134 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
134 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

MLM with 100% commission true or scam?

by papi70
112 replies
Hey Warriors friends,

Am I right to assume these big shots make THEIR money recruiting members who pay THEM $50/month for membership?

Of course they don't care if you sell or not, they're making $50/month regardless!!

100% of ZERO equals ZERO!!

I've either misunderstood something or it's definitely a SCAM!!

What do you guys think about this?
#100% #commission #mlm #scam #true
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    MLM commissions of "100%" usually turn out, when you read the fine print, to be "100% on selected sales only". Just saying ... :rolleyes:

    (And if you don't like reading the fine print, don't ever join an MLM!).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563569].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      (And if you don't like reading the fine print, don't ever join an MLM!).
      And after you read the fine print you will not join any MLM. Just saying.
      Signature

      Call Center Fuel - High Volume Data
      Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563698].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author 4q
        I personally don't like MLM and would never involve myself with any such system...

        However, why is Empower Network proving to be so popular?

        It is MLM, if I'm not mistaken?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563717].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author lotsofsnow
          Originally Posted by 4q View Post

          However, why is Empower Network proving to be so popular?

          It is MLM, if I'm not mistaken?
          It's not popular. It just seems to be popular because a lot of people promoting it make it look popular.
          Signature

          Call Center Fuel - High Volume Data
          Delivering the highest quality leads in virtually all consumer verticals.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563754].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author BambiFox
            That explains all the Empower emails in my inbox.

            It's very hard to get rid of them. I still can't get off of 3 promoters lists.

            A good recommendation for "throwaway" email addresses.

            Bambi
            [yes, it is my real name]

            Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

            It's not popular. It just seems to be popular because a lot of people promoting it make it look popular.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573674].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
              Banned
              Originally Posted by BambiFox View Post

              A good recommendation for "throwaway" email addresses.
              Yes, indeed.

              Originally Posted by BambiFox View Post

              That explains all the Empower emails in my inbox.
              It's very hard to get rid of them. I still can't get off of 3 promoters lists.
              It can be very difficult. Some of them are real spammers, in that company. It's part of their whole ethos and culture (which is part of the reason why this forum doesn't allow them to advertise things like WSO's here any more). :p

              If the unsubscribe button doesn't work (or if there isn't one), then I complain to their hosting company, domain-name registrar, email service provider and internet service provider, or whichever one(s) out of that group I can discover, anyway. And if it continues, I'll forward every email I receive from the person to all of those people's "complaints/abuse departments" with the observation that it's spam and a polite request for them please to try to prevent it in future. It's a real nuisance (initially, but repeating it is quick and easy) but it does often seem to work and I consider it a "public service". I'm very intolerant of email spam.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573740].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author FraggleJ78
                Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

                Yes, indeed.



                It can be very difficult. Some of them are real spammers, in that company. It's part of their whole ethos and culture (which is part of the reason why this forum doesn't allow them to advertise things like WSO's here any more). :p

                If the unsubscribe button doesn't work (or if there isn't one), then I complain to their hosting company, domain-name registrar, email service provider and internet service provider, or whichever one(s) out of that group I can discover, anyway. And if it continues, I'll forward every email I receive from the person to all of those people's "complaints/abuse departments" with the observation that it's spam and a polite request for them please to try to prevent it in future. It's a real nuisance (initially, but repeating it is quick and easy) but it does often seem to work and I consider it a "public service". I'm very intolerant of email spam.
                Nowhere in the EN training do they recommend people spam.

                Unfortunately when there is over 100k affiliates promoting a product, with many of them not knowing what they are doing, there is always going to be a degree of spam.

                I personally think Email marketing is becoming obsolete due to the exact stuff you are saying. Not only is there the issue with marketers sending too many emails, i.e. "spam". There is also the fact that most of us are on 30 different marketers email lists. So nobodies message actually gets opened.

                Which is why in my opinion building an email list is as Fergie says "2000 late" lol
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8575915].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
                  Banned
                  Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                  Nowhere in the EN training do they recommend people spam.
                  Then they've been extraordinarily unlucky in the people they've recruited, haven't they? As well as apparently having suffered the misfortune of recruiting some liars who, by strange coincidence, all claim that that's exactly what EN advised them to do, before they walked away from it?

                  I don't remember this forum ever having to ban a specific opportunity from being promoted here in WSO's and sig-files, before, as it has done in the case of EN?

                  And I don't remember receiving so many spam emails without unsubscribe links in them from the representatives of any previous business "opportunity".

                  Anyway, whether they've actually been taught in their training to spam or not, they're certainly a real bunch of spammers, and no mistake! :p

                  Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                  Unfortunately when there is over 100k affiliates promoting a product, with many of them not knowing what they are doing, there is always going to be a degree of spam.
                  This is a very strange view! It doesn't seem to apply to most other, even bigger companies, does it?

                  How do you account for the fact that Forever Living Products (also an MLM) has nearly 100 times as many distributors as EN, and they don't send spam at all? :p

                  Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                  I personally think Email marketing is becoming obsolete due to the exact stuff you are saying.
                  Funny ... sorry about this, but you and I seem destined to disagree about everything, today:

                  I think it's still expanding exponentially.

                  Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                  nobodies message actually gets opened.
                  That depends on what sort of messages you send, to whom, and what your subscriber expectations are. http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8576664].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author FraggleJ78
                    Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

                    Then they've been extraordinarily unlucky in the people they've recruited, haven't they? As well as apparently having suffered the misfortune of recruiting some liars who, by strange coincidence, all claim that that's exactly what EN advised them to do, before they walked away from it?

                    I don't remember this forum ever having to ban a specific opportunity from being promoted here in WSO's and sig-files, before, as it has done in the case of EN?

                    And I don't remember receiving so many spam emails without unsubscribe links in them from the representatives of any previous business "opportunity".

                    Anyway, whether they've actually been taught in their training to spam or not, they're certainly a real bunch of spammers, and no mistake! :p



                    This is a very strange view! It doesn't seem to apply to most other, even bigger companies, does it?

                    How do you account for the fact that Forever Living Products (also an MLM) has nearly 100 times as many distributors as EN, and they don't send spam at all? :p



                    Funny ... sorry about this, but you and I seem destined to disagree about everything, today:

                    I think it's still expanding exponentially.



                    That depends on what sort of messages you send, to whom, and what your subscriber expectations are. http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982
                    I dont know how to do the different quotes function you do but here is my way.. lol

                    "Anyway, whether they've actually been taught in their training to spam or not, they're certainly a real bunch of spammers, and no mistake! :p"

                    That's called people who think internet marketing is as easy as throwing a bunch of spammy links around in order to get rich without doing any work. Pretty much the same thing that happens with all the WSO launches that are junk.

                    Again, there is absolutely no mention anywhere in any of the EN products that tell people to go out there and spam or get people to subscribe to email lists without an unsubscribe link. Heck most people who join have no idea how to do something like that.

                    "
                    How do you account for the fact that Forever Living Products (also an MLM) has nearly 100 times as many distributors as EN, and they don't send spam at all? :p"

                    Probably has something to do with the way Forever Living Products people market. I have no idea what the company is. I'm assuming their reps aren't proficient in the internet marketing "make 1 million dollars a day without doing anything" jargon that you see out there.

                    EN does require all affiliates who market the product and are talking about income claims to clearly make a disclaimer and a link. There are clearly plenty who still do not adhere to the requirements. It has nothing to do with EN and what the business is about though.

                    "Funny ... sorry about this, but you and I seem destined to disagree about everything, today: "

                    Correct That's ok though. I have respect for you.
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8577357].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
                      Banned
                      Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                      Probably has something to do with the way Forever Living Products people market. I have no idea what the company is.
                      I think it's the world's largest MLM company. It has about 10 Million distributors, anyway, and a range of products originally based on aloe vera (of which it owns and controls about 75% of the worldwide supply, so its prices tend to be much lower than those of other companies' equivalent products. Kind of the exact opposite to many people's often-reasonable perceptions of "overpriced MLM products because all those levels of commission are being paid out on them" ).

                      Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                      I'm assuming their reps aren't proficient in the internet marketing "make 1 million dollars a day without doing anything" jargon that you see out there.
                      Yes, I think this is probably right. I suspect that any who displayed proficiency at that wouldn't last for long in a company like FLP. I think that's part of the reason why companies like FLP survive for (at least) many decades while companies like EN invariably survive only for a few years each, as we've so reliably seen in the past when they all get wound up by regulators/courts.

                      In my non-qualified personal opinion (albeit formed mostly because it's the opinion of both of the very well-informed lawyers with whom I've discussed this, as well as the opinion of many other lawyers), EN is an illegal pyramid scam dishonestly masquerading as a lawful MLM company, and eventually a court will say so (if it lasts long enough for the inevitable proceedings to take place) exactly as it has said so, and for the same reasons, with every other company with this same kind of business model and without the legally required proportion of retail customers.

