recently saw a video posted by an old high school classmate I haven't talked to in 13+ years defending all MLMs saying that maybe we, the audience, should "take a minute to really learn more about these valuable products and give our friends the benefit of the doubt."

The most unsettling aspect of all this garbage is why so many people are being driven to such schemes. In a world of stagnant wages, rising housing costs, rising medical premiums, etc. people are barely getting by today - granted that's probably because of consumerism-based decisions they made for themselves. Nonetheless, they are easily tricked into "selling these products from home on their own time" to make an "extra $100 per month" or "afford that car payment". This is definitely why my sister started. The middle class is being destroyed right now and the disparity of wealth in this country has never been greater.

Take Seattle, for example, where our city is absolutely booming. Business has never been better. Real estate has far surpassed its 2006 highs and yet we, alongside L.A. and Portland just declared a state of homelessness emergency. Our homeless rate is up 22% year-over-year while myself, fellow Mustachians, and asset owners in general are growing ever wealthier through ZIRP and soon to be NIRP policies.

I'm not a socialist, far from in fact, but the fabric of society is being unwoven and it just feels like we're creating extreme instability through current policies. I guess I'm thankful for a mustachian upbringing that allows financial independence.

Really went on kind of a scattered tangent there, but anybody else feeling the same in their own cities?     

« Last Edit: November 03, 2015, 05:26:07 PM by Frugal D »

BPA

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #7 on: November 03, 2015, 06:28:56 PM »

The most unsettling aspect of all this garbage is why so many people are being driven to such schemes. In a world of stagnant wages, rising housing costs, rising medical premiums, etc. people are barely getting by today - granted that's probably because of consumerism-based decisions they made for themselves. Nonetheless, they are easily tricked into "selling these products from home on their own time" to make an "extra $100 per month" or "afford that car payment". This is definitely why my sister started. The middle class is being destroyed right now and the disparity of wealth in this country has never been greater.

Take Seattle, for example, where our city is absolutely booming. Business has never been better. Real estate has far surpassed its 2006 highs and yet we, alongside L.A. and Portland just declared a state of homelessness emergency. Our homeless rate is up 22% year-over-year while myself, fellow Mustachians, and asset owners in general are growing ever wealthier through ZIRP and soon to be NIRP policies.

I'm not a socialist, far from in fact, but the fabric of society is being unwoven and it just feels like we're creating extreme instability through current policies. I guess I'm thankful for a mustachian upbringing that allows financial independence.

Really went on kind of a scattered tangent there, but anybody else feeling the same in their own cities?     

I completely agree.  But I am a socialist, or at least part way between social democrat and socialist. 


La Bibliotecaria Feroz

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #8 on: November 03, 2015, 06:33:15 PM »

The most unsettling aspect of all this garbage is why so many people are being driven to such schemes. In a world of stagnant wages, rising housing costs, rising medical premiums, etc. people are barely getting by today - granted that's probably because of consumerism-based decisions they made for themselves. Nonetheless, they are easily tricked into "selling these products from home on their own time" to make an "extra $100 per month" or "afford that car payment". This is definitely why my sister started. The middle class is being destroyed right now and the disparity of wealth in this country has never been greater.

Take Seattle, for example, where our city is absolutely booming. Business has never been better. Real estate has far surpassed its 2006 highs and yet we, alongside L.A. and Portland just declared a state of homelessness emergency. Our homeless rate is up 22% year-over-year while myself, fellow Mustachians, and asset owners in general are growing ever wealthier through ZIRP and soon to be NIRP policies.

I'm not a socialist, far from in fact, but the fabric of society is being unwoven and it just feels like we're creating extreme instability through current policies. I guess I'm thankful for a mustachian upbringing that allows financial independence.

Really went on kind of a scattered tangent there, but anybody else feeling the same in their own cities?     

I completely agree.  But I am a socialist, or at least part way between social democrat and socialist.

Not just the economic pressure. I think a lot of people who get sucked into this are stay-at-home moms, some of whom only stay home because we have such crappy family leave, expensive childcare, etc. They want to contribute financially to their families but feel like they can't work outside the home, so they try this nonsense instead.

Merrie

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #9 on: November 03, 2015, 07:22:27 PM »

Not just the economic pressure. I think a lot of people who get sucked into this are stay-at-home moms, some of whom only stay home because we have such crappy family leave, expensive childcare, etc. They want to contribute financially to their families but feel like they can't work outside the home, so they try this nonsense instead.

