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MLM programs - are they worth it?

by hunterron
12 replies
I wonder if anyone has ever had true success with one of these programs. I have found one with a product I think I could actually get behind. I know the product isn't really what you are selling, but I can't rightly get involved in any business that says it is selling some kind of juice or water that no one is going to buy anyway.
#mlm #programs #worth
  • Profile picture of the author dvduval
    The most difficult part about MLM is it can be difficult to tell the difference between a real program that works, and something that is more of a Ponzi scheme (which is illegal). Both types exist, so my advice would be to make sure you do your research and don't feel pressured to jump into anything too quickly.
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  • Profile picture of the author TLTheLiberator
    IMHO the answer is no.

    You'd do a lot better by "standing alone" and using one of the many proven online business models such as the simple affiliate model for your net biz.

    I know MLM sounds quite easy as in ... recruit a couple/three people and get them to do the same and the money will come rolling in but MLM/team building etc. is where most - by far, are the failures of online business people.

    Hoping from program to program won't help either.

    IMHO you'll increase your chances of success by not depending on a company and a group of people that don't have a clue.

    Hope This Helps!!

    TL


    Ps. Please acknowledge that you've been warned.
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  • Profile picture of the author Paul Buckley
    In a word?: NO!
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  • Profile picture of the author Ron Killian
    I am by far no MLM expert, so don't take my word as gospel.

    The problems I've found, was first recruiting, it's ALOT of work, you'll surely get many more no's than signups, or worst people that say they are interested, but in the end, never get on board.

    While recruiting can be tough, the biggest problem I came across was finding people that would actually do the work! You could get 100's on board, but few ever did much, if any work. If the downline doesn't work, your not going to be making much.

    Just my thoughts
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
      I think you have to look at the product(s) first. Is the product good? Does it work? Is it a good value? Is the product and price strong enough that you could promote and sell it on its own merits and be profitable?

      If no, stop. If yes, continue on with additional questioning...

      What does the company say about the product? Do they distort the truth to make the product sound more appealing? Here you need to be able to distinguish between hyping a product and misleading consumers about what it does.

      What kind of credibility do the people running the company have? Are they reliable? Have you checked their past behavior? The last thing you want for your own credibility (and future sales) is to become associated with people that have a reputation for doing unfavorable things. Are they truthful about their credentials, especially for products where a person's expertise in that industry is key?

      Check the top tier of distributors/sellers/whatnot too. Are they people experienced in selling products, or are they serial MLM'ers that jump from system to system to get in on the ground floor?

      Does the company seem more interested in pushing the MLM program or the product? The product(s) should be the core business and MLM should be its means of distribution. If the MLM is the core business and the product is secondary, stay away.
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  • Profile picture of the author Wakunahum
    I'm not sure if they are worth it.

    Again I have never been super successful with one of these. When I was like 18-20 I joined a few and made some decent money $500 ish a month so I'm not the expert.

    1. Not many mlm programs have sold the same product consistently as well as kept the same compensation plan for the distributors for a long period of time. There are too many changes too fast which normally effect the % you earn in the long run. Can you really put your income in the hands of those who can change it at any time? I've known people who have lost good incomes cause of certain changes where they have to balance downlines and all this crazy stuff when the rules didn't previously state things like this.

    2. Consider the profit per month off someone you sign up versus the profit per month of throwing up a website or whatever. It's easier (well for me) to work with websites cause they are a bit more predictable than the average distributor who ends up quitting in 3 months or so anyways. My sites last alot longer. lol

    If you want to sell a good product, find one of the thousands of great products with an affiliate program and go with that imo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I have made a killing with one MLM program.

    But I make WAY more money selling individual and B to B products. MLM is designed to look good on paper but the reality is it's VERY hard to do online.

    I am not one to hold meetings or presentations at my house. That is how most MLM'ers get rich.
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  • Profile picture of the author craigraphael
    From my experience with MLM, MOST of the people pushing the program are doing what they were told to do. They don't know what they are doing and aren't successful themselves...we call this recruiting! lol

    Also, there are people that make money in these programs but the percentage is SO small that the other 98% are the driving force of many of them by taking their sign up fees, making them purchase "tools", etc.

    Good post. Thanks.

    Craig Raphael
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  • Profile picture of the author Brian W. Wang
    I've had some bad experiences with MLM programs. I advise staying away from them, as I am inclined to believe that they would run away with your money and never come back.

    Of course, maybe this is because I never met a legit MLM program before. I've dealt with quite a lot of MLMs before, and have never saw a MLM that wasn't ripping people off.

    Kind regards,
    George
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