                      Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                      Correct That's ok though. I have respect for you.
                      And I for you.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8578233].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
                  Originally Posted by FraggleJ78 View Post

                  I personally think Email marketing is becoming obsolete due to the exact stuff you are saying. Not only is there the issue with marketers sending too many emails, i.e. "spam". There is also the fact that most of us are on 30 different marketers email lists. So nobodies message actually gets opened.

                  Which is why in my opinion building an email list is as Fergie says "2000 late" lol
                  Email works great for me. However I don't get my leads from the same pool everyone else gets them from.

                  And if email is so obsolete, how come people keep using it to grow their businesses?
                  Signature

                  "Human thoughts have the tendency to transform themselves into their physical equivalent." Earl Nightingale

                  Super Affiliates Hang Out Here

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8578546].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author AlohaSoldier89
            Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

            It's not popular. It just seems to be popular because a lot of people promoting it make it look popular.
            Whether you are into the compensation plan or not, the blog has a lot authority and you can rank pages rather easily!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8576642].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by 4q View Post

          It is MLM, if I'm not mistaken?
          It claims to be MLM. That's a very different thing, as all the distributors of all the previous companies with the same business model of EN found out when they were eventually closed down by regulators and/or courts, typically after about 3 years' trading. They claimed to be MLM, too. This thread explains more: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post8285165
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563809].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
          Originally Posted by 4q View Post

          I personally don't like MLM and would never involve myself with any such system...

          However, why is Empower Network proving to be so popular?

          It is MLM, if I'm not mistaken?
          Because, to quote Barnum -

          There's a sucker born every minute.

          And once suckered in, people want to give it an honest shake, maybe even more so than they would other ventures - because it sounds so promising, right? And so many others have made money with it, right? and good, hard earned money was spent on it, right? right? right? (said in the tone of a desperate scam victim)

          So they promote the hell out of it, desperately trying to bring in a sale, or two - or worse yet - they get one or two and think they see the light- and kill themselves trying for more.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564340].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author FraggleJ78
          Originally Posted by 4q View Post

          I personally don't like MLM and would never involve myself with any such system...

          However, why is Empower Network proving to be so popular?

          It is MLM, if I'm not mistaken?
          To answer this question. EN is considered an affiliate program. You get paid on multiple levels, but isn't set up as a traditional MLM company.

          To be honest though I don't know what the heck the difference between an MLM or affiliate company is.

          It's popular because a few things:

          1. The products are good
          2. You can earn a lot on them. Up to $4625 on a sale if you own all the products and resell them to someone who buys all the products.

          EN is great, but like everything on the internet it's not as easy as some would make it out to be. You still need to know how to market, get traffic, and convert that traffic into sales.

          Without those skills, the product on the back end will never matter. EN does teach you the skills to do that stuff, but as with any business in order to make it work online there will be the need to invest into yourself and your ability to do certain things to make it work.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8575897].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Nicole Sakoman
        Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

        And after you read the fine print you will not join any MLM. Just saying.
        I taught I was the only one to realize that
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563770].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author goindeep
        Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

        And after you read the fine print you will not join any MLM. Just saying.
        And if you know anything about anything you will know the letters MLM mean walk away, lol.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567627].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author KylePeters
        Originally Posted by hpgoodboy View Post

        And after you read the fine print you will not join any MLM. Just saying.
        And that's only if you understand the fine print.... you may have to hire a lawyer to help you understand their play on words... Just saying! LOL!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8594677].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tjaysen70
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      MLM commissions of "100%" usually turn out, when you read the fine print, to be "100% on selected sales only". Just saying ... :rolleyes:

      (And if you don't like reading the fine print, don't ever join an MLM!).
      whoa alexa, you look like a singer I once knew in LA.

      Anyway, yea making serious cash in MLM is tough, but it is possible. Depends on which MLM you're referring to, but many of these enormous companies, Amway, Herbalife, MaryKay etc, make billions and are indeed paying out commissions, so someone is making money. Usually the guy at the top of the pyramid though.
      Signature

      Tired of the grind? Wait. PM me to see a better way.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8565925].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author neilfoust
    It could be true because in order to grow some MLM networks do that but they also would have some other twist where they would make cash.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563757].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    I think it's safe to say that MLM is a bunch of BS!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8563936].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
      Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

      I think it's safe to say that MLM is a bunch of BS!!
      I think it's even safer to say you don't know what you're talking about.
      Signature
      If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8565758].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author papi70
        Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

        I think it's even safer to say you don't know what you're talking about.
        That was easy to say.. How about expanding on that so we know you at least do..
        :confused::confused:
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8566120].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          The pricing model is a scam because in order to sell the products we gotta first buy them. And yes we all know we're talking about EN..
          Too bad you didn't say that to begin with - most wouldn't have bothered to respond in that case.
          Signature
          Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
          ***
          One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
          what it is instead of what you think it should be.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8566252].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author papi70
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            Too bad you didn't say that to begin with - most wouldn't have bothered to respond in that case.
            What I meant to say was that in order to get the commission for that specific product you have to first buy it yourself.. is that normal in MLM?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8566318].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Kay King
              Most MLM's I've seen have something you have to buy - that "upgrades" you to a status where you earn commissions.

              That part is not unusual so if that's the objection I think you are focusing on the wrong problem.

              If you want to earn commission without paying anything - you go with an affiliate program where you are paid commission only for what you sell.

              The reason people are attracted to MLM's is because they have visions of earning from what other people do. For the company to earn money (and there's no reason to run the company if it doesn't earn) those who earned tiered commission have to be upgraded in most MLM's.

              This particular program has been over promoted and over hyped and has been around a while....long enough to be able to tell if the average person profits or not in it.

              I don't know the exact details of this program as it never interested me.
              Signature
              Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
              ***
              One secret to happiness is to let every situation be
              what it is instead of what you think it should be.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567054].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
              Banned
              Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

              What I meant to say was that in order to get the commission for that specific product you have to first buy it yourself.. is that normal in MLM?
              No.

              (But I agree entirely with Kay that that isn't the problem, here.)
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567064].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
              Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

              What I meant to say was that in order to get the commission for that specific product you have to first buy it yourself.. is that normal in MLM?
              No... that's not normal. It's called "pay to play" and is one
              of the reasons regulators will eventually catch up to these guys.

              The other, of course, is the blatant illegal income claims that are all
              over the net.
              Signature
              If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567720].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author genhorrall
              If you were in say Mary Kay or Avon or Tupperware (all respected companies), how likely are you to be able to sell a product you don't have on your shelf.

              You have no real knowledge of it. You have no experience with it. So if you do have the ability to sell it, aren't you just really selling the hype.

              It is ridiculous in my opinion to sell a product you have no experience with and have no knowledge of.

              Just my two cents.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8576729].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
                Originally Posted by genhorrall View Post

                If you were in say Mary Kay or Avon or Tupperware (all respected companies), how likely are you to be able to sell a product you don't have on your shelf.

                You have no real knowledge of it. You have no experience with it. So if you do have the ability to sell it, aren't you just really selling the hype.

                It is ridiculous in my opinion to sell a product you have no experience with and have no knowledge of.

                Just my two cents.
                I know many people who successfully sell diet products who
                have never used them because they have no need for them.

                It's important to have some knowledge of the product but expert
                level knowledge isn't necessary. What's truly important is that you
                have a high level of belief in what the product will do for someone
                who does have a need.
                Signature
                If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8577297].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
                Originally Posted by Seemore25101 View Post

                So true.. The biggest problem is your upline does not learn how to be a proper coach or mentor for you. When you go into Network Marketing, you need to buy the proper training if your not willing to stick it out and learn to be professional yourself. The most successful network marketers invest in thier learning through programs outside of the company.
                I agree with this. I have had very little help from my upline in one program, in fact, I've helped her more than she's helped me. However, I have mentor in another program (actually a few mentors) that have helped me tremendously, which has made it easier for me to help my recruits.

                Originally Posted by rtaylor2770 View Post

                That's true in many cases. I work with Xplosial and they too pay 100% commissions but as was stated earlier in this thread not 100% of the entire cake.

                They charge 20 bucks per month to be an affiliate too, but I mean come on they have to make something right?
                All in all though I love it because you can make some good money! they pay 29 dollars every month per person you recruit! and 129 per person that goes platinum membership!

                I also looked into EN but I do agree with you all it's just not realistic for most people. I mean to buy "all in" is like 3500 dollars!!!!

                No way I am gonna do that but to each his own....they do have like 74000 active members I heard.
                Xplocial also makes money from the travel products they sell. The "affiliate fee" gives you access to become an affiliate and I'm sure is nearly pure profit for them. The point behind it is to separate those willing to resell their products compared to the members just joining to benefit from the travel discounts, which are pretty good.

                EN does cost quite a bit to go all-in, as they recommend. It's not something most can do overnight, but if you do what they tell you, you can get there. I started with just the $25 blog and $19.95 affiliate fee, then got the $100/month training, which is the highest residual level you can get to. Just this level alone allowed me build a larger income and go all-in through the $500, $1,000 and $3,500 levels, which provide some of the best internet marketing training I've seen in my over a decade in the business.

                Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

                If that's so, then I suspect it can only be because they define "paying for their own blog and distributor-fees" as "active".