Yes. I have a lot of friends who sell these things who are SAHMs. One of them looks to be making a decent amount of money on Thirty-One. Everybody else seems to end up losing money... although it often seems it doesn't bother them because at least they come out of it with a whole ton of the products from that company, and typically they are big fans of the products or otherwise they wouldn't be selling them.

I have a few friends whose Facebook updates I skim now because 90% of them are about some junk they're trying to sell. Tedious.

I mean, I'll buy a product through one of these schemes if it's something I would have otherwise bought for a price similar to what I'd have otherwise paid. Because that way my friend gets the commission. But most of the time I'm not interested in the stuff being sold, so I give about 99% of them a pass.

LeRainDrop

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #10 on: November 03, 2015, 09:33:26 PM »
Oh, I just posted this one in another thread, and it is right on point --  A very recent 20/20 episode was about "Secrets of the Sell," and one of the segments focused on the business of Mary Kay.  It's under 7 minutes long and quite interesting -- definitely worth a watch if you want more info to support an anti-MLM stance :-)  http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/business-mary-kay-34216449
« Last Edit: November 03, 2015, 09:41:54 PM by LeRainDrop »

Bearded Man

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2015, 09:39:31 PM »
My sister started pushing Plexus in March of this year despite me telling her multiple times it is nothing more than a pyramid scheme. There must be hundreds of these "lotions, potions, and pills" MLMs that are conning people out of their money every month. What's sad is that these "ambassadors" or "leaders" in each scheme think they're actually employees of the Company. They don't understand that they themselves are the customers through their monthly minimum commitments.

Anyway, to your point, yes there seem to be a disturbing amount running around on social media lately. Social media itself is the reason more of these scams are around - it creates a free marketing platform. I recently saw a video posted by an old high school classmate I haven't talked to in 13+ years defending all MLMs saying that maybe we, the audience, should "take a minute to really learn more about these valuable products and give our friends the benefit of the doubt."

The most unsettling aspect of all this garbage is why so many people are being driven to such schemes. In a world of stagnant wages, rising housing costs, rising medical premiums, etc. people are barely getting by today - granted that's probably because of consumerism-based decisions they made for themselves. Nonetheless, they are easily tricked into "selling these products from home on their own time" to make an "extra $100 per month" or "afford that car payment". This is definitely why my sister started. The middle class is being destroyed right now and the disparity of wealth in this country has never been greater.

Take Seattle, for example, where our city is absolutely booming. Business has never been better. Real estate has far surpassed its 2006 highs and yet we, alongside L.A. and Portland just declared a state of homelessness emergency. Our homeless rate is up 22% year-over-year while myself, fellow Mustachians, and asset owners in general are growing ever wealthier through ZIRP and soon to be NIRP policies.

I'm not a socialist, far from in fact, but the fabric of society is being unwoven and it just feels like we're creating extreme instability through current policies. I guess I'm thankful for a mustachian upbringing that allows financial independence.

Really went on kind of a scattered tangent there, but anybody else feeling the same in their own cities?     

That increase in wealth you speak of cost some people their homes. Rising rents and real estate prices are good for those of us who have a lot, but not so good for those just getting by. Not saying good or bad. Just pointing that out.

Goldielocks

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #12 on: November 03, 2015, 11:46:34 PM »
What are wraps?

Beauty spa things. ? Sandwiches?  Nail art?

HazelStone

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2015, 07:32:05 AM »
Argh.  I hate it!

I feel bad when recent former students of mine get suckered into doing these things.  One quit college because she thought she do well at Primerica.  She didn't.  How many former students fell for their line of crap?  One has been successful.  One. 


Primerica and its poor practices are the reason that insurance agents have to take continuing ed to maintain their licenses.

Rachelocity

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2015, 07:59:57 AM »
I direct all MLMer to Pink truth.  It's an anti-MLM website with exhaustive information about how MLMs are scams.  That usually shuts them up quickly, and hopefully enlightens a few people.

Kitsune

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2015, 08:38:35 AM »
Oh, gawd, the tupperware parties *groan* Somehow, in the past 6 months, my facebook has been taken over by tupperware. HOW.

