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Would you join an MLM affiliate program with monthly charges?

by Marakatapolis
9 replies
I was trying to find out if a major company had an affiliate program, and it turns out they do, but it's an MLM style one and it has a startup fee and monthly recurring fee, however, their products are very hot sellers.

What do you think? Selling just one of their products per month would cover the monthly fee, it just seems strange to me. Maybe I am just ignorant of "MLM".

I hear that and I think Bernie Madoff! Or am I way off course here?
#affiliate #charges #join #mlm #monthly #program
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    There's always a trade-off in business. If you get access to hot selling products and maybe some support from the company the monthly fees are simply one of the costs of doing business. Look at eBay. Any active seller there is paying lots of fees. In exchange for those fees he or she gets access to perhaps the largest online marketplace in the world. There's always a trade-off in business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
    Originally Posted by Marakatapolis View Post

    I was trying to find out if a major company had an affiliate program, and it turns out they do, but it's an MLM style one and it has a startup fee and monthly recurring fee, however, their products are very hot sellers.

    What do you think? Selling just one of their products per month would cover the monthly fee, it just seems strange to me. Maybe I am just ignorant of "MLM".

    I hear that and I think Bernie Madoff! Or am I way off course here?
    You need to tell us more about this monthly fee. Many MLM companies have
    a minimum monthly sales requirement to earn overrides and bonuses. Some
    accomplish this with a monthly autoship for which the rep receives products.

    I'm unaware of any that charge a flat fee but deliver no product/service
    in exchange for the money.

    Tsnyder
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    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

      You need to tell us more about this monthly fee. Many MLM companies have
      a minimum monthly sales requirement to earn overrides and bonuses. Some
      accomplish this with a monthly autoship for which the rep receives products.

      I'm unaware of any that charge a flat fee but deliver no product/service
      in exchange for the money.

      Tsnyder
      Hi T,

      Your response encapsulates a lot of good points. I'm not making any assumptions, but wonder if the OP even knows the answer.

      It's a good reminder to everyone to do their due diligence, and read the small print.

      All the best,
      Michael
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      "Ich bin en fuego!"
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      • Profile picture of the author Marakatapolis
        No it is a downline, you do recruit others onto your "team". I read the TOS, but it's big and long and my eyes glazed over after awhile.

        Someone just PM'ed me, he knew exactly what I was talking about, even though I was kind of vague in my original post. He is in the program and says it's legit, as long as you sell enough to recoup your monthly costs.

        I think this is something I will wait awhile on though, not sure I am experienced enough yet to make it work.

        Are MLM style affiliate programs common? This is the first I have come across.
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        • Profile picture of the author Fitnessdad
          I'll bite what is the program that is affiliate/mlm?
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          Website building for small businesses, an online marketing agency that provides expert services and advice to small businesses and local shops to help them succeed in the digital age.
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  • Profile picture of the author Derek Allen
    I wouldn't join an MLM business, myself. I have seen many people suckered into these and loose all kinds of money.
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    My Blog + Cool Stuff>> Self Made CEO
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  • Profile picture of the author badboy_Nick
    Personally ... no. But there's enough people who would buy it. Besides, the audience is listening
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    Read my incredible story: www.affiliatechamp.co.uk
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    • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
      This is going to get mixed answers. If you are looking for someone to reassure that it is OK you may want to tweak your focus a bit.

      I would ask yourself if you have a plan to recoup these cost and consider the monthly fee an investment.

      The monthly fee would be the operating cost of doing business, which all businesses have. Now you have to figure out how you can increase the amount of revenue coming in vs. the amount of op ex.

      Sit down and make a business plan,. I think this will give you the confidence o answer your own question.
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      David

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  • Profile picture of the author rickdearr
    Just want to clarify, it's an affiliate program? They are not asking you to be a downline of someone in the MLM to be part of it? Just a monthly fee to be an affiliate? That would seem a bit odd.
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    Rick Dearr
    RnR Marketing, LLC
    Sandy, Utah 84070
    http://www.winnerscircletraining.com/gonow
    90 Second Video - Free Access

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