                What they don't have is a whole lot of retail customers who aren't involved in the business opportunity. Hence their forthcoming legal problems, I think you'll find.
                Yes, you are correct, an active member is anybody paying for the blog or more.

                Originally Posted by AlohaSoldier89 View Post

                Whether you are into the compensation plan or not, the blog has a lot authority and you can rank pages rather easily!
                Yes it does and it's about to get better. The new system is launching in less than a week and many say it will be far better than what Wordpress offers. It's going to be very socially interactive and very powerful.

                Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

                Then they've been extraordinarily unlucky in the people they've recruited, haven't they? As well as apparently having suffered the misfortune of recruiting some liars who, by strange coincidence, all claim that that's exactly what EN advised them to do, before they walked away from it?

                I don't remember this forum ever having to ban a specific opportunity from being promoted here in WSO's and sig-files, before, as it has done in the case of EN?

                And I don't remember receiving so many spam emails without unsubscribe links in them from the representatives of any previous business "opportunity".

                Anyway, whether they've actually been taught in their training to spam or not, they're certainly a real bunch of spammers, and no mistake! :p



                This is a very strange view! It doesn't seem to apply to most other, even bigger companies, does it?

                How do you account for the fact that Forever Living Products (also an MLM) has nearly 100 times as many distributors as EN, and they don't send spam at all? :p



                Funny ... sorry about this, but you and I seem destined to disagree about everything, today:

                I think it's still expanding exponentially.



                That depends on what sort of messages you send, to whom, and what your subscriber expectations are. http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post6123982
                I will say, as an EN member, there are some bad apples, which you get with any program. I think the issues is, EN got very big, very fast and some think they can just spam their way to the top, which doesn't work.

                I have seen this with other programs, as well. EN just has a name most recognize compared to some of the other programs. This used to be a huge issue with SFI years ago, too and I get spam all the time from a number of other programs.

                Let me just add, it's not just MLM or network marketing that spams. I get it for Clickbank products, free guides, physical products and a number of others. If you post a classified ad or you have a contact page with your email on it, someone is going to spam you sooner or later about something. It's not just EN.

                Originally Posted by genhorrall View Post

                If you were in say Mary Kay or Avon or Tupperware (all respected companies), how likely are you to be able to sell a product you don't have on your shelf.

                You have no real knowledge of it. You have no experience with it. So if you do have the ability to sell it, aren't you just really selling the hype.

                It is ridiculous in my opinion to sell a product you have no experience with and have no knowledge of.

                Just my two cents.
                Yep. Most experts will tell you to BUY the clickbank product before you decide to promote it. EN even says you can't correctly promote their training until you own it and they are correct.

                How are you supposed to promote something without understanding the product? That would be like recommending a restaurant to someone you've never dined at. How strong of a recommendation is it, if you've never had the experience?

                I recently bought a new computer and went through this. The sales guy as actually trying to sell me an Apple, even though I told him that's not what I wanted. I asked if he owned one and he said NO. He made it clear he just wanted a higher commission from the higher priced product and I went to a different store!

                Benjamin Ehinger
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581923].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
          Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

          That was easy to say.. How about expanding on that so we know you at least do..
          :confused::confused:
          No easier than tossing off a one liner saying an entire profession
          is BS. What do you want to know? I'll be happy to bring you up
          to speed on what is likely the most powerful business model on the
          planet.
          Signature
          If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567711].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author papi70
            Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

            No easier than tossing off a one liner saying an entire profession
            is BS. What do you want to know? I'll be happy to bring you up
            to speed on what is likely the most powerful business model on the
            planet.
            Sure, please I'd like to know what you consider the most powerful business model on the planet..

            Like you said "pay to play" no thank you!!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8568403].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author IMDESTROYER
              Banned
              Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

              Sure, please I'd like to know what you consider the most powerful business model on the planet..

              Like you said "pay to play" no thank you!!
              Drugs....
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8568921].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
              Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

              Sure, please I'd like to know what you consider the most powerful business model on the planet..

              Like you said "pay to play" no thank you!!
              Without question, MLM pay plans offer the most powerful earning
              potential of any business opportunity.

              Yes, I know, we've heard all the negatives again and again from
              people who have never achieved success with anything, let alone
              an MLM business, but love to talk as if they're experts.

              And, yes, as with all types of business or employment there are
              amateurs and idiots in MLM who do things that create a negative
              image of the profession.

              But...

              MLM in the hands of a competent professional is a thing of beauty
              for a lot of reasons that can't be matched anywhere else.

              I'd be happy to discuss them if you have a interest in learning some facts.
              Signature
              If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8570668].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author papi70
                Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

                Without question, MLM pay plans offer the most powerful earning
                potential of any business opportunity.

                Yes, I know, we've heard all the negatives again and again from
                people who have never achieved success with anything, let alone
                an MLM business, but love to talk as if they're experts.

                And, yes, as with all types of business or employment there are
                amateurs and idiots in MLM who do things that create a negative
                image of the profession.

                But...

                MLM in the hands of a competent professional is a thing of beauty
                for a lot of reasons that can't be matched anywhere else.

                I'd be happy to discuss them if you have a interest in learning some facts.
                I respect your beliefs and I wish you well in your goals HOWEVER mlm is not my thing. If you have other ideas, Id be more than willing to listen!

                thanks
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8572807].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
                  Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

                  I respect your beliefs and I wish you well in your goals HOWEVER mlm is not my thing. If you have other ideas, Id be more than willing to listen!

                  thanks
                  I didn't thnk that MLM was your thing. I was simply responding to your inquiry.
                  Signature
                  If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8575660].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Michael Rosmer
              Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

              Sure, please I'd like to know what you consider the most powerful business model on the planet..

              Like you said "pay to play" no thank you!!
              Pay to play is logical and present in pretty much every business. I'd love you to show a business where you get to pay nothing to start out. You could do commission only sales but then you tend not to get the residual or the overrides, though you do generally get a higher commission percentage.

              You're busy bashing something you clearly don't understand. MLM is a fully legitimate way of making money is it the best? The demands the question "for whom?" I've got a great friend who consistently makes $500k/yr. in MLM, although he's a smart guy, etc. he's never been able to do as well in any other space, he's good at MLM, he also picks the MLMs he supports carefully.

              Think of it this way, it's pretty simple. You start a business, you've got a product, just like so many people on here, and you want to promote that product, how do you do it? You could spend a ton of money on advertising, etc. you could hire a sales team, you could create an MLM method. An MLM method works well in some cases and not so well in others, it essentially requires a proprietary recurring product because if you compare say direct commission sales where you might make say 20% on the sale, in an MLM you'll only make say 5%, the difference is you'll also make money on anyone that person signs up, and you'll make money on the recurring sales, it's that client longevity combined with the willingness of the customers to promote what they're using that makes you successful.

              This isn't so different from affiliate marketing, just they are compensating you not only for bringing in the client but also for bringing in other affiliates and training them. What exactly is wrong with that?

              MLM tends to get a bad name because people who never really should have entered the business get sold by family and friends on joining and those people fail because they aren't committed to it, don't have the skills, etc. In other words they aren't particular about who they accept the same way we are when we hire sales people for our companies, and that makes sense they don't have the resources to vet them all and if it doesn't cost a lot to have them come on board and promote for you it's easier to let the winners identify themselves.

              Of course in bringing those people on there are costs in administration, materials, paying the person who recruited you, etc. so those costs can be covered out of your initial fees and it just makes sense to require anyone who is selling your product to also be using your product. It's really pretty straight forward and actually relatively well regulated. What you have to understand is an MLM is like any other business, some have some economics and are well run, others don't and aren't, in an MLM your results are tied to theirs. An MLM is like a hybrid between having your own business and being employed by someone else, they own the business and that limits the levers you can control, on the other hand it minimizes what you have to work on.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573654].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Rasika84
                My 2 cents in this is it depends on what you sell through the MLM that makes it a scam or not.

                For example: Cosmetics selling with down-line commissions is fine but training modules to sell the same training module is not. In case of Cosmetics you are making more recurrent customers who actually benefit from using a product, but in the case of training modules you are just creating more competition for yourself and the buyers.Which eventually will obviously have to fail. and MLMs have failed before. Thats proven. However, even if you sell cosmetics to a limited market it will fail as everybody will try to be on the program and only a few will benefit from any purchase. In other words MLM's dont work in small market niches

                I read the two letters EN up there somewhere, It is just a bad hyped up excuse for an MLM and will eventually fail but as always the first comers will end up with a lot of money and they will evolve the same product to survive for some time more, i mean have you got their silly emails msgs with subjects like " your commission is ready" but that has its limits too. A rule should be not to join anything that asks for payments to enter, that has something very wrong in marketing fundamentals. Do you pay to get in a job? I don't think so? and any training costs will have to be born by the employer/s right? Why cant these people use these fundamentals in most of the MLM's we see on the internet, Thats because they are scamming you. period.
                Any Good MLM will choose their affiliates and train them to train others too, and all will be free. the income comes from selling real products or services, not membership fees. Marketing strategies to sell the product is the same in any model, so why not be safe and promote real products, than selling people crap about,

                "You need to do this and that to succeed if not its your fault you are not making money, and btw thanks for the $25 bucks you pay every month".