Single exception to my no-mlm-parties-EVER rule: this weekend, I'm taking my kid to a 'party' hosted by a family friend who does a mlm-ish book sale business selling (actually pretty decent) kid's books.... and she does craft activities for kids, her musician husband does a show for the kids, and it's basically an EXCELLENT way to wear out a toddler in under 3 hours with a bunch of other toddlers. And even better, her books are on a table in the back to look at and order if you want, but it's not the focus and there's no pressure. (And she found that she got way more people AND sales if she reduced the pressure and made it into a 'storytime and entertainment for kids' event.)

COlady

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #16 on: November 04, 2015, 08:39:05 AM »
What are wraps?

Beauty spa things. ? Sandwiches?  Nail art?

I've never used one (because duh! they don't work) but my understanding is that they are some kind of wrap (that you of course throw away and use a new one every time) that tightens and tones. Don't you think everyone would be rocking their six pack abs if it was that easy!?! People are so dumb.

Axecleaver

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #17 on: November 04, 2015, 09:00:42 AM »
List of overpriced crap MLM parties Axe got invited to in the last 12 months: jewelry, wine, tupperware, lingerie, timeshares, craft beer, kid's toys, makeup. Products bought: 0.

I sold knives for CutCo when I was in college, didn't do very well. But, still have my demo kit knives 20 years later and I still use them. I tried selling vacuums door to door for three weeks, that was a total disaster.

COlady

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #18 on: November 04, 2015, 09:06:37 AM »
List of overpriced crap MLM parties Axe got invited to in the last 12 months: jewelry, wine, tupperware, lingerie, timeshares, craft beer, kid's toys, makeup. Products bought: 0.

I sold knives for CutCo when I was in college, didn't do very well. But, still have my demo kit knives 20 years later and I still use them. I tried selling vacuums door to door for three weeks, that was a total disaster.

My mom fell for the Cutco trap when a family friend started selling them and I'm so glad she did because she gave us the knives for our wedding.  We use them every single day and we absolutely love them.  I saw a Cutco rep at Costco last weekend and was surprised since I thought they are generally sold by representatives...

Proud Foot

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #19 on: November 04, 2015, 12:56:27 PM »
I think some of the products are pretty good, but you can get the same thing at a store for 1/2 the cost.  And the people who constantly push the products are annoying! I added an extension to Chrome that will block out keywords from my Facebook feed so the only time I see those posts is if I am looking at Facebook on my phone.

mm1970

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #20 on: November 04, 2015, 04:56:32 PM »
But facebook is how you can get a HUGE audience all at once!

I have an acquaintance who lives 40 miles away, with whom I'd meet occasionally to run races.  We are the same age, but not the same speed (I was slow at the time, don't run anymore).

Anyway, she was a teacher, then a HS principal.  Now, she does Young Living oils, and CAbi clothing, and...probably a couple of more things.  She's also working as a personal trainer part time.  I think she got burned out with the education arena.

I assume it's the flexibility that appeals to people. In some cases, I think my friends really do believe in the product.  So there is that.

Frugal D

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #21 on: November 04, 2015, 05:45:15 PM »
All of the products, and I mean ALL, are complete garbage. You only need to think about the business model itself to understand this.

Pretend you invented a truly valuable product that solved one of life's great challenges; not necessarily a cure for cancer, but an innovative solution to something that made people's lives easier and better.

How would you market and distribute this product? You probably wouldn't hire an army of stay-at-home-moms who require no formal training, background, or expertise in your industry. And you certainly wouldn't hire thousands of people without interviewing a single one of them. And you wouldn't sell your product at a 50% discount to this army only so they could go out and mark it up 100% to end users - effectively taking half of the margin on the product you worked so hard to create.

No, you would create a monopoly around your product in every phase of the value chain to the extent it's deemed legal by the government. 

You would only pursue the above non-strategic business decisions if you knew your product was shit and you needed to dupe thousands of people into being your customers by telling them they are employees.

And voila, basic economic incentives have shown that MLMs are scams that produce low quality, over priced crap.
« Last Edit: November 04, 2015, 06:55:50 PM by Frugal D »

CabinetGuy

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #22 on: November 04, 2015, 06:12:22 PM »
What an incredible weekend this was.  For me, it started off on Thursday when I got to go pick up my Lexus courtesy of Rodan+Fields. (whoa! I cannot believe I just typed that)

This is a huge moment for me and my team in this business. Yes, driving around in a luxury car on the doctors dime sure as heck beats my old Honda Accord BUT this is so so much more than that.