                Thats just plain stupid, It's like saying

                "You are hired but you need to find your own work and you pay me if you want to work."

                I personally will stay away from anything like an MLM, and anybody who says its the same as any other marketing methods, needs to learn a bit of a thing called Market behavior, without wasting other peoples time or you actually might know what it is and trying to be funny here. If so you are evil..
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573756].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
                Originally Posted by Michael Rosmer View Post

                Pay to play is logical and present in pretty much every business. I'd love you to show a business where you get to pay nothing to start out. You could do commission only sales but then you tend not to get the residual or the overrides, though you do generally get a higher commission percentage.

                In the regulatory world of MLM pay to play means the inducement
                to purchase a more expensive product package in order to start at
                a higher commission level.

                Yes... I know such things are OK in other types of business. My Father
                was once a new appliance dealer. His wholesale price varied based upon
                the number of units he was willing to buy.

                But, we're not talking about appliance dealers. We're talking about MLM.

                Different game... different rules.
                Signature
                If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8577304].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Michael Rosmer
                  Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

                  In the regulatory world of MLM pay to play means the inducement
                  to purchase a more expensive product package in order to start at
                  a higher commission level.

                  Yes... I know such things are OK in other types of business. My Father
                  was once a new appliance dealer. His wholesale price varied based upon
                  the number of units he was willing to buy.

                  But, we're not talking about appliance dealers. We're talking about MLM.

                  Different game... different rules.
                  What should be different about that? The customer acquisition cost is the same regardless so the margins are better on a larger sign up so it makes more sense. A larger up front registration is also often linked with greater commitment so there's some encouragement there, though I haven't seen stats to prove this is in fact the case.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8577317].message }}
                  • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
                    Originally Posted by Michael Rosmer View Post

                    What should be different about that? The customer acquisition cost is the same regardless so the margins are better on a larger sign up so it makes more sense. A larger up front registration is also often linked with greater commitment so there's some encouragement there, though I haven't seen stats to prove this is in fact the case.
                    That may all be true but it doesn't matter. The current regulatory climate
                    regarding MLM is that you can't induce someone to invest more money in
                    order to earn a higher commission. They have to earn their way to the higher
                    levels.

                    Truly... that's a good thing.
                    Signature
                    If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
                    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8578538].message }}
                    • Profile picture of the author Michael Rosmer
                      Originally Posted by Tsnyder View Post

                      That may all be true but it doesn't matter. The current regulatory climate
                      regarding MLM is that you can't induce someone to invest more money in
                      order to earn a higher commission. They have to earn their way to the higher
                      levels.

                      Truly... that's a good thing.
                      Depends on the country, one thing people tend to forget about is the vast differences in jurisdictions, the US is different than Canada is different from Japan is different from Malaysia, even within the EU you see massive differences. Bottom line it's the parent company not you that has to worry about such regulations and complying in each jurisdiction.
                      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8579292].message }}
                      • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
                        Originally Posted by Michael Rosmer View Post

                        Depends on the country, one thing people tend to forget about is the vast differences in jurisdictions, the US is different than Canada is different from Japan is different from Malaysia, even within the EU you see massive differences. Bottom line it's the parent company not you that has to worry about such regulations and complying in each jurisdiction.
                        Botom line is the laws on front end loadng are pretty much the
                        same in every jurisdiction where MLM operates legally.

                        Bottom line is distributors who don't follow the legal rules jeopardize
                        the opportunity for everyone.
                        Signature
                        If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
                        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8579792].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    hopefully the sandwich will be good..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564134].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KimboJim
    "Gee mom, that sandwich looks great."

    "It sure does, but did you know that you can double your sandwiches if you just give me this one."

    "But, it's my only sandwich..."

    "Don't worry. My patented system will ensure that you get two sandwiches every week for the rest of your life. What could be wrong with that?"

    I wonder if the creators of EN like bologna sandwiches. I mean, they basically are a bologna factory, right?
    Signature
    Ready for some great content at a low cost?
    PresentPLR Newest Pack: LED Grow Lights
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564145].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    "Son, if you want my sandwich you gotta buy it from me"
    "Buy it from you?? Some mom you are!!!"
    "Yes my son, you must know how good it tastes before you can sell it to your sister"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564189].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ronrule
    Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

    Hey Warriors friends,

    Am I right to assume these big shots make THEIR money recruiting members who pay THEM $50/month for membership?

    Of course they don't care if you sell or not, they're making $50/month regardless!!

    100% of ZERO equals ZERO!!

    I've either misunderstood something or it's definitely a SCAM!!

    What do you guys think about this?
    The information you've presented isn't enough to determine whether or not it's a scam...

    If they're doing exactly what they say - charging you a membership fee, and you keep 100% of whatever you sell while you're in their program, then it's not a scam. If they don't hold up their end, then it is.

    Of course they're making their money on the membership fee - they can't make it on the products if they're giving you 100%. But is this particular model "scammy"? I say no.

    Detach yourself from the MLM mentality and think about it like this ... your web hosting company charges you money to host an online store, right? You are paying them $5 or $50 or whatever per month for that service they provide, and you get to keep 100% of whatever you make as a result of your site being up and running.

    No one would call that a scam, would they?

    So... how is this model any different? They are charging you a fee to access a product or group of products that you can resell, and you get to keep whatever you make. Nothing wrong with that model at all.
    Signature

    -
    Ron Rule
    http://ronrule.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564191].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SunilTanna
      Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

      Detach yourself from the MLM mentality and think about it like this ... your web hosting company charges you money to host an online store, right? You are paying them $5 or $50 or whatever per month for that service they provide, and you get to keep 100% of whatever you make as a result of your site being up and running.

      ...

      So... how is this model any different?
      You can not detach the analysis of this model from its multilevel nature. Because that is the fundamental to both the analysis of the problem. It also is why your comparison is invalid.

      Here is why you comparison is invalid:

      In your comparison people buy web hosting for say $25 per month, but then sell other products from their site to generate revenue.

      In the multilevel variant however, people buy web hosting for say $25 per month, but the only product they can sell from their site, is the same kind of web hosting. As such, the web hosting has no value, other than to promote the scheme. Plus: It's an endless chain. There is no reason to join the chain other than to get others to join. And at any point in time, there will be more losers than winners.

      The
      Signature
      ClickBank Vendor?
      - Protect Your Thank You Pages & Downloads
      - Give Your Affiliates Multiple Landing Pages (Video Demo)
      - Killer Graphics for Your Site
      SPECIAL WSO PRICES FOR WARRIORS + GET THE "CLICKBANK DISCOUNT" TOO!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564283].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author ronrule
        Originally Posted by SunilTanna View Post

        You can not detach the analysis of this model from its multilevel nature. Because that is the fundamental to both the analysis of the problem. It also is why your comparison is invalid.

        Here is why you comparison is invalid:

        In your comparison people buy web hosting for say $25 per month, but then sell other products from their site to generate revenue.

        In the multilevel variant however, people buy web hosting for say $25 per month, but the only product they can sell from their site, is the same kind of web hosting. As such, the web hosting has no value, other than to promote the scheme. Plus: It's an endless chain. There is no reason to join the chain other than to get others to join. And at any point in time, there will be more losers than winners.

        The
        Again, I'm responding to what's been shared - I'm personally not a fan of MLM's, I'm just not willing to jump on the "scam" bandwagon based solely on pricing model.

        Is the $50 membership fee itself the only "product"? If that's the case, then yeah, it would be defined as an illegal pyramid scheme.

        But if there are other products ... books, strategy guides, web hosting services, or other digital goods that can be duplicated and sold, then it's not a scam. You're paying a monthly fee to access the right to sell those products. The company makes their money on your fee, you make yours based on having products to sell that have no individualized cost.

        So that's why I said based on the information we have - the pricing model itself - no, it's not necessarily a scam.
        Signature

        -
        Ron Rule
        http://ronrule.com

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564305].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JennySweets
      Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

      The information you've presented isn't enough to determine whether or not it's a scam...

      If they're doing exactly what they say - charging you a membership fee, and you keep 100% of whatever you sell while you're in their program, then it's not a scam. If they don't hold up their end, then it is.

      Of course they're making their money on the membership fee - they can't make it on the products if they're giving you 100%. But is this particular model "scammy"? I say no.

      Detach yourself from the MLM mentality and think about it like this ... your web hosting company charges you money to host an online store, right? You are paying them $5 or $50 or whatever per month for that service they provide, and you get to keep 100% of whatever you make as a result of your site being up and running.

      No one would call that a scam, would they?

      So... how is this model any different? They are charging you a fee to access a product or group of products that you can resell, and you get to keep whatever you make. Nothing wrong with that model at all.
      That's assuming they have a real product to sell. Most of these companies sell other sales of sales of sales. their "product" is the training you get "once on the inside" which only teaches you how to go out and continue selling sales of sales of sales.