Two years ago when I signed up to be a R+F consultant, I remember my friend and sponsor, Lindsay Forrest, saying to me "You can even earn a free Lexus".  To which I responded, "That's cool. That will never be me though."

Then something happened within those two years.   With the support of these incredible women I surround myself with, the support of a credible and smart business model and the support of friends and family and mostly Dan, I stopped being that person that brushed off success and started believing in myself.  I started to become the person that says "I CAN do that".   

And you know what is even better than driving around with air conditioned leather seats?  Knowing that single handedly, I would have NEVER been able to earn this car.  The only way I can earn this reward is by empowering other men and women that they also CAN achieve their goals. Over 200 people have joined the Gibson Group and I have loved helping them chase their dreams...  from either just covering skincare costs and being able to enjoy an extra "date night", to helping cover medical bills, to replacing and surpassing previous incomes, to building confidence or to just having a way to help others feel good about themselves. 

I am humbled by the support of everyone who has supported my goals (from words of support, to product users or team members).   It excites me to know that this is JUST the beginning for me and the people on my team! 

Thank you!!"

This shit just popped up on my feed.  Drives me nuts, and I can't block the person because I do business with her husband.

MarciaB

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #23 on: November 04, 2015, 06:13:43 PM »
Or I could just send them this!
http://www.scarymommy.com/how-to-lose-facebook-friends/

A few favorite lines:

Telling me there will be “plenty of booze” is not an incentive. I can drink at home, believe me, and I don’t have to put on pants. I bet you want me to wear a bra and everything. Not happening.

Also? I don’t want 3-D lashes. Your face looks like a tarantula exhibit. There, I said it. Someone had to.

Hilarious!!

Cpa Cat

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #24 on: November 04, 2015, 07:03:03 PM »
A friend of mine asked me to view a webinar for a new company she was involved in. I figured I could just watch the webinar and then tell her it's not for me. I find it's more effective when I say "no" after I've listened to the spiel. The company was called Melaleuca and it's for "green" products, supposedly at Costco prices (that part was not true).

About halfway through this webinar - which I was watching while playing a video game - it occurred to me that I was watching a webinar for Amway. It was so similar that I Googled "Is Melaleuca Amway." I thought maybe it was actually the same company.

Apparently I wasn't the only one to think so.

Sometimes I just can't understand how normal, self-respecting people can sell this stuff.

Frugal D

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #25 on: November 04, 2015, 07:05:43 PM »
What an incredible weekend this was.  For me, it started off on Thursday when I got to go pick up my Lexus courtesy of Rodan+Fields. (whoa! I cannot believe I just typed that)

This is a huge moment for me and my team in this business. Yes, driving around in a luxury car on the doctors dime sure as heck beats my old Honda Accord BUT this is so so much more than that.

Two years ago when I signed up to be a R+F consultant, I remember my friend and sponsor, Lindsay Forrest, saying to me "You can even earn a free Lexus".  To which I responded, "That's cool. That will never be me though."

Then something happened within those two years.   With the support of these incredible women I surround myself with, the support of a credible and smart business model and the support of friends and family and mostly Dan, I stopped being that person that brushed off success and started believing in myself.  I started to become the person that says "I CAN do that".   

And you know what is even better than driving around with air conditioned leather seats?  Knowing that single handedly, I would have NEVER been able to earn this car.  The only way I can earn this reward is by empowering other men and women that they also CAN achieve their goals. Over 200 people have joined the Gibson Group and I have loved helping them chase their dreams...  from either just covering skincare costs and being able to enjoy an extra "date night", to helping cover medical bills, to replacing and surpassing previous incomes, to building confidence or to just having a way to help others feel good about themselves. 

I am humbled by the support of everyone who has supported my goals (from words of support, to product users or team members).   It excites me to know that this is JUST the beginning for me and the people on my team! 

Thank you!!"

This shit just popped up on my feed.  Drives me nuts, and I can't block the person because I do business with her husband.

Bahahaha. I didn't at first realize you were quoting someone and already began drafting a response in my head. I have a cousin who claims to be having tremendous success pushing Plexus, and like this quote, I will never believe a single word of that success until I see a very detailed P+L statement. The business fundamentally requires shameless gloating and promotion in order to perpetuate. The bottom only falls out once the truth about the thousands of dollars of product sitting in the garage is revealed. 