      Mary Kay, Avon, etc - they have a real product. You pay to play and you pay for demo supplies - but you make money on real product being sold. That's the distinction I draw between scam and truth - if the buyer actually receives anything of real value in return. Vs a pipe dream built on stage magic.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564350].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    Oh yes the theory is legit.. But the dream they claim is what it is, a dream. Maybe scam is the wrong word but the creators knowingly are selling fluff for 50 bucks a month. That's the scam ..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564217].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronrule
      Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

      Oh yes the theory is legit.. But the dream they claim is what it is, a dream. Maybe scam is the wrong word but the creators knowingly are selling fluff for 50 bucks a month. That's the scam ..
      You didn't give us enough information to come to that conclusion though - you only mentioned the pricing model.
      Signature

      -
      Ron Rule
      http://ronrule.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564251].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

        You didn't give us enough information to come to that conclusion though - you only mentioned the pricing model.
        Call us quick to rush to judgement, but for some of us, that was apparently enough.

        If the commissions are all 100%, how's the company going to survive, cover all its costs, pay its staff salaries and its lemonade-bill, and buy shoes? :confused:

        Doesn't that kind of suggest that either the commissions aren't all really 100% or it's going to fold up and disappear? Or is it only skepchicks who imagine such possibilities?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564264].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author ronrule
          Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

          Call us quick to rush to judgement, but for some of us, that was apparently enough.

          If the commissions are all 100%, how's the company going to survive, cover all its costs, pay its staff salaries and its lemonade-bill, and buy shoes? :confused:

          Doesn't that kind of suggest that either the commissions aren't all really 100% or it's going to fold up and disappear? Or is it only skepchicks who imagine such possibilities?
          If all members are paying a monthly fee of $50 to access the resale rights to their products, then they will have no problem staying afloat and giving you 100%.

          How is it any different than buying and reselling PLR products? The only difference here is they handle the whole process, and bill it as a subscription model.

          (By the way, I have no idea what COMPANY we are talking about here, just responding to what's been shared). Based solely on the pricing model, I see nothing wrong with it.
          Signature

          -
          Ron Rule
          http://ronrule.com

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564279].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
            Banned
            Originally Posted by ronrule View Post

            By the way, I have no idea what COMPANY we are talking about here
            Neither do I, to be honest. I just guessed it was probably going to turn out to be EN, because I know their distributors often promote it as "100% commissions", which is actually dishonest and deceptive (thus neatly and accurately encapsulating the exact ethos of the entire company, from everything I've seen).
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564307].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author SunilTanna
          Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

          Call us quick to rush to judgement, but for some of us, that was apparently enough.

          If the commissions are all 100%, how's the company going to survive, cover all its costs, pay its staff salaries and its lemonade-bill, and buy shoes? :confused:

          Doesn't that kind of suggest that either the commissions aren't all really 100% or it's going to fold up and disappear? Or is it only skepchicks who imagine such possibilities?
          How the commissions are shared out, and how the company survives are interesting, but not the fundamental flaw. I'll return to the fundamental flaw in a moment.

          Anyway these so-called 100% commission schemes usually have two bits:

          A. The participants each pay fee to the company to participate. No commissions are given on these fees.

          B. The participants also each pay, supposed for the blog or hosting. 100% commissions are aid out to somebody on these, but it's not 100% to the referrer, but some to his upline.

          Lets look at that claim about 100%,

          First of all it's not 100% of the whole cake, but 100% of part of the cake. If i had a cake shop, and made a sponge cake, and promised you 100%, how accurate would you consider my promise if I ate a couple of slices before giving you access to the cake?

          Secondly, while the company is giving away 100% of the uneaten cake to SOMEBODY, it isnt giving YOU 100% of the uneaten cake. It's kind of like saying "well there are 4 slices left, i am giving you 100%, but you have to give one slice to the guy who came into the shop before you." Is 100% really a fair description?

          but none of this is the fundamental problem, as this could be solved by simply using a fairer description than 100%.

          Look again at A and B above for the fundamental problem.

          The fundamental problem is in B, 100% of the price of the product is given to somebody else participating in the scheme - but Not the supplier of the product. The supplier supplies the product for free. The participants in the scheme are just giving each other money, not in return for a product, but just because that's the rules of the scheme. I don't know about you but that looks like a cash gifting scheme to me.

          And after this analysis, part A, the membership fees charged by the company, look to me rather like the company charging participants simply to participate in that cash gifting scheme.
          Signature
          ClickBank Vendor?
          - Protect Your Thank You Pages & Downloads
          - Give Your Affiliates Multiple Landing Pages (Video Demo)
          - Killer Graphics for Your Site
          SPECIAL WSO PRICES FOR WARRIORS + GET THE "CLICKBANK DISCOUNT" TOO!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564345].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Devin X
    Banned
    Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

    What do you guys think about this?
    Scammy scammy bullshit scam!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564236].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Boeki
    100% on MLM? if i get this right, when i buy into the network and sell to my buddy, i get 100$ commission, right? then if my buddy sells it to his neighbor, he gets 100% of the sales, right? so, as a MLM, i should get a commission from my downline's sales, too. where's that gonna come from? and it goes on for some more levels deep (usually, 7 or 10 deep).

    how could that work? who's going to shoulder the downline commissions? or is it just a single level network (affiliate marketing) pretending to be MLM? lol
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564333].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    The pricing model is a scam because in order to sell the products we gotta first buy them. And yes we all know we're talking about EN..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564338].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author ronrule
      Originally Posted by papi70 View Post

      The pricing model is a scam because in order to sell the products we gotta first buy them. And yes we all know we're talking about EN..
      EN? Oh. Well in that case, I change my answer.
      Signature

      -
      Ron Rule
      http://ronrule.com

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564357].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LimitlessTraffic
    I find all of this a bit unfair guys. The fact that some people NOT the owners are making a lot of money with these 100% commissions clearly shows that they are NOT a scam.

    Scam is a big word and I think people use the word SCAM when dealing with MLM companies because either

    1. They have tried it and didn't make money or
    2. They are sitting on the side lines bashing these companies to make them feel better.

    It is just like me saying all GYMS are SCAMS. You join a gym knowing you have to pay monthly subscriptions and you KNOW you need to be committed and go all in to get results. Just like these MLM companies, no difference.

    Same results, the majority of people just end of slacking off but keep paying the monthly subscription. Is this consider a scam? No. But when it comes to making money, scam gets used immediately as soon as they realize it is not a push button get-rich-scheme.

    In fact, can someone please point out a MLM company that is NOT a scam?

    Sorry, I got carried away, just the word SCAM makes me upset.
    Signature
    (NO OPTIN) FREE GUIDE: How I'm Adding An Extra $100-$300 Per Day As An Affiliate!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564348].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author SunilTanna
      Originally Posted by LimitlessTraffic View Post

      I find all of this a bit unfair guys. The fact that some people NOT the owners are making a lot of money with these 100% commissions clearly shows that they are NOT a scam.

      Scam is a big word and I think people use the word SCAM when dealing with MLM companies because either

      1. They have tried it and didn't make money or
      2. They are sitting on the side lines bashing these companies to make them feel better.

      It is just like me saying all GYMS are SCAMS. You join a gym knowing you have to pay monthly subscriptions and you KNOW you need to be committed and go all in to get results. Just like these MLM companies, no difference.

      Same results, the majority of people just end of slacking off but keep paying the monthly subscription. Is this consider a scam? No. But when it comes to making money, scam gets used immediately as soon as they realize it is not a push button get-rich-scheme.

      In fact, can someone please point out a MLM company that is NOT a scam?

      Sorry, I got carried away, just the word SCAM makes me upset.
      The fact that some people may make money does not mean it is not a scam.

      In any illegal pyramid scheme, there will be some net winners and some net losers. However, it is mathematically inevitable that there will always be more losers than winners. It is a scam, even though some will profit.

      In any illegal ponzi scheme, there will be some net winners and some net losers. However, it is mathematically inevitable that there will always be more losers than winners. It is a scam, even though some will profit.

      For an MLM company to not be a scam it really only needs to do 2 things (obviously ianal and this isnt an attempt to list every legal requirement).

      1. Describe, Market and sell its products fairly and honestly and according to what is legal (just like any other business).

      2. Deliver a valuable product, such that the substantial majority of the company's sales revenue comes from sales to retail customers (that is people not participating in the mlm bizop).
      Signature
      ClickBank Vendor?
      - Protect Your Thank You Pages & Downloads
      - Give Your Affiliates Multiple Landing Pages (Video Demo)
      - Killer Graphics for Your Site
      SPECIAL WSO PRICES FOR WARRIORS + GET THE "CLICKBANK DISCOUNT" TOO!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564378].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LimitlessTraffic
    Yeah, you got a point. lol

    So all this being said, and I'm pretty sure it is asked quite a lot of times within this industry.

    What MLM companies are worth joining? Cause if these so called 100% commission MLM are no good. What are good?
    Signature
    (NO OPTIN) FREE GUIDE: How I'm Adding An Extra $100-$300 Per Day As An Affiliate!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564420].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Rosmer
    Ok, first of all, MLM is not a bunch of BS. MLM is not the be all and end all that it's often referred to and it rarely results in meaningful residual income for the work invested, but it's a legitimate business model and some MLMs do very well and some people do very well in them. I have a ton of friends who make 6 and 7 figures a year doing MLM. There are some great questions to ask about an MLM though before getting started:

    1. Would you buy the product at the price they are selling it for if there was no business opportunity attached to it? If the answer is yes you're off to a good start because ultimately it is sales of a product that drives the long term success of the company, that's why companies like Melaleuca, NuSkin, etc. are so successful because they have legitimately high quality products at reasonable price points. This is the fundamental of any business.

    2. Is the product something that's consumed on a repeated basis frequently? If not it generally isn't a great candidate for an MLM for example there's a reason you don't see successful MLMs selling cars, you need consumables in order to make it worthwhile because at the lower commission rates compared with pure sales (MLM is glorified sales and sales management) you make it up on the recurring sales. This is why utilities, skin products, etc. tend to make good MLMs

    3. Does the compensation plan provide reasonable incentive and enough money to actually make it worthwhile as compared with simply marketing and selling the product directly where you'll get much higher margins

    4. Are you willing to go talk to a lot of people constantly day after day for years? That's what MLM takes, it's a people busy, being on the phone, having coffees, etc.



    As for Empower Network, now that we've at least cleared up that this is the MLM in question, from what I understand it's not a scam, whether it's a great MLM that's a completely different question, people do definitely make money at it but don't judge the external veneer of the comp plan, delve into it to see what it really means.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8564974].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author wordwizard
      Aside from the obvious that has been discussed here (legit product etc.), one of the key criteria for me would be what it takes to go "all in" - meaning all the products members would have to purchase in order to qualify for ALL commissions that their new leads might make them eligible for if only they had "gone all in."

      In the case of SOME network opportunities that amount can go into the hundreds and even thousands. And exactly how much that would be should be disclosed very clearly up front (in nice charts, the same kind they show when they discuss the commissions you could earn), so people will know how much they have to spend BEFORE they join the network and can make an informed decision.
      Signature

      FREE Report: 5 Ways To Grow Your Affiliate Income
      Let Me Help You Sell: Sales Letters, Email Series, Pre-Sell Reports... PM me & we'll talk!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8565132].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author himanuzo
        "true" MLM companies never charge monthly membership cost. Only annual membership for administration.

        All mlm companies "life" based on revenue or sales, not membership cost.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8565171].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Cason
    lol it depends on the company. my best advice is do your research and stay away from people from both ends (those who say MLMs are the best thing since sliced bread && those who think all MLMs are pyramid schemes and major scams)
    Signature
    |
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8565291].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yakim1
    I have 2 membership sites where the member make 100% on any product sales. I'm about to open another where the member get complete sales funnels with squeeze pages, main products, upsell products and downsell products, all hosted for them with all the advertising tools supplied.

    I make my income on the membership fees. This is not MLM.

    GVO is selling Pure Leverage and I believe the members receive 100% commission on their first month only. Not sure because I don't promote MLMs.

    Best regards,
    Steve Yakim
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567245].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennisknows
    With EN, After fees and more fees, you'll get like $87 deposited to your affiliate account; which you pay $20 per month for.

    After that, they charge you a fee to withdraw your money.

    It's no wonder leaders from EN are creating their own products and selling them outside of EN. No more triple fees. :-)
    Signature
    "May the optimism of your tomorrow fuel your drive for today"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567370].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sdentrepreneur
      I hear you, I have dabbled in the Network Marketing/MLM space since 2007. I created my own course in 2011 and mainly focus on my own product. I do funnel people who don't by my course in some of the better Network Marketing/MLM that I am still part of....but your right. Creating your own product is the best way to go. Hands down.....



      Originally Posted by Dennisknows View Post

      With EN, After fees and more fees, you'll get like $87 deposited to your affiliate account; which you pay $20 per month for.

      After that, they charge you a fee to withdraw your money.

      It's no wonder leaders from EN are creating their own products and selling them outside of EN. No more triple fees. :-)
      Signature

      Learn Digital, Internet and Social Media Marketing For Your Business
      Click here to learn more - Digital and Social Media Marketing Training Course

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567440].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    MLM is a chaos. How will you verify if the chain is really working?

    Whenever I hear something about MLM I run away.
    Signature
    Join my Affiliate Program and Sell Original eBooks
    Scientific Dream Interpretation – A Solution to All Problems

    How to Be Extremely Successful in Life
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567420].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
      Originally Posted by clever7 View Post

      MLM is a chaos. How will you verify if the chain is really working?

      Whenever I hear something about MLM I run away.
      I verify it every month when I cash the check.
      Signature
      If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567727].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DTGeorge
    While I somewhat agree with Alexa that there are some legitimate MLM companies:

    I believe they are the devil, and wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole
    Signature
    Kickass writer featured in:
    Make a Living Writing
    Be a Freelance Blogger
    Writers in Charge
    Contact me now for quality content at a reasonable rate
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567467].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dennisknows
      Originally Posted by DTGeorge View Post

      While I somewhat agree with Alexa that there are some legitimate MLM companies:

      I believe they are the devil, and wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole
      Same way i feel about working for a major corporation. You can work your butt off and never even see who's at the top.

      I don't like MLMs either but everything in life is a pyramid. There are just some that relinquish more control to you. Example is Network marketing opps.

      Just like skydiving isn't for everyone, network marketing isn't for everyone. Only the strongest (or slickest) survive. If it's not for you, then let it be.

      That's why i dropped all network marketing opps. They don't even appeal to me anymore.
      Signature
      "May the optimism of your tomorrow fuel your drive for today"
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567475].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author DTGeorge
        Originally Posted by Dennisknows View Post

        Same way i feel about working for a major corporation. You can work your butt off and never even see who's at the top.

        I don't like MLMs either but everything in life is a pyramid. There are just some that relinquish more control to you. Example is Network marketing opps.

        Just like skydiving isn't for everyone, network marketing isn't for everyone. Only the strongest (or slickest) survive. If it's not for you, then let it be.

        That's why i dropped all network marketing opps. They don't even appeal to me anymore.
        With working with a major corporation you know the score.

        The ONLY reason most people join most MLM companies is the "promise" of earning 5-10k per month passively.

        Maybe you can blame the people who sign up on the basis of these kinds of promises for having that mentality.

        But I also blame the ones who make those promises.
        Signature
        Kickass writer featured in:
        Make a Living Writing
        Be a Freelance Blogger
        Writers in Charge
        Contact me now for quality content at a reasonable rate
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567609].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMDESTROYER
    Banned
    You guys need to understand that MLM is list building, just for someone else, however it is literally no different than affiliate marketing, you just get lower commissions but its residual, so it makes up for it. Its like owning a site, th more traffic you get to the offer you get the initial commission and then the residual percentage. The only downside is that you dont own the list but the upside is, a majority of the companies at least the legit ones let you contact your "direct" downline directly and it is residual. So long as the product and service is worth it, viable and is something that everyone is going to use in that market anyways is good.


    NOW! shit like legal shield, amway etc...those things suck because it is those things that make MLM look bad because 1) it requires direct selling 2) the ones selling it are not professionals 3) when you buy it you feel scammed because the person who sold it to you 99.9% of the time aren't professional or successful enough to coach you 4) it is exactly that reason why it is scammy, it wouldn't be scammy if they provided a business coach. Your basically left on your own. It is crap like this that makes MLM look bad.

    Online MLM programs are legit and are definitely worth it, its like a building blocks game and its fun because all you have to do is build the list and you dont have to manage any of it, the companies product/service will do it for you.

    MLM is not bad the dumbasses that sell "Opportunity" to you like the gurus in IM are bad.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567536].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Seemore25101
      Originally Posted by IMDESTROYER View Post

      You guys need to understand that MLM is list building, just for someone else, however it is literally no different than affiliate marketing, you just get lower commissions but its residual, so it makes up for it. Its like owning a site, th more traffic you get to the offer you get the initial commission and then the residual percentage. The only downside is that you dont own the list but the upside is, a majority of the companies at least the legit ones let you contact your "direct" downline directly and it is residual. So long as the product and service is worth it, viable and is something that everyone is going to use in that market anyways is good.


      NOW! shit like legal shield, amway etc...those things suck because it is those things that make MLM look bad because 1) it requires direct selling 2) the ones selling it are not professionals 3) when you buy it you feel scammed because the person who sold it to you 99.9% of the time aren't professional or successful enough to coach you 4) it is exactly that reason why it is scammy, it wouldn't be scammy if they provided a business coach. Your basically left on your own. It is crap like this that makes MLM look bad.

      Online MLM programs are legit and are definitely worth it, its like a building blocks game and its fun because all you have to do is build the list and you dont have to manage any of it, the companies product/service will do it for you.

      MLM is not bad the dumbasses that sell "Opportunity" to you like the gurus in IM are bad.