LeRainDrop

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #26 on: November 04, 2015, 08:26:14 PM »
Bahahaha. I didn't at first realize you were quoting someone and already began drafting a response in my head. I have a cousin who claims to be having tremendous success pushing Plexus, and like this quote, I will never believe a single word of that success until I see a very detailed P+L statement. The business fundamentally requires shameless gloating and promotion in order to perpetuate. The bottom only falls out once the truth about the thousands of dollars of product sitting in the garage is revealed.

Yup, I'd love to know their net income divided by time expended.

thedayisbrave

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #27 on: November 05, 2015, 05:09:04 AM »
Ugh.  Yes.

My mom almost got involved with one of these because "all of her friends were doing it."  According to her, they all drove Mercedes, so OF COURSE that means they know how to manage their money, right?! I told her NO and a few months later it was all over the headlines that it was a scam.  Her friends lost tens of thousands of dollars.  It was called Zeekrewards.  I thought it was fishy when we went to their house, their daughter was giving us a demo (it was some penny auction) and I was asking questions and she was like "Well I'm not supposed to say this but..." That's right, they had BANNED words that the sales reps were not allowed to say.  I think "auction" was one of them.

Also because I'm a nice person, I got sucked into someone's Mary Kay business once.  I let her give me a makeover, bought stuff, promptly regretted it (even though she wasn't "pushing me" - she was doing jedi mind tricks such as filling out the order form with stuff she'd used on me, before I'd decided to buy).  I returned the stuff to her, told her I couldn't afford it (hopefully she felt bad) and have been ignoring her calls since.  She's called at least 3x under the guise of "wanting to hear about my new job".  Um, no thanks.

MLM schemes are the worst!!


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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #28 on: November 05, 2015, 06:42:36 AM »
Oh, gawd, the tupperware parties *groan* Somehow, in the past 6 months, my facebook has been taken over by tupperware. HOW.

Single exception to my no-mlm-parties-EVER rule: this weekend, I'm taking my kid to a 'party' hosted by a family friend who does a mlm-ish book sale business selling (actually pretty decent) kid's books.... and she does craft activities for kids, her musician husband does a show for the kids, and it's basically an EXCELLENT way to wear out a toddler in under 3 hours with a bunch of other toddlers. And even better, her books are on a table in the back to look at and order if you want, but it's not the focus and there's no pressure. (And she found that she got way more people AND sales if she reduced the pressure and made it into a 'storytime and entertainment for kids' event.)

I had a friend who did Stampin' Up and she charged $5 to come and make 5 (really fancy) greeting cards.  There was never any pressure to buy anything- it was just a make and take.  I liked that so much better than the sales party approach; and she got me addicted anyway.  I never bought a thing at the events, but spent plenty with her...

Also- I don't stamp anymore.  Would anyone like thousands of dollars of stamps and craft supplies?

robartsd

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #29 on: November 05, 2015, 11:27:42 AM »
I don't view all party marketing as MLM. There are many where the focus is on selling product, not "building a business". I've had two sisters be Stampin' Up demonstrators, attended Pampered Chef parties, grew up using tuperware products and watching my mom work an Avon route. While there certainly is opportunity for interested people to sign up to market these products; they don't push for it.

Melaleuca was certainly MLM. My wife and I decided to sign up because we really do like their cleaning products; but, the presentation we were invtied to focust on the amazing "business opportunity". I did write one facebook post about our interest in the product and left it at that. We tried their multivitamin line for a while and that provided the bulk of meeting our monthly commitment, when we decided to drop the multivitamins, we spend a couple of months stocking up on cleaning supplies then cancelled our membership. At first I thought we'd look for a Melaleuca person to purchase product from (technically they aren't supposed to purchase product intending to resell it); however, my wife has become more interested in making her own cleaning products using essential oils - we now use a vinager based rinse for fabric softener.

irishbear99

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #30 on: November 05, 2015, 11:39:14 AM »
All of the products, and I mean ALL, are complete garbage.

This isn't completely true. I absolutely swear by my garlic press from Pampered Chef. I love it because I don't have to peel the garlic first and it's easy to clean. I bought it nearly 15 years ago for something like $12, and have used it multiple times a week pretty much every week since I bought it. It is just about the only MLM product I've ever bought that was actually worth it.