      So true.. The biggest problem is your upline does not learn how to be a proper coach or mentor for you. When you go into Network Marketing, you need to buy the proper training if your not willing to stick it out and learn to be professional yourself. The most successful network marketers invest in thier learning through programs outside of the company.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8568074].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author carlamae
    The numbers don't lie. I believe mlm companies have been given a bad name because so many people join on hype and think something magic will happen. They often don't want to put in the work it takes and actually are not business people. The mlm business model is actually a very sturdy one. Even Donald Trump spoke highly of that type of model. Just sayin'
    Signature
    90 Supercharged Social Media Posts Per Month!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567601].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DTGeorge
      Originally Posted by carlamae View Post

      The numbers don't lie. I believe mlm companies have been given a bad name because so many people join on hype and think something magic will happen. They often don't want to put in the work it takes and actually are not business people. The mlm business model is actually a very sturdy one. Even Donald Trump spoke highly of that type of model. Just sayin'
      My problem is that this is EXACTLY what MLM companies tell you will happen!

      THEY are the ones who drum up the hype and THEY are the ones who promise that you'll be sitting on your butt making 10k per month.

      I'll agree that MLM is a legally sound business model but the more successful ones gain popularity by promising the road to easy and quick riches. You can't blame the people if they think that MLM's are magic if that is EXACTLY what they themselves purport to be.
      Signature
      Kickass writer featured in:
      Make a Living Writing
      Be a Freelance Blogger
      Writers in Charge
      Contact me now for quality content at a reasonable rate
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8567619].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Ron Smith
      Originally Posted by carlamae View Post

      The numbers don't lie. I believe mlm companies have been given a bad name because so many people join on hype and think something magic will happen. They often don't want to put in the work it takes and actually are not business people. The mlm business model is actually a very sturdy one. Even Donald Trump spoke highly of that type of model. Just sayin'
      True. The main reason for failure in mlm is that people sign up, buy as little product as they can to be a distributor and do nothing. They expect magic to happen. When nothing happens and the first or second autoship comes due, they call it a scam and quit. Very similar to buying a WSO and not even reading it. The fact that you bought the WSO is meaningless if you don't apply what you learned.
      I personally wouldn't use Donald Trump as a reference.
      Signature
      Ron Smith
      www.BestHomeBusiness-WorkFromHome.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8577325].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LloydProsperityTeam
    Usually there is another payment on top, for example $19.99 a month to become an affiliate and promote their products, then there's a basic 5% fee on top of all sales, so you don't get the full 100% commissions.
    Signature
    >> Click Here <<
    ...to See How I Make Over $2,300 Per Day With Just 20 Minutes Work
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573338].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rtaylor2770
      Originally Posted by LloydProsperityTeam View Post

      Usually there is another payment on top, for example $19.99 a month to become an affiliate and promote their products, then there's a basic 5% fee on top of all sales, so you don't get the full 100% commissions.
      That's true in many cases. I work with Xplosial and they too pay 100% commissions but as was stated earlier in this thread not 100% of the entire cake.

      They charge 20 bucks per month to be an affiliate too, but I mean come on they have to make something right?
      All in all though I love it because you can make some good money! they pay 29 dollars every month per person you recruit! and 129 per person that goes platinum membership!

      I also looked into EN but I do agree with you all it's just not realistic for most people. I mean to buy "all in" is like 3500 dollars!!!!

      No way I am gonna do that but to each his own....they do have like 74000 active members I heard.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573590].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by rtaylor2770 View Post

        they do have like 74000 active members I heard.
        If that's so, then I suspect it can only be because they define "paying for their own blog and distributor-fees" as "active".

        What they don't have is a whole lot of retail customers who aren't involved in the business opportunity. Hence their forthcoming legal problems, I think you'll find.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8573606].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan David
    MLMs are a scam in general. 100% commission or not.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8576671].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author papi70
    Making real $$$ with MLM is just as unreal as making real $$$ with a lemonade stand.. Now if you want to believe the hype, go right ahead.. but before you do, just make sure you pay the "all in" amount of $4000+..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8578212].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author misslenali
    I like MLM... not every so called mlm company ofcourse but some ...
    i have lost more money listening to every shiny "real deal offer" here in wf.
    Signature
    welcome to my place
    bestmlm.ws
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8578990].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Horacioplus
    Many warrior members dont like MLM and most of them, are broke and complaining about the situation. Sometimes i get messages on Fb from warrior members asking me how a 20 year old boy is making enough money to have a nice lifestyle.
    Many warrior members trying to make for years but nothing...lol
    I can tell this because in my team we have more than 50+ from this forum.
    MLM can be the easiest thing to start building a 10k/mo business and just few months.
    But many people are just trying to build a mini website,blog and ebooks to sell for $7 on the warrior forum.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8579813].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
      Originally Posted by Horacioplus View Post

      Many warrior members dont like MLM and most of the, are broke and complaining about the situation. Sometimes i get messages on Fb from warrior members asking me how a 20 year old boy is making enough money to have a nice lifestyle.
      Many warrior members trying to make for years but nothing...lol
      I can tell this because in my team we have more than 50+ from this forum.
      MLM can be the easiest thing to start building a 10k/mo business and just few months.
      But many people are just trying to build a mini website,blog and ebooks to sell for $7 on the warrior forum.
      Haha, I like this guy

      So true. What a 'funny' crowd here. MLM - despite it's flaws - is a proven system where people with little or no capital can work hard and eventually make very nice incomes. Heck, some even get rich.

      Instead, these same people will foolishly buy 'get rich quick' WSO's!
      Signature
      Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580797].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JPBailey
    A "scam" is when the feds come and take you to court.

    If they say they'll give you 100% commissions then they will.
    People on Warrior Forum do it all the time.

    They make their money back and much more on the Back-End.

    So be happy with your 100% Commissions and eat your sandwich.

    JP (jelly and peanut butter)
    Signature

    NLP Ninja for Success Mindset - Master Your Inner Game. Check Out My WSO Here

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8579949].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by JPBailey View Post

      A "scam" is when the feds come and take you to court.
      Or the industry regulators do. Or the state's Attorney General does.

      Exactly as has happened with the predecessors of this company with the same sort of business model and without a high enough proportion of retail customers to satisfy the legal requirement (just as this company also doesn't have - by its own admission).

      Yes - I agree with you: those can certainly be among the defining characteristics of a "scam". And courts are quick to say so, when eventually asked. And they are, inevitably, "eventually asked", just as they will be in this case. And the reasons for that - as many lawyers are saying - are perfectly apparent: it's not like there'll be any "big mystery" or surprise about it, when the inevitable happens, exactly as it has done to all the others.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580744].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Yes - I agree with you: those can certainly be among the defining characteristics of a "scam". And courts are quick to say so, when eventually asked. And they are, inevitably, "eventually asked", just as they will be in this case.
        Alexa do you know someone on the inside of one of these agencies?

        Just curious as to how you are so certain about the allegations you are making.

        Besides, the gov't is closed for business, so it won't be happening anytime soon...unless of course, your insider contact tells you otherwise
        Signature

        "Human thoughts have the tendency to transform themselves into their physical equivalent." Earl Nightingale

        Super Affiliates Hang Out Here

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580785].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

          Alexa do you know someone on the inside of one of these agencies?
          No - I happen to know a specialist lawyer who has reason to pay attention to all the previous cases on this well-known rule of precedent law, and my parents happen to know a very recently-retired industry regulator who has a pretty good handle on these things, as you'd expect.

          Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

          Just curious as to how you are so certain about the allegations you are making.
          From the company's own website. I saw a statement made publicly by one of the company's two owners (Dave someone? Can't remember his name, now) stating pretty unequivocally what their proportion of retail customers was. He was stating it as if to say "Yes we do have some retail customers too: our customers are not only people who are involved in the business opportunity". The problem was that the figure he quoted was less than half the legal requirement. :rolleyes:

          I imagine that must have been taken down from the site pretty promptly, as it will doubtless have given their own lawyers palpitations! Not the kind of thing they'd want on the record.

          Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

          Besides, the gov't is closed for business, so it won't be happening anytime soon
          It wouldn't anyway. These things sometimes last 3-4 years, before enough complaints build up for some regulator to initiate legal action. It's usually terribly slow. I'm guessing 2014, myself, but I could easily be wrong about the timing, of course.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580815].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author jasondinner
            Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

            No - I happen to know a specialist lawyer who has reason to pay attention to all the previous cases on this well-known rule of precedent law, and my parents happen to know a very recently-retired industry regulator who has a pretty good handle on these things, as you'd expect.

            It wouldn't anyway. These things sometimes last 3-4 years, before enough complaints build up for some regulator to initiate legal action. It's usually terribly slow. I'm guessing 2014, myself, but I could easily be wrong about the timing, of course.
            Do you guys sit around the table discussing this over tea and crumpets? lol
            Signature

            "Human thoughts have the tendency to transform themselves into their physical equivalent." Earl Nightingale

            Super Affiliates Hang Out Here

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580829].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
              Banned
              Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

              Do you guys sit around the table discussing this over tea and crumpets? lol
              Not exactly - nor over dinner, so don't be concerned.

              But I've been sufficiently dismayed by seeing some people I know and with whom I'm reasonably friendly promoting this illegal scam to have taken a kind of macabre interest in it, myself.

              I just hope ...

              (a) that it comes to an end quickly rather than slowly (though that seems less likely, now);

              (b) that they'll learn something from the experience (some often do - others sometimes don't, and move on to something else of the same kind or even worse );

              (c) that not too many people lose too much money whenever the inevitable happens (though they must, really: I sometimes wonder whether the people who make the early profits in these scams ever stop and ask themselves where that money's really coming from, at the end of the day, and who's going to end up losing it ... but I never fully resolve that question: it seems that some of the participants of these things have exactly the same mentality as the people who join the equally illegal "cash gifting schemes", i.e. they either don't care at all or they just "choose not to think about that", which may be not too different from not caring, really? )

              The web is very ecumenical, that way: gullible innocents and malicious scammers can all make a bit of money together - until the law eventually catches up with them. When that happens, the gullible innocents will (perhaps) learn something, while the malicious scammers will blame "interfering regulators" and "nanny statism" and just join another illegal scam. My own friends and acquaintances, I always hope, will all turn out to be in the first group.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580907].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Bewley
              Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

              Do you guys sit around the table discussing this over tea and crumpets? lol
              No. You've probably been watching too much Downton Abbey

              I have a friend, a professional journalist, who has been researching EN for over 3 months. His 'team' are subscribed to the lists of over 100 UK based EN affiliates.

              I have been privy to one of his draft reports and the lies, deception, misrepresentation and in some cases, the outright fraud he had uncovered, is staggering and highly disturbing.

              The majority of the affiliates he is tracking are in breach of most, if not all UK consumer protection legislation.

              When he has finished his report it will be published in an offline consumer protection/advocate publication and circulated to several UK consumer protection agencies. Should make for interesting reading and it will be interesting to see what action, if any, ensues.
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580933].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author SunilTanna
              Originally Posted by jasondinner View Post

              Do you guys sit around the table discussing this over tea and crumpets? lol
              Have some respect. It is cucumber sandwiches or scones after lunch.

              Crumpets are only acceptable before 11.30am.

              Next thing you know, you will be pronouncing "scones" incorrectly.

              You are pronouncing "scones" correctly when reading this, aren't you?
              Signature
              ClickBank Vendor?
              - Protect Your Thank You Pages & Downloads
              - Give Your Affiliates Multiple Landing Pages (Video Demo)
              - Killer Graphics for Your Site
              SPECIAL WSO PRICES FOR WARRIORS + GET THE "CLICKBANK DISCOUNT" TOO!
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581063].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Fun to Write
    MLM has a bad reputation because the top players are great at selling the dream of easy riches - no different than many get rich quick program sellers here and elsewhere.

    When people fail those that do manage to make money in their MLM bring out those old tired lines about people being too lazy, big failures, etc. However, when they are recruiting these same folks, they fill them full of dreams of easy riches. So, who is responsible for people thinking that they can do well by bringing friends and family on board?

    Of course, people not used to selling anything are going to go for the low hanging fruit. What MLM hawkers don't tell you upfront is that you really need to have natural salesmanship skills in order to build a strong downline.

    Most people don't have this sales talent. Sales is a skill that takes training, but most are not cut out for it. So, you have those people that are talented in sales rising to the top. They look down their noses at those without these skills and say they are losers for failing.

    No, most people just do not realize that MLM requires a lot of time and effort selling. Selling the opportunity and selling products.

    If MLM would be truthful and tell people they need to be good in sales, there would be a lot fewer joining. When a sales job is posted, the applicants are going to be those that are willing to learn sales or already good at it. A typical sales job does not bamboozle applicants about how how they can make thousands with hardly any effort.

    Another thing that I know from my own experiences with MLM...

    Most companies have successful MLM heavy hitters that build huge downlines and move from company to company. New MLM companies bring these people on board to give the company a jump start.

    Then they convince people without this huge advantage that they can easily recruit and build a downline. Sure, a few of these experienced people take time to offer training, but most don't.

    Even when training is offered, most people without a built-in downline will fail because they realize they've signed up to something that requires a lot of direct SELLING to get people to join. They don't want to do this type of SELLING (or find it too difficult) so they naturally drop out.

    The MLM rah rah brigade insists people fail because they don't have what it takes to be successful. Ha ha ha. No, most don't want to be a part-time salesperson on top of their regular job. It is difficult to promote MLM no matter what products are being offered. That's reality.

    Some MLM companies advertise directly to salespeople by disguising the opportunity as a regular sales job. Then they do the same song and dance of promoting the good life, etc. Even most salespeople pass because they want a real job with a brick and mortar company.

    MLM companies suck you in by getting you to become a TRUE BELIEVER in the company culture. It's almost cult like in some companies.

    This is the truth about MLM. Those doing well can say what they want, but in my opinion, it's not a good business model at all. Those at the bottom help make a few at the top rich. Shoot. You can do that at a regular job while earning a paycheck. Who wants to pay someone to do that?

    Not me.

    It is okay to try different business models and fail. That's how you learn. MLM is one model that does not work for most. Those of you that are doing well with it - good for you. You are part of the fortunate few.
    Signature

    Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580908].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
      Originally Posted by Fun to Write View Post

      This is the truth about MLM. Those doing well can say what they want, but in my opinion, it's not a good business model at all. Those at the bottom help make a few at the top rich.
      You just described EVERY BUSINESS that exists.

      The people at the bottom - aka the 'bottom dwellers' don't get rich. Why would they? They haven't demonstrated the drive, skill, or ability to rise the ranks.

      That's true of ALL JOBS in all fields. The CEO makes the big money, while the worker bees do the heavy lifting.

      The same is true of 'Affiliate Marketing.'
      Signature
      Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8580945].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Fun to Write
        Originally Posted by PerformanceMan View Post

        You just described EVERY BUSINESS that exists.

        The people at the bottom - aka the 'bottom dwellers' don't get rich. Why would they? They haven't demonstrated the drive, skill, or ability to rise the ranks.

        That's true of ALL JOBS in all fields. The CEO makes the big money, while the worker bees do the heavy lifting.

        The same is true of 'Affiliate Marketing.'
        That's why I stated in my original post that it's better to get PAID to make others at the top rich than to PAY SOMEONE to hopefully join that crowd.

        When people get into affiliate marketing they KNOW that they have to work hard to promote the products. They know they may have to spend money to make money. They know it's going to be time consuming and that there are no promises of making lots of money.
        Signature

        Focus+Smart Work+Persistence=Success

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581090].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
          Originally Posted by Fun to Write View Post

          That's why I stated in my original post that it's better to get PAID to make others at the top rich than to PAY SOMEONE to hopefully join that crowd.

          When people get into affiliate marketing they KNOW that they have to work hard to promote the products. They know they may have to spend money to make money. They know it's going to be time consuming and that there are no promises of making lots of money.
          That's just silly... but it was probably fun to write.
          Signature
          If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8582017].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    The best way to succeed in MLM is to start your own.
    Signature

    In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing. ~ Theodore Roosevelt

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581804].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author moneyt
    after When You Done reading The fine Print I Know You will Change Your Mind From Joining The MLM.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581865].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
      Originally Posted by moneyt View Post

      after When You Done reading The fine Print I Know You will Change Your Mind From Joining The MLM.
      You may have, but I didn't, Thank God!

      Benjamin Ehinger
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8581884].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DezertDawg
    You have just learned the biggest lesson of life. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably isn't. Yes, are their exceptions to this rule; absolutely, but life is a game of percentages and you have to work the majority of the time with the percentages or odds in your favor to win consistently. Las Vegas does not exist because the majority of visitors are taking more home than they bring! Think about it.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8598193].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Tsnyder
      Originally Posted by DezertDawg View Post

      You have just learned the biggest lesson of life. If it sounds too good to be true then it probably isn't. Yes, are their exceptions to this rule; absolutely, but life is a game of percentages and you have to work the majority of the time with the percentages or odds in your favor to win consistently. Las Vegas does not exist because the majority of visitors are taking more home than they bring! Think about it.
      Which would all make perfect sense if running a business were like shooting craps.
      Signature
      If you knew what I know you'd be doing what I do...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8599101].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ascrits
    I think EN makes their money from the payment system they use, eWallet, at $19.95/mo which they charge their members. On their blogging platform of $25/mo and all their other digital products, you get 100% commissions.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8606865].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Bewley
      Originally Posted by ascrits View Post

      I think EN makes their money from the payment system they use, eWallet, at $19.95/mo which they charge their members. On their blogging platform of $25/mo and all their other digital products, you get 100% commissions.
      A lame first post. I think you need to revisit their compensation plan!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8607034].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author arthking
    From what I've seen when i've dug into these models is they are giving you 100% commissions but its like of every other person you get on board... so in reality that is just 50% commissions skewed into making you think you're getting a lot more out of the deal
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8607229].message }}

Trending Topics