That being said, I generally hate MLMs with a passion. They came to my family recently when my SIL started with R+F. She, thankfully, isn't pushy at all and has only offered me samples once (which I declined). Unfortunately, my mother has bought in hook, line and sinker and tried to bug me into joining her "team" before my SIL "got to me first." /eyeroll

CabinetGuy

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #31 on: November 05, 2015, 11:55:01 AM »
All I want to do is post this on my feed.  But I can't....

mm1970

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #32 on: November 05, 2015, 01:46:41 PM »
All of the products, and I mean ALL, are complete garbage.

This isn't completely true. I absolutely swear by my garlic press from Pampered Chef. I love it because I don't have to peel the garlic first and it's easy to clean. I bought it nearly 15 years ago for something like $12, and have used it multiple times a week pretty much every week since I bought it. It is just about the only MLM product I've ever bought that was actually worth it.

That being said, I generally hate MLMs with a passion. They came to my family recently when my SIL started with R+F. She, thankfully, isn't pushy at all and has only offered me samples once (which I declined). Unfortunately, my mother has bought in hook, line and sinker and tried to bug me into joining her "team" before my SIL "got to me first." /eyeroll
I have to agree with you here. I have that pampered chef garlic press and it's awesome!  (Except I lost the cleaner thingy.)  I also have a black "microwave cooker" that seriously cooks my veggies perfectly.

But then again, is Pampered Chef MLM?  I think a lot of the at-home parties have the MLM aspect to them, but maybe it's not the focus.  I can't really say for sure.  I've purchased some things from the parties - pre-digital days, I really enjoyed Creative Memories.  I have some pampered chef items, and I also have some clothing from CAbi, which flatters me like nothing else.

The essential oils...I know some people really swear by them, but I'm not really convinced.  I'm not really into skincare.

Then there is the beachbody products.  Beachbody is technically an MLM, but their products are certainly not garbage.  The workout programs are pretty good.

robartsd

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #33 on: November 05, 2015, 04:27:50 PM »
My definition of MLM is a compensation plan where one earns a commission on the sales of people one has recruited. Many MLM's are heavily skewed towards earning such commisions, others skew more heavily towards personal sales commissions. If you simply get a one-time bonus for helping someone else get started as a small portion of compensation, I would not consider it MLM.

Megma

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #34 on: November 05, 2015, 07:33:07 PM »
All of the products, and I mean ALL, are complete garbage.

This isn't completely true. I absolutely swear by my garlic press from Pampered Chef. I love it because I don't have to peel the garlic first and it's easy to clean. I bought it nearly 15 years ago for something like $12, and have used it multiple times a week pretty much every week since I bought it. It is just about the only MLM product I've ever bought that was actually worth it.

That being said, I generally hate MLMs with a passion. They came to my family recently when my SIL started with R+F. She, thankfully, isn't pushy at all and has only offered me samples once (which I declined). Unfortunately, my mother has bought in hook, line and sinker and tried to bug me into joining her "team" before my SIL "got to me first." /eyeroll

COlady, I put that link on my newsfeed, maybe it will dissuade some of the MLM poster? Or they can unfriend me, I'm cool with that. 😃

I will say I also like pampered chef stuff, it's pricy for sure but my mom got me a full set of the pots/pans for my hs graduation and over ten years later, still going strong, used consistently. I would never host a party though, which is the only way to get a good deal on their stuff, bc I don't want to push others to buy so I can get freebies. I do have a cousin who did her bridal shower registry on pampered chef, which I think wasn't a bad idea, she got what she wanted and the party freebies as a bonus.

COlady

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #35 on: November 05, 2015, 07:53:55 PM »
All of the products, and I mean ALL, are complete garbage.

This isn't completely true. I absolutely swear by my garlic press from Pampered Chef. I love it because I don't have to peel the garlic first and it's easy to clean. I bought it nearly 15 years ago for something like $12, and have used it multiple times a week pretty much every week since I bought it. It is just about the only MLM product I've ever bought that was actually worth it.

That being said, I generally hate MLMs with a passion. They came to my family recently when my SIL started with R+F. She, thankfully, isn't pushy at all and has only offered me samples once (which I declined). Unfortunately, my mother has bought in hook, line and sinker and tried to bug me into joining her "team" before my SIL "got to me first." /eyeroll

COlady, I put that link on my newsfeed, maybe it will dissuade some of the MLM poster? Or they can unfriend me, I'm cool with that. 😃

I will say I also like pampered chef stuff, it's pricy for sure but my mom got me a full set of the pots/pans for my hs graduation and over ten years later, still going strong, used consistently. I would never host a party though, which is the only way to get a good deal on their stuff, bc I don't want to push others to buy so I can get freebies. I do have a cousin who did her bridal shower registry on pampered chef, which I think wasn't a bad idea, she got what she wanted and the party freebies as a bonus.

Please come back and let us all know if you gets any comments!

RootofGood

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #36 on: November 17, 2015, 01:43:27 PM »
These kinds of people get an insta-block from me in facebook.  Ain't nobody got time fo body wraps.

As a result, I rarely see any kind of MLM stuff marketed to me.  And if I do see it, it's only once.  :)

elaine amj

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #37 on: November 17, 2015, 02:23:30 PM »
A friend of mine asked me to view a webinar for a new company she was involved in. I figured I could just watch the webinar and then tell her it's not for me. I find it's more effective when I say "no" after I've listened to the spiel. The company was called Melaleuca and it's for "green" products, supposedly at Costco prices (that part was not true).

About halfway through this webinar - which I was watching while playing a video game - it occurred to me that I was watching a webinar for Amway. It was so similar that I Googled "Is Melaleuca Amway." I thought maybe it was actually the same company.

Apparently I wasn't the only one to think so.

Sometimes I just can't understand how normal, self-respecting people can sell this stuff.

Is it sill around? I bought into it about a dozen years ago and even stayed a "member" for 6 months or so until we accepted that we simply weren't going to spend that much on cleaning products! I have to say - their tea tree oil -based acne cream is the best I have ever used. Works like magic. It's taken us a dozen years (used very sparingly) but we are just about done our last tube (boo). 

robartsd

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #38 on: November 17, 2015, 03:15:38 PM »
Is it sill around? I bought into it about a dozen years ago and even stayed a "member" for 6 months or so until we accepted that we simply weren't going to spend that much on cleaning products! I have to say - their tea tree oil -based acne cream is the best I have ever used. Works like magic. It's taken us a dozen years (used very sparingly) but we are just about done our last tube (boo).
Their website is still up.

2Saving4Life

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #39 on: November 17, 2015, 03:20:10 PM »
I just found a real estate investing group on meetup.com and went to their meeting last week.  The first half was a presentation about using substitution of collateral in your purchase contracts.  Which seemed super sketchy and then it led into some MLM business.  He even said "this isn't like Amway" as there is a giant fucking pyramid on the projector screen.  I got up and walked out.  I just wasted hours of my life.  Sad thing was that most people were eating that shit up.

Cpa Cat

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #40 on: November 17, 2015, 05:18:07 PM »
A friend of mine asked me to view a webinar for a new company she was involved in. I figured I could just watch the webinar and then tell her it's not for me. I find it's more effective when I say "no" after I've listened to the spiel. The company was called Melaleuca and it's for "green" products, supposedly at Costco prices (that part was not true).

About halfway through this webinar - which I was watching while playing a video game - it occurred to me that I was watching a webinar for Amway. It was so similar that I Googled "Is Melaleuca Amway." I thought maybe it was actually the same company.

Apparently I wasn't the only one to think so.

Sometimes I just can't understand how normal, self-respecting people can sell this stuff.

Is it sill around? I bought into it about a dozen years ago and even stayed a "member" for 6 months or so until we accepted that we simply weren't going to spend that much on cleaning products! I have to say - their tea tree oil -based acne cream is the best I have ever used. Works like magic. It's taken us a dozen years (used very sparingly) but we are just about done our last tube (boo).

Yep. One of the reps I know is going on a cruise as a reward from the company for her sales. And just the other day I saw a big Melaleuca semi truck rolling down the highway. So you might be able to get more of that cream. :)

NonprofitER

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #41 on: November 18, 2015, 07:56:03 AM »
We know a million people involved in MLMs as well.

Two people in our universe have graduated to the upper echelons of two different MLM's as "Crown Diamonds" or some-such, reportedly making some ungodly $50k+ a month or whathaveyou.  They post regularly about their glamorous lives as a result of dubious or overly expensive products. One is a parent of another child at our child's school - so that makes it particularly difficult to avoid.

What gets me isn't that they are involved with these pyramid schemes (and likely know they are motivating hundreds of people who statistically WILL NOT reach the level they are at because of market timing), its that all these MLM companies push their culture as super life-changing, semi-religious experiences.  The conferences are multi-million dollar productions with religious speak about improving people's lives and changing the world. In some cases we've seen them arm-twist celebrities into showing up so that all the aspiring MLMers can take photos with said C-level person and post online ("OMG, Here I am at the It Works Event in Vegas and we're totally hanging out with XYZ!").  The cruises, etc. are all just investments by the  MLM to jazz up their recruiters. It works especially well in the social media age.

We just shrug. I personally think its self-delusion to think that selling an expensive cleaning product or set of oils is akin to making a serious impact on the world, but oh well. I've honed my party line and use it often ("Sorry, I'm sure its great. We just have a personal policy on anything sold through network marketing. I'm sure you understand").

CheapskateWife

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #42 on: November 18, 2015, 08:27:30 AM »
All I want to do is post this on my feed.  But I can't....

DO IT!!!!!

(and share the fall-out with us pleeeeze)

I'm a red panda

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #43 on: November 18, 2015, 09:17:03 AM »


But then again, is Pampered Chef MLM? 

Pampered Chef is absolutely a MLM company. You make commissions on the people you recruit.  Yes- you can earn a bit of money selling, but real money comes from getting other people do to the selling.

mm1970

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #44 on: November 18, 2015, 09:50:47 AM »


But then again, is Pampered Chef MLM? 

Pampered Chef is absolutely a MLM company. You make commissions on the people you recruit.  Yes- you can earn a bit of money selling, but real money comes from getting other people do to the selling.
I've only ever gone to a few parties to buy the goods, so I didn't know!

Easye418

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #45 on: November 18, 2015, 11:04:55 AM »
If you say you are not interested and they continue to ask, then you were not assertive enough. 

I don't care if my family was trying to get me on it, I would tell them "you are wasting your time talking with me, I am not interested, never will be".

Truth hurts sometimes.

libertarian4321

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #46 on: November 18, 2015, 01:53:31 PM »
We know a million people involved in MLMs as well.

Two people in our universe have graduated to the upper echelons of two different MLM's as "Crown Diamonds" or some-such, reportedly making some ungodly $50k+ a month or whathaveyou.  They post regularly about their glamorous lives as a result of dubious or overly expensive products. One is a parent of another child at our child's school - so that makes it particularly difficult to avoid.

What gets me isn't that they are involved with these pyramid schemes (and likely know they are motivating hundreds of people who statistically WILL NOT reach the level they are at because of market timing), its that all these MLM companies push their culture as super life-changing, semi-religious experiences.  The conferences are multi-million dollar productions with religious speak about improving people's lives and changing the world. In some cases we've seen them arm-twist celebrities into showing up so that all the aspiring MLMers can take photos with said C-level person and post online ("OMG, Here I am at the It Works Event in Vegas and we're totally hanging out with XYZ!").  The cruises, etc. are all just investments by the  MLM to jazz up their recruiters. It works especially well in the social media age.

We just shrug. I personally think its self-delusion to think that selling an expensive cleaning product or set of oils is akin to making a serious impact on the world, but oh well. I've honed my party line and use it often ("Sorry, I'm sure its great. We just have a personal policy on anything sold through network marketing. I'm sure you understand").

There is actually a pretty good chance that those Platinum Diamond Crown Exalted Titanium Emerald Achiever folks really are NOT making big money.  A lot of these folks fake wealth to con more suckers, er, people, to join up and become part of their downline.  The "glitz and glamour" BS is no different than what you see from late night TV "get rich" hucksters. 

Using the (false) dream of easy riches to suck more broke-ass morons into their ridiculous schemes.



COlady

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #47 on: November 18, 2015, 02:26:55 PM »
Maybe I should post this article on FB! Many would tell me I'm a pessimist...I would tell them I a realist.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/100366687

Goldielocks

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #48 on: November 18, 2015, 02:27:59 PM »
Ugh,

I just realized.  Christmas is coming and I may be in for another MLM Christmas.   (I don't even use scented candles....)

ShoulderThingThatGoesUp

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Re: MLM Pushers!
« Reply #49 on: November 18, 2015, 02:29:31 PM »
There is actually a pretty good chance that those Platinum Diamond Crown Exalted Titanium Emerald Achiever folks really are NOT making big money.

I thought Platinum Diamond Crown Exalted Titanium Emerald Achiever was a United Airlines frequent flyer category.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!